- Date hiked: 09/05/2021
- Hiked from: North Inlet Trailhead
- Distance hiked: 11 miles – 1 way
- Total elevation gain: 2,280 ft
- Maintained trail: Yes
- Overall Difficulty: 7/10 – This is a very long hike as a day hike. Nothing technical though.
- Overall Views: 9/10 – Probably one of my favorite lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Hiked to Lake Nanita as part of our 2 night backpacking trip at the North Inlet Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park. We began this hike from the North Inlet trailhead, and hiked to Lake Nanita after visiting Lake Nokoni. Although both lakes are close in elevation, you will have to hike up and back down to reach Lake Nanita from Lake Nokoni.
Lake Nanita is one of my favorite alpine lakes in this area. Ptarmigan Mountain to the north and Andrews Peak to the south make up a beautiful backdrop to this lake. When we arrived here there was only one small group of people that were doing this as a day hike. If you plan on doing this as a day hike, plan on over 22 miles round trip with about 3,000 feet of total elevation gain.
The photographic opportunities are endless at this pristine alpine tarn. I don’t know when, but I will definitely be back to dedicate a full morning photoshoot to this lake. I’ve also heard that there’s a social trail that goes past the lake that will take you to some scenic ponds. The terrain beyond this lake is remote and explored by few. But one day I would like to visit ‘Lake Catherine’ which is a few miles past Lake Nanita.
