California might boast Yosemite, however Colorado affords the Indian Peaks Wilderness valley. And inside this wilderness, one occurs upon an arresting sight — Mirror Lake and Crater Lake, dutifully monitored by the spectacular Lone Eagle Peak. Lengthy thought of an iconic vary, the Indian Peaks give hikers an countless stream of prime pictures, wildflowers, and “Take a look at that!” moments. From the trailhead to Mirror Lake hikers encounter a half-dozen waterfalls, any one in all which might seize all-star standing on one other path!
Discover the complete Crater Lake Hike profile beneath for path map, driving instructions, and extra suggestions and particulars that can assist you get pleasure from this bucket record hike simply west of Denver.
Path Snapshot: Crater Lake through Mirror Lake
| Hike Distance | 15 miles Spherical Journey |
|---|---|
| Issue | Tough |
| Length | Approx 7-8hrs |
| Path Sort | Out and Again |
| Beginning Elevation | 8,400′ |
| Elevation Achieve | Approx +2,500′ |
| Seasons | Yr Spherical |
| Canine | Allowed On Leash |
| Crater Lake Hike Map | Click on for Path Map of Crater Lake Hike |
| Denver Drive Time | 2.5 hours |
| Driving Instructions to Monarch Lake Trailhead | Click on for Google Map |
| City Nearest Hike | Granby and Grand Lake, Colorado |
| Magnificence | Indian Peaks Wilderness, wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes |
| Actions | Mountaineering, Snowshoeing, Tenting | Payment | Entrance Payment or Nationwide Parks Go Required |
Parking & Trailhead Info for Crater Lake Hike
From Denver, head west on I-70 to exit 232 for Freeway 40W. Climb up the attractive Berthoud Go and thru Winter Park on to Granby, CO. Barely out of Granby, search for Freeway 34 off to the correct, heading northeast. Comply with this for 5 miles to Route 6; flip proper onto Route 6. Should you wouldn’t have an annual Nationwide Park move (“America the Stunning” move), a self-pay station sits off to the left as you enter. The U.S. Forest Service does commonly examine for passes or bought day-use permits. To achieve the Monarch Lake Trailhead, proceed on Route 6 for one more 9 miles. With campers, hikers, and sightseers, the lot fills rapidly.
The Hike: Crater Lake Hike within the Indian Peaks Wilderness
Starting from the japanese fringe of the Monarch Lake Trailhead parking space, the path commences instantly after metallic gate resulting in the lake. On the lake, a three-panel signal orients guests to the recreation space. Staying left, hugging the northern rim of the lake, the path proceeds alongside the shore with views into the valley quickly to be explored. At 1.5 miles, a juncture peels off to the correct to circumnavigate the lake; this path stays left and begins a average climb up by Hell Canyon, alongside Buchannan Creek. Whereas the title feels foreboding, the trek is sort of nice because it ascends by a forest with periodic home windows down onto the dashing creek. The primary key junction seems at 3.5 miles, the place the path stays straight, remaining on the Cascade Creek Path:
The path continues gently by the forest, and the waterfalls begin punctuating the creek’s movement. Repeatedly, hikers may have cause to cease, hear, and marvel at water crashing down from 10-50ft or extra above. Lots of the falls tempt vacationers to stroll up shut…be VERY attentive. The falls present no mercy in case you take a dip!
Over the following three to three.5 miles the path beneficial properties roughly 1,200, however the surroundings so powerfully captures one’s sense of awe that the ascent passes unnoticed. Wildflowers, valley flooring etched with streams, creek crossings on logs, peaks and crags and extra waterfalls…the sights by no means cease. The one factor stopping hikers is one other key junction, this time for the turnoff (to the correct) for Crater Lake Path:
Staying proper and feeling one other ascent, push on for 1 mile towards Mirror Lake:
Barely 1/4-mile past this, take within the majestic setting of Crater Lake:
By far the toughest a part of the hike now hits — the choice to return to the trailhead! Given the hassle required to succeed in Crater Lake, hikers typically linger and seize a snack from their pack. Sensible and attentive backcountry explorers will be aware of the time, assuring themselves of enough daylight for a protected return hike. Climate can shift rapidly within the wilderness, and dashing again over 7-8 miles will increase danger of damage. Plan forward. Nonetheless, all cautions in hand, with diligent prep work, the Crater Lake Hike through Mirror Lake stands among the many better of all wilderness hikes in Colorado.
Suggestions & Assets for Mountaineering to Crater Lake within the Indian Peaks Wilderness
- TIP: The adventurous soul might take into account cresting Pawnee Go for views down onto Brainard Lake Recreation Space, one of the in style summer time locations. Brainard comprises the beloved Lengthy, Mitchell, Blue, and Isabelle Lakes. Sensible hikers might have to decide on between Crater Lake OR Pawnee Go, as doing each in the identical day is extraordinarily strenuous.
- Path Map: Crater Lake Hike
- Packing Listing: At all times pack the ten Necessities. Obtain our Mountaineering Information to get the record and dayhiking packing guidelines. Moreover, take a while to overview our 10 Winter Mountaineering Suggestions.
- Colorado Street Situations: Colorado Street Situations
- After the Hike: Scoot as much as Grand Lake (10 miles north on Freeway 34) or drop down into Winter Park (27 miles again towards Denver). Grand Lake has a pleasant downtown boardwalk and borders Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. If time permits, a drive up and over Path Ridge Street places one in contact with nationwide historical past and world-class views.
Climate
Map & Driving Instructions
Click on for Driving Instructions
