Hike the Flattop-N. Inlet Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park

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17.7 miles

Trail Type: Longer Hike
Trailhead: Bear Lake
Location: Bear Lake Corridor
Beginning Elevation: 9,475'
Destination Elevation: 9,595'
Total Elevation Gain: 2,851'
Total Roundtrip Miles: 17.7

North Inlet Trail

Trail Description
This is a through hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, meaning you end up in a different location than where you began, so transportation needs to be arranged. Begin at Bear Lake, early, and head up the Flattop Mtn trail. Continue beyond the summit sign post to the northeast for a short way. Watch for the trail junction for the North Inlet trail, which heads south across the tundra before dropping down into the North Inlet drainage. This long but pleasant trail ends at Grand Lake.
Portions of this trail has experienced significant fire damage from the 2020 East Troublesome Fire.

How to Get There
Take the Bear Lake Road from US 36 to the Bear Lake trailhead, 9.7 miles. Parking during the summer season is very limited. It's best to utilize the Hiker Shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center and the Park Shuttle Buses.

Trail Profile