East Inlet Trail, Historic hiking trail in Grand County, US

The East Inlet Trail is a hiking route in Rocky Mountain National Park that leads from Grand Lake eastward to a chain of alpine lakes nestled in the mountains. The path climbs through varied terrain and passes several waterfalls as it winds through the high country.

The East Inlet Trail was first built in 1913 to link Grand Lake with a chain of lakes about 6 miles east. In 1934 Public Works Administration crews rebuilt the section between Lone Pine Lake and Lake Verna, and in 1940 Civilian Conservation Corps workers improved 3 miles beyond Adam Falls, adding causeways through swampy ground. The trail was rebuilt again in 1970 and received stone steps and handrails at Adam Falls between 2000 and 2003.

The trail earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, marking its role in the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure.

The trailhead sits at the east inlet of Grand Lake, close to the west portal of the Alva B. Adams Tunnel. From there the path runs about 6 miles (9.7 km) east to Spirit Lake, climbing steadily. Stone steps and handrails installed between 2000 and 2003 ease the stretch at Adam Falls; expect wet ground and causeways where the route crosses swampy areas.

The trailhead sits close to the west portal of the Alva B. Adams Tunnel, which carries water from the west side of the Continental Divide under the park to the east slope. Hikers start beside this buried water-diversion tunnel without usually noticing it.