Lake Verna Hike

Route Description for Lake Verna Hike

The Lake Verna Trail is a charming adventure in the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Hike through aspen groves, through a vast meadow, past waterfalls and along an alpine creek to the lake. If you are hoping to complete this adventure as a day hike, we would recommend departing early to ensure you make it back to the trailhead before dusk. Ensure to pack plenty of water and wear layers as the weather at the trailhead will likely be warmer than in the mountain cirque. As the trail is located within the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), visitors are required to purchase a park pass to access the hikes.

Begin your journey along the Lake Verna Trail from the East Portal Trailhead. From here, track southeast along the East Inlet Trail. Shortly after your departure from the trailhead you will pass Adams Falls. Hike past the cascades and through the meadow. Here there are often deer and elk grazing. Follow the East Inlet Trail as it guides you through dense woodlands, through aspen groves and past several dispersed campsites. Eventually, you will confront Lone Pine Lake. Track the path along the shoreline to Verna Lake.

From Verna Lake, you will be rewarded with epic mountain views. Notice Tanima Peak in the east and Isolation Peak in the southeast. Revel in the beauty of the Colorado wilderness and explore the shores of the crystalline alpine lake. Admire the scenery, and when you are ready to return, retrace your steps along the route back to the trailhead.