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Recreation Region: Sulphur Ranger District

Monarch Lake Trailhead

Monarch Lake Trailhead is located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area and serves as a major access portal for Indian Peaks Wilderness. Facilities include a wilderness information cabin.

This trailhead provides access to the Continental Divide Trail.

General Information

View a COTREX area map here.

Permits are required for overnight stays in the Indian Peaks Wilderness (IPW) from June 1 to September 15.

Group size is limited to 12 people and livestock combined.

Dogs must be on leash at all times.

Do not camp or build campfires within 100 feet of developed trails or bodies of water.

Permits are required for overnight stays in the Indian Peaks Wilderness (IPW) from June 1 to September 15. Additional permit requirements exist for large and organized groups.

Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$10 for three days
$15 for seven days
$30 annual pass

Parking in the Arapaho National Recreation Area at Monarch Lake requires a daily use fee. America the Beautiful Interagency Passes accepted.

Dogs must be on a hand-held leash.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 40.1111

Longitude: -105.7464

Directions

From Granby turn north onto U.S. Highway 34, travel approximately six miles to County Road (CR) 6. Turn east onto CR 6 (Arapaho Bay Road/NFSR 125), and drive 10 miles to the parking area.

Parking

 parking for approximately 40 vehicles

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Vault toilet(s)

Nearby Trails

Recreation Opportunities

Fishing - Lake & PondFishing - Lake & Pond

Recreation Groups

alpine lake above treeline with dots of white snow in mountain setting

These recreation sites and trail segments are located along the Continental Divide Trail.

colorful canoes on a lake with a pine covered mountain in the background

From camping to boating to hiking to fishing, there is something for everyone within the Arapaho National Recreation Area.

Last updated July 30, 2026