Forest Lakes to Needle Eye Tunnel

From East Portal parking, take South Boulder Creek Trail up the gentle climb until you reach Forest Lakes Trail. As you climb, the grade starts to increase, but the scenery improves to match. When you hit Arapaho Lakes Trail, you have a choice. You can take the side path and go find camping for the night (if backpacking), or continue up the trail to Forest Lake. The benefit of camping at Arapaho Lakes is that you can set up camp and leave it as a base camp for a couple of nights, the altitude is a bit lower (and therefore it's easier to sleep), and you're farther away from the busy dirt road that heads up to the tunnel. Shortly after passing Forest Lakes, turn left at the road and head up to the Needle Eye Tunnel. The tunnel is barricaded (DO NOT ENTER) but there is a trail over the tunnel if you'd like to go inspect the old rail trestles on the other side. From here, head back down the way you came.