Lake Nokoni (10,773') and Lake Nanita (10,780') are located 9.8 miles and 10.8 miles from North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The lakes are tucked in an isolated valley separated by the steep shoulder of Ptarmigan Mountain (12,324'). This long but moderate trail is highlighted by large meadows, abundant wildlife, miles of fishable streams and stops at Cascade Falls, The Big Pool and North Inlet Falls.

North Inlet Creek originates at Lake Powell, with major contributions from Lake Nanita, Nokoni and Hallet Creek that form a voluminous confluence above North Inlet Falls

The steep walls over Lake Nokoni are susceptible to avalanches and rock slides, and much of the basin around the lake has been stripped of vegetation over time

Moose have high reproductive potential, and in the absence of natural predation from extirpated grizzlies and wolves, have seen numbers rise in recent years across Colorado

The long east shore of Lake Nanita is open to exploration, a rugged but attractive mix of ponds, outcrops and tree-topped knolls

The Lake Nanita Trail crosses the base of North Inlet Falls on a scenic bridge, them climbs 1260' in just 2.2 miles to Lake Nokoni

Pine beetles burrow under tree bark and lay eggs, disrupting nutrient flow; they also carry a blue stain fungus which has a similar impact, and both serve to weaken and eventually kill the tree

Spires on the east face of Ptarmigan Mountain (12,324') are popular among climbers

Grand Lake is the largest natural body of water in Colorado - its three primary tributaries are East Inlet, North Inlet and Tonahutu creeks; each has a major trail artery along its path

The North Inlet Trail is part of a 17 mile thru-hike across Rocky Mountain from Grand Lake (west) to Bear Lake (east)

Switchbacks rise quickly over Lake Nokoni with a good aerial view of the basin, and valley below it

A brief glimpse over the Lake Solitude valley on the final approach to Lake Nokoni

Andrews Peak (12,565') reflects in Lake Nanita

Rocky Mountain Elk are not the largest elk sub-species, but they do produce the largest antlers

The main trail crosses a short bridge over Lake Nokoni's outlet and climbs 300' out of the bowl to reach Lake Nanita

Open rock slabs adjacent to the outlet stream of Lake Nokoni

Warm winters and dry conditions over the last 10-15 years have contributed to widespread pine beetle infestations, which are particularly severe across Grand County and the SW valleys of RMNP