Monarch Lake Hike

Ready for a one-of-a-kind hike? Bordering the Indian Peaks Wilderness, the Monarch Lake Trail delivers exceptional vistas of the surrounding Colorado peaks without steep elevation gain or course terrain. This easy-going trail guides you through woodlands, alongside babbling brooks and curves around the scenic lake. This trail is a crowd favorite, so be sure to arrive early to snag a parking spot at the trailhead!

This loop can be completed in either direction, but we recommend going clockwise. At the Monarch Lake trailhead off the parking lot, head left onto Cascade Creek Trail. Continue along the trail as it weaves you through the forest and along the lake’s shore. Feel free to explore the shoreline and soak your toes along the way. As you follow this path back into the woods, you will eventually confront a junction, turn right and follow Arapaho Pass Spur Trail south for a few kilometers. As you hike, the path will begin to curve as it brings you to the east side of the lake. At the next intersection turn right and head west on Arapaho Pass Trail. This trail will return you to the Monarch Lake shoreline. Nestled among the Indian Peaks, the lake provides an exceptional vantage point of the bordering mountains. On a calm day the lake mirrors these ranges revealing a sight that will take your breath away!

Take your time and revel in the beauty of Monarch Lake and the Indian Peaks. When you are ready to continue, head west along the Arapaho Pass Trail, directing you back to the parking lot.