Monarch Lake Trailhead

The Monarch Lake Trailhead is located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area amd serves as a major access portal for the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Facilities include parking for approximately 40 vehicles, restrooms and a wilderness information cabin.

View a COTREX area map here.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Sections of the Arapaho Pass Trail (#6) on the west side of the Continental Divide are impassable due to a destructive wind event last fall.
Fees:	Parking in the Arapaho National Recreation Area at Monarch Lake requires a daily use fee of $5. America the Beautiful Interagency Passes accepted.
Permit Info:	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.
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	Wilderness regulations apply in the Indian Peaks Wilderness: 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. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Unless seasonal restrictions are in effect, campfires must be attended at all times and cold to the touch with the bare hand before being abandoned. Collection of dead and down wood is allowed; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood.
Closest Towns:	Grand Lake; Granby
Water:	No
Restroom:	Vault toilets
Operated By:	U.S. Forest Service
Information Center:	Sulphur Ranger District; 970-887-4100; Contact Us

General Information

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.