Lake Nanita - 21.6 Miles Round-Trip

Lake Nanita is located 10.8 miles from North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. It lies at the head of an isolated valley framed by Ptarmigan Mountain (12,324’) and Andrews Peak (12,565’).

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

This long but moderate trail follows North Inlet Creek 7.45 miles before splitting off on a strenuous 3.35 mile climb to the lake. Camping is not permitted at Lake Nanita or nearby Lake Nokoni, which limits traffic and gives each an undisturbed feel.

Ten backcountry campsites along the way are spread across miles of cascading streams and large meadows frequented by moose and elk (see map for campsite locations). Visitors will enjoy stops at Cascade Falls, The Big Pool, North Inlet Falls and Lake Nokoni on the hike to Lake Nanita:

The trail begins on a level dirt road across private property to the edge of Summerland Park (1.2 miles : 8,530’). It narrows onto single track and arcs NE around large meadows partially veiled by thin bands of timber - ideal habitat for seeing wildlife.

The trail undulates mildly into a lodgepole forest badly marred by pine beetles, though the herbaceous layer and creek corridor remain healthy and verdant.

It rises nominally to Twinberry Backcountry Campsite (2.93 miles : 8,740’), then high along the north valley wall before leveling back to the creek and a spur for Cascade Falls (3.4 miles : 8,845’).

Social trails branch down to viewing areas of the voluminous cascade; exercise caution when scrambling about this oft-slick area. The trail continues above the falls around a large meadow, another great place to step out and scan for wildlife (4.0 miles : 8,950’).

It reaches a bridge over Big Pool (4.8 miles : 9,080’), where the powerful North Inlet is funneled through a narrow granite chute and slows into a large swirling pool. This scenic area is a fine turnaround point if not aiming for the lakes.

Mild grades expedite travel along the creek through damaged swathes of forest, with more frequent intervals of healthy spruce and fir deeper in the backcountry.

The trail skirts another large meadow complex (6.0 miles : 9,295’) to Grouseberry Backcountry Campsite (6.3 miles : 9.315’), North Inlet Group Site (6.4 miles : 9,330’) and a bridge over Ptarmigan Creek (6.65 miles : 9,345’).

A faint social trail splits NE up Ptarmigan Creek to Wardance Falls and its source at Bench Lake.

The main trail continues east to Porcupine Backcountry Campsite (6.75 miles : 9,378’), past which it climbs away from the creek on switchbacks to the Lake Nanita Trail Split (7.45 miles : 9,585’).

Here the North Inlet Trail veers NE on a 4.6 mile climb to Flattop Mountain (12,234’) on the Continental Divide, and the Lake Nanita Trail drops south to a scenic bridge across North Inlet Falls (7.6 miles : 9,515’).  It rises to the Pine Marten Backcountry Campsite (7.8 miles : 9,590’), the last and closest campsite to the lakes.

Grades steepen considerably on long switchbacks with emerging views of the Divide, peaks over the Nokoni-Nanita basins and Lake Solitude valley below.

It eases only upon reaching a bridge over the Lake Nokoni outlet (9.8 miles : 10,773’). Lake Nokoni lies in a deep, steep walled bowl topped by Ptarmigan Mountain. Room to roam is limited, though large rock slabs offer nice perches around the lake

The main trail continues on steep, short-leg switchbacks over Nokoni with aerial views of the basin and valley below. It crests on the shoulder of Ptarmigan Mountain (10.35 miles : 11,064’), then descends ruggedly to the edge of Lake Nanita (10.8 miles : 10,780’).

Steep walls frame the west shore, but the long east shore is accessible with some crafty maneuvering. Terrain is varied and uneven, with many interesting nooks, side ponds and outcrops to explore.

ROUNDTRIP ELEVATION PROFILE