Cascade Creek Trail
A long, waterfall-lined climb from Monarch Lake to two alpine lakes beneath the spire of Lone Eagle Peak.
About Cascade Creek Trail
The Cascade Creek Trail starts at Monarch Lake, on the east edge of the Arapaho National Recreation Area near Granby, and climbs into the west side of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. It follows Cascade Creek for most of its length, passing a series of falls and cascades before topping out at Mirror Lake and, just beyond, Crater Lake.
The payoff is one of the most dramatic cirques in the Indian Peaks. Lone Eagle Peak rises like a blade above the lakes, and on a still morning its profile mirrors in the water — which is exactly how Mirror Lake got its reputation. At roughly 14 to 15 miles round trip, it is a big day hike, so many photographers turn it into an overnight to be at the lakes for both evening and morning light.
The west side of the Indian Peaks sees far fewer people than the Brainard Lake side, and the long approach keeps the crowds thin at the lakes even in peak summer.
A 16-mile out-and-back near Tabernash leading to Mirror Lake and Crater Lake, rated difficult with a waterfall along the way. It's best June through November and allows dogs on leash — plan for a full day given the distance, and Mirror Lake in particular earns its name on a calm morning.
History
The Indian Peaks take their name from the Native American nations honored by many of the summits along this stretch of the Continental Divide. Congress protected the area as the Indian Peaks Wilderness in 1978, and the lands around Monarch Lake are managed today by the Sulphur Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.
The cirque around Crater Lake is glacial country: the lakes sit in basins scoured out by ice, and the steep walls and pinnacles around Lone Eagle Peak are what the glaciers left behind.
Photographing Cascade Creek Trail
Best light: Early morning is the money window: the air is calmest, Mirror Lake is most likely to hold a clean reflection, and Lone Eagle Peak picks up side light from the east. Mid-July through August brings wildflowers along the creek and around the lakes.
Shots to look for
- Lone Eagle Peak reflected in Mirror Lake from the north shore, with a wide-to-normal lens and low camera height to maximize the reflection
- The cascades along Cascade Creek — use the short spur paths to the falls and a 1/4 to 1 second exposure for silky water
- Crater Lake with the cirque walls wrapping around it, shot wide from the outlet area
- A telephoto study of Lone Eagle's knife-edge summit when clouds are moving across the cirque
- Monarch Lake at dawn on the way in, with the Indian Peaks rising beyond the water
Photo tips
- If you want golden-hour light at the lakes, plan an overnight — the day-hike math rarely works for sunrise
- Bring an ND filter for the waterfalls; much of the creek is in forest shade where a tripod helps
- Afternoon thunderstorms build fast over the Divide in July and August; be off exposed terrain by early afternoon
- Camp only at designated sites near the lakes, and pack a bear-resistant food container
- Mosquitoes can be fierce in early summer — headnet and repellent are worth the weight
Know before you go
- A recreation-area parking pass is required at Monarch Lake; get one at the entrance kiosks or check current fees with the USFS Sulphur Ranger District
- Overnight stays in the Indian Peaks Wilderness require a permit from June 1 through September 15, and camping near Mirror and Crater Lakes is limited to designated sites
- This is a long day with real mileage — carry plenty of water or a filter and start early
- Storm damage has dropped trees across the upper trail in past years; check current trail conditions before you go
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Crater Lake via Cascade Creek?
Plan on roughly 14 to 15 miles round trip with about 2,400 to 2,700 feet of gain from the Monarch Lake Trailhead. Many people break it into an overnight trip.
Do you need a permit to camp at Crater Lake?
Yes. From June 1 through September 15, overnight stays in the Indian Peaks Wilderness require a permit, and camping around Mirror and Crater Lakes is limited to designated sites. Check current rules with the USFS.
Is there a fee at Monarch Lake?
Yes, a parking pass is required in the Arapaho National Recreation Area. Fees change, so check with the Forest Service before your trip.
Featured in: Best Alpine Lake Hikes in Colorado · Colorado Waterfall Hikes
Combine it with
Monarch Lake · Lake Granby · Grand Lake · Rocky Mountain National Park (west side)
More Colorado spots
Clear Creek Welch Ditch · South Table Mountain Park · Emerald Lake (Crested Butte)
Sources & further reading: cmc.org · trails.colorado.gov · theoutbound.com. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.