Lower East Inlet Backcountry Campsite lies in a lodgepole pine forest on the north side of East Inlet Trail in western Rocky Mountain National Park. The single campsite, located at 8,640 feet, is easily accessed from the East Inlet Trailhead by hiking 2.3 miles on the well-maintained trail. Look for a wooden sign on the right that marks a short path to the site. The trail gains 250 feet of elevation and requires a couple hours of hiking from trailhead to campsite. There’s no privy at the site, so bring wag bags to practice proper sanitation. Get water from the creek but boil or treat before use. The site is snow-free by May 23.
Pro Tips
Find East Inlet Trailhead from the town of Grand Lake by turning east off U.S. 34 onto West Portal Road. Follow the road for two miles on the north side of the lake to the trailhead at the end of the road. Hike east for 2.3 miles on East Inlet Trail. Look for a wooden sign on the right and follow a short path south to the campsite.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 or at Kawuneeche Visitor Center north of Grand Lake, and 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 the Lower East Inlet 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 Lower East Inlet. Bring at least two RESTOP wag bags per camper for human waste to avoid site contamination. In an emergency, dig a six-inch deep hole and bury waste and toilet paper. Make sure you’re at least 200 feet from the campsite, water sources, and trails.Recommended season(s): Late May to September.
—Stewart M. Green
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