Some of Rocky Mountain National Park’s best hikes are found on the west side of the park, and are easily accessible from the town of Grand Lake. Here are just a few of the most popular west side hikes:

The East Inlet Trail provides access to several of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most beautiful lakes, including Lone Pine Lake, Spirit Lake, and Lake Verna. The trail also provides hiking access to Adams Falls, one of the park’s prettiest waterfalls and one of the easiest and most popular hikes near Grand Lake. The East Inlet Trailhead can be found at the end of the West Portal Road on the east end of Grand Lake.

The Green Mountain Trail also offers incredible hiking on the west side of the park, with the trailhead just 3 miles north of Grand Lake. This trail provides access to the Big Meadows area of the park, which provides some of the best chances to view elk, moose, and other species of park wildlife. The Green Mountain Trail joins up with the Tonahutu Creek Trail, which provides even more scenic west side hiking destinations, such as Granite Falls.

Several historic landmarks can be found on the west side of the park. The Holzworth Historic Site is a preserved 1920s dude ranch, and can be found along Trail Ridge Road. Lulu City, an abandoned mining ghost town, can be visited via the Colorado River Trailhead.

Speaking of the Colorado River Trailhead, this is yet another beautiful hike on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail follows the humble headwaters of the mighty Colorado, meandering through the meadows and forests of the Kawuneeche Valley.

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which stretches north to south from Canada to Mexico, also travels through Rocky Mountain National Park.

Indeed, some of Rocky Mountain National Park’s best hikes can be found right near the town of Grand Lake. Come take a hike!