Grand Lake Hiking Trails
Grand Lake is a hiker’s dream destination, with hundreds of trails to explore only steps away from the Town. Surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park on three sides, Grand Lake offers diverse and exciting trails that are waiting for adventure. Check out some of our favorite Rocky Mountain National Park hikes below, or use a robust interactive trail mapping website like COTrex to plan your adventure!
East Inlet to Adams Falls
This iconic Grand Lake hike is part of Rocky Mountain National Park and is accessed from the East Inlet Trail Head, which is outside the drive in entrance to the park. Head into Town on Portal Avenue and stay left at the fork in the road, which will lead you to the parking area. Adams Falls is only 1/3 of a mile from the trail head, but don’t miss the fantastic view of the meadow located about 1 mile from the Falls!
East Shore Trail
Nestled alongside Shadow Mountain Reservoir, the East Shore Trail lends a unique view of the Grand Lake area in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hikers can choose to access this trail from one of two trail heads, one by the Granby Spillway, or one near Jericho Road in Grand Lake. For an extra challenge, hikers can head up to the fire tower on the top of Shadow Mountain from this trail.
North Inlet Trail
Nestled alongside the twists and turns of the Colorado River, this local favorite is a beautiful way to spend a day in Rocky Mountain National Park. To access this trailhead, drive into Town on Portal Road and turn left just before the bridge. There are two parking areas for hikers, so check the larger lot located over a small bridge if the smaller lot is full. This trail was impacted by the East Troublesome Fire, so make sure to stay on the trail in the burn area to give the ground a chance to heal. After 3.4 miles hikers are rewarded by a gorgeous, rambling fall.
Colorado River Trail
The Colorado River Trail Head is a hub for many of the northwestern trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hikers can choose to head to Lulu City, a once hopeful mining town, or climb higher into the Never Summer Mountain Range to the Grand Ditch. In the snowy months, Trail Ridge Road closes just after this trailhead, leaving it open for year-round recreation.
Coyote Valley Trail
This family-friendly trail is accessible for all ages and physical abilities – it’s a great option for strollers and even most wheelchair users. The trailhead for the Coyote Valley Trail can be found by going through the main entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and driving a few miles down Trail Ridge Road. Wildlife such as moose and elk are abundant on this trail, and hikers will delight in amazing views of the Never Summer Mountain Range.
Bowen Baker Trailhead
Boasting impeccable views of the Never Summer Mountains, hikers can marvel in Rocky Mountain National Park’s only volcanic range. Stretching across the Kawuneeche Valley, elk and moose are drawn to the Colorado River and cool, shaded groves of trees. The Bowen Baker trail also provides an access point into the neighboring Arapaho National Forest Area.