Hike the East Shore Trail

East Shore Trail

NPS Photo / Kim Grossman

• Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 416 feet
• Type of Trail: Out and Back

Hike along the eastern shore of Shadow Mountain Lake. The lake is a reservoir, built between 1944 and 1946, with the construction of the Shadow Mountain Dam. Shadow Mountain Lake, like Lake Granby, is part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project. This massive system of reservoirs, dams, and canals provides water to farmers and residents east of Colorado's Front Range.

In summer, this trail provides an opportunity to find wildlife and cool breezes coming off the water. In the Autumn, visitors can enjoy beautiful, fall colors.

Hike the East Shore Trail from the East Shore trail head at the north end of the lake, or the Shadow Mountain Dam trail head at the south end. Visitors have the option of extending their hike by continuing to the Ranger Meadows loop or by hiking up to the Shadow Mountain Lookout Tower. The East Shore Trail is the only trail in the Rocky Mountain National Park that permits mountain biking. Please be respectful of other visitors and share the trail no matter how you recreate.

Pets are prohibited on ALL park trails, tundra, and meadow areas. Leashed pets are only allowed in picnic areas, parking lots, campgrounds, and along roadsides.

Restrooms are available seasonally near the Shadow Mountain Dam trail head at the Green Ridge Campground and Green Ridge Boating Site in Arapaho National Recreation Area. There are no restrooms at the East Shore trail head.

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

East Shore Trailhead

Reservations

Yes

From May 27 to October 10, 2022, Timed Entry Permit Reservations are required to enter most areas of Rocky Mountain National Park between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. To access the Bear Lake Road Corridor, Timed Entry Permits are in effect from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Timed Entry Permit Reservations are only available to be booked through https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910. One Timed Entry Permit Reservation is $2.00 and non-refundable. 

Timed Entry Permits are vehicle permits. One Timed Entry Permit will cover one vehicle and all passengers in the vehicle. Timed Entry Permit Holders must enter the park during their reseved 2-hour reservation window. 

To learn more, visit the park's Timed Entry Permit Reservation webpage at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm

Accessibility Information

This is not a paved trail. The trail is rugged with an elevation gain of 416 feet.