Gourd Lake Trail
Begin at the Monarch Lake Trailhead and follow the Cascade Creek Trail (#1). At the trail junction, keep left on the Buchanan Pass Trail (#2). Reach another junction and keep left toward Gourd Lake. The trail is a long and continuous climb, with an elevation gain of 1,280 feet in 3 miles. The first set of switchbacks ends at the first stream crossing. Four more small streams are then crossed. A second set of switchbacks leads up to a picturesque pond set directly below Gourd Lake.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
General Information
Elevation: 10,800 feet at Gourd Lake
View a trail map here.
Parking in the Arapaho National Recreation Area at the Monarch Lake Trailhead requires a daily use fee. America the Beautiful Interagency passes are accepted.
Permits are required for overnight stays in the Indian Peaks Wilderness from June 1 to September 15. Additional permit requirements exist for large and organized groups.
Permits are required for overnight stays in the Indian Peaks Wilderness from June 1 to September 15.
Campfires at Gourd Lake are prohibited.
Mechanized/motorized travel is prohibited.
Do not camp within 100 feet of developed trails or bodies of water.
Group size is limited to 12 people and/or livestock.
Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
Monarch Lake Trailhead
Parking
Parking is available at Monarch Lake Trailhead.
Directions
Take Highway 34 to County Road 6, 5.4 miles north of Granby and 8.9 miles south of Grand Lake. County Road 6 (NFSR 125) is a 9.4 miles improved road along Lake Granby to Monarch Lake Trailhead where parking is available.
