Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest
Monarch Lake Trail

The Monarch Lake Trail is 4.0 miles long (round trip), is rated as Easiest and is very heavily used from June through October (open year round).

Elevations:

• Trailhead: 8,300'
• Highest Point: 8,400'

USGS Maps: Monarch Lake Quad

Trailhead Location: From Granby take U.S. Highway 34 to County Road 6 (Forest Service Road, FSR 125 or Arapaho Bay Road). Follow this road for 10 miles to the Monarch Lake parking area.

With the jagged peaks of the Indian Peaks Wilderness as back drop to the lake, this easy loop trail is a popular destination year round. The trail begins at an old cabin that is staffed in the summertime. Inside the cabin are historical photos of the area and trail information. Along the way you will pass an old steam donkey engine, log chute pilings and cabin remains from when this area was logged in 1902.

Forest Special Order regarding Monarch Lake: dogs must be on a leash not to exceed six feet at all times.

Day use at this trailhead requires the purchase of an Arapaho National Recreation Area (ANRA) entrance pass or display your golden passport on the dash of your vehicle. If you are camping overnight in the wilderness, then only a wilderness permit is required. Just leave the parking stub from the wilderness permit on the dashboard of your vehicle in the parking lot.