Backpacking RMNP - Lake Verna
- Kristen Hodges
- Jul 28, 2018
- 3 min read
July 29, 2018 - Lake Verna, Allenspark, CO 80510
If it wasn’t clear before, the main reason that Austin and I wanted to move to Colorado was to enjoy the outdoors. One of our main goals was to go on more backpacking trips, as we find them restoring and rewarding. Growing up on the east coast was a much different experience than out here, where all backpacking in national forest is required to be by permit. So in early March, every adventurer and their mother logs into NPS’s website to reserve permits for randomly picked weekends (or days for those who don’t work M-F) for the entirety of summer.
The first backpacking trip Austin and I went on in Colorado was to Lake Verna. This hike is accessed from the Grand Lake side of RMNP, with plenty of parking at the East Inlet Trailhead, so that takes away much of the stress when hiking in the park. This 13 mile trek was gorgeous the whole way, offering views of the river and waterfalls for the first bit (medium traffic), beautiful pine forests for a little while (low traffic), great views of Lake Granby towards the top, and finally, the lovely lakes (hardly anyone up there at all). We also saw some of our first marmots - who knew they were so fluffy and cute! Austin and I set up camp at our site at Lake Verna, but packed smaller bags to continue up to the next lake - Spirit Lake. There, we scoped it out for fish to see if we should return in the morning, and then ventured out to the next lake, Fourth Lake. We enjoyed the exploring the area until we started to see some dark clouds rolling in... fast. We packed up quickly and hightailed it back to camp as thunder and lightning started overhead. Along our way back, we ran into some hail - or rather it ran into us. And it hurt! I admit this was my first outdoor experience with hail and I don’t recommend it. Thankfully Austin and I had prepared somewhat for precipitation and we were able to take cover in our hammock with tarp overtop. Our tent is nice and lightweight but it is also way too small to just hang out in. We waited out the storm in the shelter of the tarp while our bags stayed dry in the tent. It was over before it was time to make dinner, so we went down to the lake to cook before heading to bed.
We woke up early the second day to head back to Spirit Lake for a dip in the water and do some fly fishing. The water was refreshing and crisp, and we actually did end up catching a few little brook trout! Once we wrapped up, we headed back to pack up and start our decent. This was he first hike that I remember feeling exhausted and in pain on the way down. It was pretty aggressive for our first backpacking trip in Colorado, but we didn’t regret it. Once we reached civilization, we beelined it for beer and burgers - and much deserved, too! We absolutely recommend this gorgeous hike and because it is lengthy, an overnight trip would be best. We wish we had more time up there!
I think this would be a great backpacking trip for a two+ night stay, because the trail continues up to Fourth and Fifth Lake. We made it to Fourth lake but didn’t stay long, and the trail get less improved along the way. But it would be a great idea to hike up to the last two lakes on day 2 and hike back down on day 3!
Lessons learned: it might not always be the best idea to set up camp immediately once you get to your backcountry campsite. Check the forecast before you head into the no-service zone, and if it looks like it might come and go in the light of day, wait it out to set up after it passes. This way your tent and stuff won’t get wet besides maybe the base of your tent.
Pro tips: do not ever let your down sleeping bag get wet. My bag was hanging just off the sleeping pad and got wet in this storm. It still smells like a dead animal even today, two years later. I’m thinking it’s just going to be that way forever. Sigh!
Sharing your adventure! What fun exploring God's creation!