State: Colorado
Location: Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Length, One-Way: 20 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 8346 feet
Maximum Elevation: 11747 feet
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: Most Difficult
Usage: Moderate
Trail Information
The High Lonesome Trail is a part of the Continental Divide Trail, although it does not stay on the divide through the Indian Peaks Wilderness. From the Monarch Lake Trailhead follow the Arapaho Creek Trail, around the south side of Monarch Lake.
The High Lonesome Trail splits off to the right (west), about a half-mile after you enter the Wilderness Area and begins to climb steeply up onto Strawberry Bench. Above Strawberry Bench, the High Lonesome Trail climbs somewhat more gradually, heading south toward Meadow Creek Reservoir and the Junco Lake Trailhead. Follow the High Lonesome Trail as it skirts around the west side of a wet meadow on the west side of Junco Lake and continues south to Devil’s Thumb Park.
In Devil’s Thumb Park, the High Lonesome Trail turns eastward, climbing rather steeply up to Devil’s Thumb Pass. From Devil’s Thumb Pass to Corona Trailhead, the High Lonesome Trail has a fairly level profile, as it parallels the Continental Divide.
When the snow falls, the High Lonesome 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.
