North Inlet Tonahutu Trail, Colorado, 9/15

[Jimmy Olsen]

My trip this year is to Colorado. We'll be spending 4 days hiking the North Inlet and Tonahutu Trail loop in September. As we're East Coasters, we're going to start with an acclimation hike, probably to Lake Nanita.

General questions I have for those of you in the area are...

Is there a better day hike?

If we have the time, is there a second must see hike in the area?

I'm deciding whether to bring my 1P tent or hammock. Does anyone know if the sites on the trail accommodate hammocks? It may just be easier to stick with my tent and stay close to the group than have to set up in trees further away by myself.

Finally, I have a Panasonic G3 with a 14mm, 14-45mm, and 75-175mm lenses. Am thinking of not taking the 14-45 kit lens. Would that be a big mistake? I'm still learning and I know I have a tendency to keep a single lens on all day. So I'd probably stick with the 14mm unless I see wildlife or something where I need a long lens. Is that a good strategy?

I'm really trying to keep my pack weight as low as possible this year. So, I'm cutting where I can.

Thanks!

 

[Opi]

I had to look up where those trails are. RMNP
http://www.backpacker.com/trips/col...op-rocky-mountain-national-park-co/#bp=0/img1
Looks like a nice hike

 

[Jimmy Olsen]

This is my first trip to Colorado and I'm getting pretty excited for this hike the more I look into it. It was either this loop or Maroon Bells. I was pushing for Maroon Bells but the group thought this would be a little easier for us sea-level east coasters.