State: Colorado
Location: Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Length, One-Way: 10.5 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 8346 feet
Maximum Elevation: 11906 feet
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: More Difficult
Usage: Moderate
Trail Information
The Arapaho Creek Trail follows Arapaho Creek through the heavily forested creek valley. The trail climbs very gradually, gaining only 200 to 300 feet per mile with one short set of switchbacks. About 2 miles short of Arapaho Pass, the forest opens up in Coyote Park, filled with emerald green wet meadows where wildflowers abound. The climb from Coyote Park is moderate, breaks in the forest offer glimpses of North and South Arapaho Peaks to the east. The trail levels out some as you pass Caribou Lake, nestled in a steep-walled cirque basin. Beyond Caribou Lake, the trail switches back and forth for a 1 mile, 800 foot climb to Arapaho Pass.
After snow begins to fall, it is common to see snowshoers on the Arapaho Creek Trail.
Directions
The Monarch Lake Trailhead is located within the Arapaho National Recreation Area, off of Highway 34, about 6 miles north of Highway 40. Turn east onto the Arapaho Bay Road (watch for signs for Willow Creek Canal) off of Highway 34, between Granby and Grand Lake. Follow Arapaho Bay Road about 10 miles to the Monarch Lake Trailhead.
