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Dave Spates

Dave Spates

Hiking. Adventure. Photography.

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You are here: Home / Lakes of Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado / Spirit Lake (10,300′) via the East Inlet Trail

Spirit Lake (10,300′) via the East Inlet Trail

high elevation spirit lake in alpine environment rocky mountain national park rock in water viewing east
Looking at a lone boulder from Spirit Lakes west shore towards the continental divide and surrounding forest
    • Date hiked: 10/11/2020
    • Hiked from: East Inlet Trailhead
    • Distance hiked: 8.0 miles – 1 way
    • Total elevation gain: 1,900 ft
    • Maintained trail: No. Trail is unimproved.
    • Overall Difficulty: 7/10 – Very long hike to reach Spirit Lake. Lots of downed trees.
    • Overall Views: 7/10 – Amazing views of the Boulder/Grand Pass Continental Divide

Located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake, Colorado, Spirit Lake makes for a challenging day hike with rewarding views.

Video of our Hike to Spirit Lake

Spirit Lake is easiest reached via the East Inlet Trailhead. Follow the maintained trail up to the end of Lake Verna. From here it’s less than a mile to reach Spirit Lake. It’s hard to say what the terrain will be like but when we hiked to Spirit Lake there was probably a dozen or so downed trees blocking the evident trail. If you don’t mind hopping, going around or under downed and rooted trees, then this can be a fun, challenging day hike.

North shore of Spirit Lake, looking into the rocky forest covered south shore and Fleur De Lis
North shore of Spirit Lake, looking into the rocky forest covered south shore and Fleur De Lis

We made the hike to Spirit Lake on 10/11/2020 as part of visiting all the lakes of the East Inlet drainage. The lake is only half the size of Lake Verna. It offers spectacular mountain lake views with prominent peaks towering over the lakes south forest. From the east shore lies a prominent boulder in the lake. This makes for a great photographic composition leading the eyes to the continental divide in the far background.

West shore of Spirit Lake of the East Inlet Trail in Rocky mountain National Park
West shore of Spirit Lake looking east towards the incoming snowstorm and surrounding mountains

If your still feeling adventurous after visiting Spirit Lake, continue a little over half mile to Fourth Lake.

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