Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Monarch Lake Trailhead

    5.0 (5 reviews)

    Monarch Lake Trailhead Photos

    You might also consider

    More like Monarch Lake Trailhead

    Recommended Reviews - Monarch Lake Trailhead

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Hiking around the lake
    Dana K.

    There are many hikes leaving from this Monarch Lake Trailhead including hikes to the falls and to other lakes, but let's talk about the loop around Monarch Lake. This is a 3.2 mile hike with a 300 feet elevation gain, designated easy in the guidebooks. Depending on the time of year, you will hike through some mud, skip over some running streams, walk over man-made bridges over creeks, or step on stones to get through. You might have to go over or under downed trees, but all of this adds to the fun an interest of this amazing place! Part of the Monarch Loop is in the Indian Peaks Wilderness where you will discover additional and more difficult trails to try next time! The loop is part sun, part shade with stunning views. I recommend sun screen and possibly bug spray (buggy Mcbugface is out for sure in later hours). The loop takes about 2 hours, but is slower with little ones and faster if you just like to get it done! There is a pit toilet, but it has been closed because of Covid19. They are looking to open for Cabin greeting at the lake entrance and open the toilets the first weekend in July 2020 again, so plan accordingly! Parking can be difficult on the weekends especially after 9am.

    Monarch Lakr

    See all

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dana K.
    117
    430
    4231

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 460 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Colorado Adventure Center - Whooooi!!!!

    Colorado Adventure Center

    4.6(235 reviews)
    25.7 mi

    As first-time rafters with two skeptical teenage girls in tow, we weren't sure if we were about to…read morebond... or just bounce off some rocks. But Austin was our fearless rafting guide and part-time therapist--who calmed nerves, cracked jokes, and got us paddling in no time. From the very first splash, Austin made us feel safe and slightly more athletic than we actually are. He coached us through the twists and turns of the creek, and somehow convinced our teens that getting absolutely drenched and paddling for their lives was the best day ever. Miracles do exist. We glided through hidden stretches of the creek like pros (or at least like enthusiastic amateurs with great lighting), hollering with joy and soaking up every second of the adventure. Even the "hold on tight!" moments felt like a ride at a theme park--but with better views and less screaming. 10/10 would paddle again. If you're looking for an unforgettable family outing full of laughter, nature, and just the right amount of "we might flip but only if you don't do what Austin says", he's your guide. He's part guide, part hype man, and all-around river legend. Bring snacks or a picnic lunch for after an early morning trip, bring sunscreen (and put it on BEFORE you get a wetsuit. Rent shoes when you check-in ($5/person). Your family will thank you for this adventure (once they stop laughing and wringing out their socks).

    I rarely leave negative reviews, but our experience on the July 2 beginner rafting trip was…read moredisappointing enough that I feel others should know what to expect. The day started with what appeared to be a major organizational failure. Instead of sending individual beginner groups down the river separately, the company combined two beginner groups into one massive group of approximately 16 rafts. Having that many inexperienced rafters on the water at the same time created congestion, confusion, and raised serious safety concerns. Unfortunately, those concerns proved valid. One person in our raft fell into the river twice during the trip. While rafting always involves some risk, our guide, Lily, appeared completely unprepared for the responsibility of leading a beginner group. We were told it was her first time guiding, and it showed. She struggled to give clear directions, could not project her voice well enough for everyone in the raft to hear, and often seemed unsure of how to effectively manage and direct the boat through the rapids. Beginner rafters depend on their guide for instruction and confidence, and that was lacking throughout the trip. What was even more concerning was learning that the company had to borrow guides from other rafting companies just to have enough staff for the day. In fact, our bus had to exit the freeway so one of the borrowed guides could be dropped off at his own employer to start his shift. That alone speaks volumes about how unprepared the operation appeared to be. The final frustration was the length of the trip. Our beginner trip departed at 9:00 a.m. and did not return until after 2:00 p.m. More than five hours for a beginner rafting excursion is excessive, especially when there was little communication explaining the delays. I understand that outdoor activities can be unpredictable, but the issues we experienced were not related to weather or river conditions. They were the result of poor planning, inadequate staffing, and questionable operational decisions. The river itself was beautiful, but the overall experience was overshadowed by safety concerns, lack of organization, and poor communication. I hope management takes a serious look at how these trips are staffed and managed before someone gets hurt. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend this company.

    Photos
    Colorado Adventure Center
    Colorado Adventure Center - Ziplining!!!!

    Ziplining!!!!

    Colorado Adventure Center

    See all

    Monarch Lake Trailhead - hiking - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...