North Inlet Falls

North Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake via the North Inlet Trail to the Lake Nanita Trail footbridge at North Inlet Falls

Sources disagree on the distance to the Lake Nanita Trail junction: SummitPost gives about 6.5 miles and onX about 8 miles from the North Inlet Trailhead. The falls are just past the junction at the first footbridge. The return range is doubled from those one-way figures, not measured.

Long mountain trail; the first 1.2 miles follow an old dirt road through private land. Burned forest sections. Switchbacks before the junction.

Where to start

North Inlet Trailhead off West Portal Road in Grand Lake; main parking just beyond the split in the dirt access road, with more parking beyond the trailhead.

Timing & water

Snow can cover the upper trail outside summer. Very long day; overnight stays need a park wilderness permit.

Before you go

A park entrance pass is required at all hours; the standard pass is $15 to $35. In 2026, timed entry reservations were needed to enter between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. from May 22 to October 12. Dates for 2027 not yet verified.