North Inlet Junction

For those of us living in Colorado, the allure of the Rocky Mountains is undeniable. From towering peaks to pristine alpine lakes, the opportunities for adventure are boundless. Among the most cherished experiences is backcountry camping, offering a deep immersion into the wilderness, far from the conveniences of urban life. North Inlet Junction, located near Grand Lake, Colorado, is not your typical drive-up campground; it is a designated backcountry campsite within the magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park. This makes it an exceptional destination for experienced backpackers and hikers seeking a true wilderness experience in the heart of our state's most iconic landscapes.

North Inlet Junction serves as a pivotal point along the extensive North Inlet Trail, a renowned route that traces the North Inlet Creek from Grand Lake all the way to its headwaters near the Continental Divide. It’s a place that speaks to the adventurous spirit, offering solitude, breathtaking views, and challenging terrain. Unlike roadside campgrounds, reaching North Inlet Junction requires a significant hike, making the reward of its serene setting even more profound. For Coloradans looking to truly disconnect and test their outdoor skills, this location offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park from its quieter, western side.

The reviews from fellow adventurers highlight its intrinsic value: a "great spot to stop for a quick break" on more strenuous journeys, and a "wonderful spot" that is "close to the water, great views, and an outhouse!" These simple yet powerful testimonials underscore its utility as both a strategic rest point and a desirable overnight destination for those venturing deeper into the park's western wilderness. It provides an essential link for long-distance hikers, including those tackling sections of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) loop, which often incorporates the North Inlet and Tonahutu Creek trails.

North Inlet Junction is situated within Rocky Mountain National Park, accessible via the North Inlet Trailhead in Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA. This trailhead is on the western side of the park, distinct from the more frequented east side access points near Estes Park. To reach the trailhead from Grand Lake, adventurers typically turn left onto County Road 663 from State Highway 278. The North Inlet Trailhead is located conveniently near the Tonahutu Trailhead, forming part of a popular 28-mile loop for multi-day backpacking trips.

While the campground address itself is Grand Lake, CO 80447, it's crucial for users to understand that North Inlet Junction is not a roadside facility. Vehicle access is limited to the trailhead parking lot, after which a hike of approximately 7-7.5 miles is required to reach the campsite. This distance, combined with elevation gain, means it's a destination primarily for backpackers. Due to its location within Rocky Mountain National Park, a timed entry permit may be required for accessing the trailhead during peak seasons (typically May to October), in addition to a park entrance fee. Furthermore, an overnight backcountry permit is absolutely essential for camping at North Inlet Junction, and these permits are highly competitive and must be reserved in advance through the National Park Service. Early planning is key for securing a spot in this sought-after wilderness area.

Given its nature as a backcountry wilderness campsite, North Inlet Junction offers specific, essential services tailored to minimize impact on the environment while providing basic necessities for campers:

• Designated Campsites: Specific, hardened tent pads to minimize impact, ensuring campers stay on durable surfaces.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: While not always provided directly at the site, campers are required to use bear-resistant food storage canisters (e.g., BearVault) from April 1 through October 31 to protect both campers and wildlife.
• Primitive Outhouse/Privy: As noted in customer reviews, there is an outhouse available, providing basic sanitation facilities. Campers should still be prepared for wilderness ethics regarding human waste (e.g., "Leave No Trace" principles).
• Water Access: Proximity to North Inlet Creek, offering a natural water source. All water must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
• No Campfires: Open campfires are typically prohibited at backcountry sites within Rocky Mountain National Park to protect the environment and prevent wildfires. Portable stoves are the only cooking method allowed.
• Leave No Trace Ethics: All campers are expected to strictly adhere to the 7 Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash and waste.

North Inlet Junction's features and highlights truly encapsulate the raw beauty and challenging spirit of Rocky Mountain National Park's wilderness:

• Strategic Trail Junction: It serves as a crucial point along the North Inlet Trail, often acting as a base camp for explorations deeper into the backcountry, including side trips to stunning alpine lakes like Lake Nanita and Lake Nokoni.
• Proximity to North Inlet Creek: Being "close to the water" provides convenient access for water filtration and enjoying the soothing sounds of the flowing creek.
• Exceptional Scenery: The campsite is nestled amidst lush forests, open meadows, and offers "great views" of the surrounding mountain landscape. As one ascends the North Inlet Trail from the junction, hikers are rewarded with increasingly dramatic alpine vistas.
• Wildlife Viewing: The North Inlet Valley is renowned for its wildlife, particularly moose and elk, making it an excellent location for spotting these magnificent creatures, especially during dawn and dusk.
• Challenging Hiking Terrain: From North Inlet Junction, the trail becomes "much steeper," providing a rewarding challenge for experienced hikers pushing towards higher elevations and the Continental Divide.
• Solitude and Wilderness Immersion: Being a backcountry site, it offers a level of peace and quiet not found in front-country campgrounds, allowing for a profound connection with nature.
• Access to Loop Trails: It's an integral part of the popular North Inlet-Tonahutu Creek loop, a multi-day backpacking adventure that showcases diverse ecosystems within RMNP.
• Photography Opportunities: The stunning natural beauty, from the creek and meadows to distant peaks, provides endless inspiration for nature photographers.

As North Inlet Junction is a designated backcountry campsite within Rocky Mountain National Park, contact for information and reservations follows the park's wilderness permit system.

Address: North Inlet Junction Campsite, Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA (This address refers to the general area of the trailhead for accessing the backcountry site.)

Phone: For general inquiries about Rocky Mountain National Park and its backcountry permits, you should contact the park's main information line or the Wilderness Office.Rocky Mountain National Park Information: (970) 586-1206Wilderness Permits: Reservations for backcountry sites like North Inlet Junction are primarily managed through Recreation.gov. It is crucial to book these well in advance due to high demand.

North Inlet Junction is an ideal destination for Colorado locals, particularly those who have already experienced front-country camping and are ready for a more challenging and rewarding wilderness adventure. For residents of the Front Range and beyond, Grand Lake offers a convenient and scenic drive to the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, bypassing the often-crowded east side. This makes it a perfect choice for a weekend backpacking trip or a longer multi-day journey without excessive travel time.

The campsite’s location along the North Inlet Trail offers immediate access to some of the park’s most stunning and less-traveled terrain. For Coloradans, who often cherish the rugged beauty and solitude of the mountains, North Inlet Junction provides an authentic backcountry experience. It’s a place to push personal limits on challenging hikes, witness abundant wildlife in their natural habitat, and enjoy the profound quiet of the wilderness. The sense of accomplishment that comes from hiking to a backcountry site and setting up camp amidst such raw beauty resonates deeply with the Colorado spirit.

Furthermore, the ability to connect with other iconic trails and lakes from this junction—like Lake Nanita and Lake Nokoni—adds layers of exploration, making each visit potentially unique. For local outdoor enthusiasts, North Inlet Junction is more than just a campsite; it’s a vital hub for experiencing the vastness and majesty of Rocky Mountain National Park in its purest form, far removed from the everyday. It’s an invitation to embrace the wild and create truly unforgettable Colorado memories.

North Inlet Junction

Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA