Hiking Crater & Mirror Lake, Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado

Crater Lake and Mirror Lake certainly have very generic names for lakes, but the views are by no means ordinary. Hiking to Crater Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness of Colorado should be on the bucket list of just about anyone living in the state. The views of the extremely unique Lone Eagle Peak make this one of the most scenic lakes in the country. Here’s everything you should know.

It is worth noting that in this article we are discussing the Crater Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, not the Crater Lake in the Maroon Snowmass Wilderness.

 

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Trail Map | Trails | Hiking In Winter | Camping | Directions | Pictures

Difficulty – Strenuous
Distance – 14.6 miles round trip (23.50 km)
Height –10,395 feet (3168.40 m)
Elevation gain – 3,027 feet (922.63 m)
Duration – 8-9 hours (book time)
Hike Class: Class 2
Trailhead Location – Monarch Lake Trailhead (8,367 Feet)
Dogs – Allowed on leash

 

Need To Know Information

• A permit is required for anyone planning to stay overnight from June 1 through September 15. More information on that can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=8080
• Dogs are allowed on leash.
• Between Nov. 15 and June 15 the final mile of road to the trailhead is closed, requiring hikers to hike exra.

Trail Map

Download GPX Here

 

Routes

 

Crater Lake Via Monarch Lake Trailhead – 14.6 Miles Round Trip (23.50 km) – 3,027 Feet (922.63 m) Total Elevation Gain – Class 1

This hike is a relatively straightforward hike that starts at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. In only a couple hundred feet, you’ll be along Monarch Lake and seeing absolutely stunning views. The trails are well traveled in the first couple of miles, but the traffic drops quite a bit once you pass monarch lake.

The first 2 miles are relatively flat, but hikers begin to ascend more once they hit the trail junction for the Arapahoe Basin Spur. Hikers continue straight on the Cascade Creek Trail.

3.3 miles in, hikers will reach a junction for the Buchanan Pass Trail. This trail heads off to the left, but hikers stay straight. The trail here goes through Aspens where moose are frequently seen, and even has several gorgeous waterfalls.

The next junction is at mile 6.3. This left turn is the Pawnee Pass Trail, but hikers should continue straight. Hikers will begin to see small spur trails to campsites in this area towards the lake. Simply follow the main trails all the way to Crater Lake.

 

 

Hiking in Winter

The final mile to the trailhead is closed in winter (Nov. 15 to June 15). This means that hikers will need to add about 1 mile each way of flight hiking to the overall totals in winter. 

 

Camping Information

This is an extremely popular first come first serve backpacking zone. There are specific rules and regulations for camping here, and specifici campsites that backpackers are required to camp on.

You can see those zones and rules here.

There is also a nearby campground at Arapaho Bay. You can reserve spots and get more information here.

 

Weather

Here is a detailed weather forecast for the area:

Snowmass Village, CO

 

Directions

Directions to Monarch Lake Trailhead:

 

Additional Pictures