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

Rocky Mountain Day Hikes

Flattop-N.Inlet Tl - 17.7 miles

Trail Type: Longer Hike
Trailhead: Bear Lake
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.

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.

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