Pine Marten Backcountry Campsite is a two-site camping area between the Lake Nanita Trail and a creek in a high glaciated valley on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The campsites make a good basecamp if you’re hiking to Lake Nanita and Lake Nokoni. The site, located at 9,560 feet, is 7.8 miles from the North Inlet Trailhead by Grand Lake or 9.5 miles from Bear Lake Trailhead on the park’s eastern slope. Allow seven to nine hours to hike the North Inlet Trail from car to camp. The trail gains 1,020 feet of elevation. There’s no privy at the site so bring wag bags for proper sanitation. Get water from the creek, but treat or boil before use. The campsite is snow-free by July 6.
Pro Tips
North Inlet Trailhead is on the northeast edge of Grand Lake. From U.S. 34, head east on West Portal Road for about two miles to a left turn marked North Inlet Trailhead on gravel road #663. Follow the steep road to parking areas at its end. Head east on North Inlet Trail for 7.8 miles to the campsite on the east side of the Lake Nanita Trail.A backcountry permit is required for all overnight camping in Rocky Mountain National Park’s backcountry. Get permits at the Park Headquarters Backcountry Office next to Beaver Meadows Visitor Center west of Estes Park, at Kawuneeche Visitor Center north of Grand Lake, or at the park website.You agree to obey National Park regulations for backcountry camping when you obtain a Backcountry Use Permit. The permit must be with you at all times and a tent tag must be displayed on your pack while hiking and on your tent. You must follow your planned itinerary so campsites aren’t overused or crowded. You also receive a tag to place on the dashboard of your vehicle, allowing overnight parking at trailheads without being towed.Practice a Leave No Trace ethic when camping at Pine Marten campsite. Pitch tents in designated areas near a silver arrowhead. Secure food and garbage. Black bears are here so stash food in a bear-resistant canister, which is required May to October at all campsites below timberline. Keep food, trash, and scented items in the container and store it 200 feet from the campsite. Don’t camp below dead trees; wind storms blow branches off them.There is no privy at the site so the park requires that you bring at least two RESTOP wag bags for human waste. In an emergency, dig a six-inch deep hole and bury your waste and toilet paper. Make sure you’re at least 200 feet from the campsite, water sources, and trails.Recommended season(s): July to September.
—Stewart M. Green
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