Lake Nokoni Trail

Lake Nokoni Trail is a long out-and-back from North Inlet Trailhead: 19.8 miles round trip, about 9.9 miles each way. The climb to the lake gains about 2,240 feet, and the shore sits at 10,780 feet. Allow 10–12 hours for a day hike; that is a planning estimate for the distance and altitude, and pace and stops can push it longer. Backcountry camps along the corridor make an overnight possible with an advance wilderness permit.

The opening track descends beside Tonahutu Creek, then the route follows North Inlet through broad Summerland Park meadows and burned forest. The East Troublesome Fire left gray snags and open stretches with less shade. Farther on, the track narrows to trail and the valley closes into forest before the first major climb.

Cascade Falls, about 3.5 miles from the trailhead, is an early creekside highlight. Big Pool lies farther up North Inlet: a clear pool below a small waterfall. After North Inlet Junction, the Lake Nokoni route drops to a footbridge at North Inlet Falls, then climbs steadily through forest and switchbacks.

Above the junction, views open toward Taylor Peak and Chiefs Head Peak as the trail climbs toward the basin. The last stretch passes smaller subalpine fir and open meadow before reaching Lake Nokoni. A broad sloping granite slab meets the water, with rugged Ptarmigan Peak rising behind it. From the shore, include both the granite foreground and peak for a sense of the lake’s setting.

Lake Nanita is a separate continuation beyond Nokoni. Reaching it adds roughly 0.9–1.1 miles one way and about 300 feet of climbing over the outlet and ridge; that extension is excluded from this route and its distance. Turn around at Nokoni for the hike represented here.

North Inlet Trailhead is at the end of County Road 663, off West Portal Road near Grand Lake. A restroom is listed there, but no potable water is listed. Treat any stream water before drinking it. Pets are prohibited on Rocky Mountain National Park trails; overnight camping requires a wilderness permit reservation. Check current vehicle-entry requirements before setting out.