State: Colorado
Location: Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Length, One-Way: 2 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 9500 feet
Maximum Elevation: 10800 feet
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Heavy
Trail Information
The Gourd Lake Trail is a short, but very steep trail that is accessed from the Buchanan Pass Trail. The trail is about 4 miles west of Buchanan Pass. Gourd Lake is a popular destination among hikers and backpackers due to its beautiful setting. Framed by 12,000-plus foot peaks, this treeline lake is available for overnight use, but please remember that campfires are prohibited here.
When the snow falls, the Gourd Lake Trail becomes the domain of snowshoers.
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.
