East Shore Trail
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Distance
- 5.4 ml
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Ascent
- 416 ft
- Descent
- 416 ft
Best Time of Year: Jan 01 - Dec 31
The East Shore Trail offers a 5.4-mile out-and-back route along the eastern edge of Shadow Mountain Lake. This trail, with an elevation gain of 416 feet, provides an easy hiking experience with scenic views of the lake and its surroundings. As with all trails in RMNP, dogs are not permitted.
The trail can be accessed from either the East Shore Trailhead at the north end of the lake or the Shadow Mountain Dam Trailhead at the south end. Hikers have the option to extend their trip by connecting to the Ranger Meadows loop or hiking up to the Shadow Mountain Lookout Tower.
In summer, the trail is known for its wildlife and the cool breezes off the water while autumn brings a vibrant display of fall colors. The East Shore Trail is also notable for being one of the few trails in Rocky Mountain National Park that allows mountain biking, so users should be considerate and share the path.