Post by lancer on Aug 30, 2016 9:47:24 GMT -8
This route on the less-visited west side of Rocky Mtn National Park links the North Inlet trail and Tonahutu Creek trail to create a 29 mile loop trail, most of which is on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Multiple campsites provide flexibility to tailor your itinerary to be as long or short as you like. We did it in late July in a leisurely 5 days/4 nights. Elevations range from 8,471’ to 12,300’ atop the Continental Divide.
Backcountry campsites in RMNP are by reservation only, and they fill up fast. If you plan to hike during the peak summer months I recommend that you submit your online reservation on the first day they are accepted in early March. Although there are reportedly only about 25 black bears in the park, bear cans are required, so be prepared for the bulk and weight. Rentals are available in Grand Lake at Never Summer Mtn Products.
If you go counter-clockwise around the loop then you have very good tread on the uphill North Inlet trail to the continental divide. However, there were numerous deadfall across the trail between Big Pool and July. The tread on the upper section of Tonahutu Creek trail is not nearly as good, and my preference is to ascend on good trail and descend on poor trail, rather than the converse. YMMV. Water was plentiful along most of the route, minimizing the volume we carried. There was even a fair number of unmarked streams above treeline on the North Inlet trail.
North Inlet TH to Big Pool: 4.9 miles and 620’ elevation gain
Big Pool to July: 4.9 miles and 1,600’ elevation gain.
July to Haynach: 8.5 miles and 1,607’ elevation gain (this segment is mostly above treeline)
Haynach to Green Mountain: 5.7 miles and descend 1,200’
Green Mountain to Tonahutu Creek TH/N. Inlet TH: 4.6 miles, descend 1,010’
Elk, moose, mule deer, and marmots were abundant. The campsites felt isolated, were surprisingly untrammeled during our late July trip, and we saw no signs of litter or toilet paper (the rangers encouraged us to pack out tp). The campsites are stove-only, which helps to keep the sites and surrounding areas naturalized. I expected to encounter more people on the trail, but the numbers were light, and we only encountered 4 people on our third day hiking over Flat Top mountain. We did see more day hikers on the Tonahutu Creek trail from Granite Falls down to the Green Mountain trail, though. Overnight lows were between 45F and 55F, with daytime highs in the mid-70s. The ranger reported that only days before our July 24 arrival the upper reaches of the trail were still icy, and crampons were recommended. Fortunately we did not have to contend with any ice although there were still sizeable snowfields in evidence up high.
Pros: Easy access to TH from Grand Lake. Loop trail. Good mix of alpine, meadows, woods, and small wildfire burn area. Abundant wildlife. Plentiful water with scattered waterfalls.
Cons: Beetle kill has wiped out large stands of lodgepole pine. Must reserve campsites months in advance. Required bear cans are heavy and bulky.
