East Inlet Trail

Overview

Starting at the east end of Grand Lake on the park’s west side, this corridor rolls past a roaring waterfall and broad wildlife-rich meadows before climbing into a granite basin studded with alpine lakes. It’s an easy family stroll to Adams Falls, a solid day to Lone Pine Lake, and a bona fide backpack to Spirit and Fifth Lakes. Expect a gentle start, then sustained, rocky climbing and rougher tread the farther you go. The full out-and-back to Spirit Lake is about 18.0 miles total with roughly 2,910 feet of gain.

Highlights and Distances

• Adams Falls: 0.3 miles from the trailhead (about 0.6 miles round-trip). Short, easy, and very popular.
• East Meadow: Just beyond the falls, the trail opens to sweeping meadow views with the creek winding through—prime wildlife habitat.
• Lone Pine Lake: ~10.3 miles round-trip; a moderate–strenuous day at altitude and a nice option for anglers.
• Lake Verna: roughly 13–14 miles round-trip; steeper and rockier as you approach and pass the upper camps.
• Spirit Lake: ~18 miles round-trip; beyond Verna the path can be rougher and less defined, with lingering snow into mid-summer.

What You’ll See

Cool, shaded forest gives way to big, sunlit meadows and views back toward Grand Lake, then tight canyons and granite walls as you climb to the lakes. Moose and elk commonly frequent the meadows; deer, marmots, and hummingbirds are possible sightings higher up. Anglers often target Lone Pine Lake. Horse use is allowed here, so expect churned tread in places.

Difficulty and Who It’s For

• Adams Falls/East Meadow: Easy, family-friendly sampler.
• Lone Pine Lake: A rewarding, longer day with sustained climbing; plan 5–7 hours depending on pace and conditions.
• Lake Verna and beyond: Strenuous day or, better, an overnight. Past Verna, expect rougher tread and occasional route-finding.

Backpacking and Camps

Designated backcountry sites line the corridor (including East Meadow, Cat’s Lair, Gray Jay Group, Slick Rock, Solitaire, Upper East Inlet, and Lake Verna). Overnight camping requires a wilderness permit—reserve in advance during peak season. This is one of the west side’s premier backpack routes; many parties take 1–2 nights to reach Spirit or Fifth Lakes.

Conditions, Timing, and Best Season

Snow and ice can linger at higher elevations into mid-summer; the upper trail may hold drifts well after the meadows melt out. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms—start early. Cell service is limited; download maps ahead of time. From late May to mid-October, a timed-entry reservation is required to enter the park between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on this side; arrive early or late if you don’t have one. As of late August 2025, some west-side areas have periodic closures for the Poudre Headwaters Project—check current alerts before you go.

Best time to hike: Early mornings in summer for cooler temps, better wildlife chances in the meadows, and soft side-light on the falls. Weekdays are quieter. Shoulder seasons can be lovely, but bring traction if snow or ice lingers and be prepared for fast-changing weather.

Tips

Wear sturdy footwear and carry layers, sun protection, plenty of water, and a filter. Give moose a wide berth. Expect muddy sections, downed trees after storms, and occasional horse traffic. If you’re fishing, know and follow park regulations.