State: Colorado
Location: Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Length, One-Way: 1.5 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 10200 feet
Maximum Elevation: 10320 feet
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy
Trail Information
Accessed from the Cascade Creek Trail, the Crater Lake Trail is a short, easy jaunt which rewards the hiker with spectacular surroundings at its end. Crater Lake is nestled among giant spruce and fir trees, just below the stunning spire of Lone Eagle Peak. With a backdrop of 12- and 13,000 foot peaks and Peck Glacier, Crater Lake has become a highly popular destination. Due to its popularity, campers at Crater Lake are required to use designated campsites in addition to the required permits and campfires are prohibited here. To encounter fewer people, camp and hike at Crater Lake on weekdays or during shoulder seasons.
After snow begins to fall, it is common to see snowshoers on the Crater Lake 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.
