Monarch Lake: A Tranquil Alpine Escape
Discover the serene beauty of Monarch Lake: Hike scenic trails, paddle calm waters, and explore the gateway to the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Nestled in the Arapaho National Recreation Area, Monarch Lake offers a serene escape with stunning mountain views and access to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Perfect for hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating, it's a haven for nature lovers seeking tranquility.
A brief summary to Monarch Lake
- Colorado, US
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and during the summer, as parking can fill up quickly.
- Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing, as the area is home to moose, deer, and various bird species.
- Purchase an Arapaho National Recreation Area pass online or at the Arapahoe Bay Pay Station.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in the mountains.
- Check for permit requirements if planning an overnight backpacking trip into the Indian Peaks Wilderness (June 1 to September 15).
Getting There
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Driving
From Granby, head north on US Highway 34 for approximately 6 miles. Turn east onto County Road 6 (Arapaho Bay Road/NFSR 125) and continue for 10 miles to the parking area at Monarch Lake. A day-use fee is required for parking within the Arapaho National Recreation Area. This can be purchased at the Arapahoe Bay Pay Station shortly after turning onto County Road 6. Parking is limited to approximately 40 vehicles and can fill quickly during peak season.
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Public Transport
While there is no direct public transportation to Monarch Lake, you can take a bus to Granby and then a taxi or rideshare service to the lake. From the Granby Visitor Center, a taxi or rideshare will cost approximately $30-$45 and take around 30-40 minutes. Check with local taxi companies or rideshare apps for current rates and availability.
Discover more about Monarch Lake
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kauffman House Museum
17.6 km
Explore the Kauffman House Museum in Grand Lake, Colorado, for an insightful journey through the region's history and captivating artifacts.
Cozens Ranch Museum
19.6 km
Uncover the intriguing history of Granby, Colorado at Cozens Ranch Museum, a perfect blend of heritage, community, and exploration.
Lost Lake Trail
20.2 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and serene beauty of Lost Lake Trail in Nederland, Colorado, a perfect hiking destination for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Holzwarth Historic Site
31.5 km
Explore the Holzwarth Historic Site in Grand Lake, Colorado, where history meets nature in a stunning Rocky Mountain setting.
St Mary's Glacier Trailhead
31.9 km
Explore the stunning St Mary's Glacier Trailhead in Colorado, where breathtaking views and adventurous hiking await every nature enthusiast.
Rocky Mountain Day Hikes, a Website of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
31.9 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park with stunning hiking trails designed for all levels of adventurers and nature lovers.
Forest Canyon Overlook
32.5 km
Discover the breathtaking views and serene beauty at Forest Canyon Overlook in Rocky Mountain National Park, a must-visit for every nature lover.
Many Parks Curve Overlook
32.8 km
Explore Many Parks Curve Overlook, a stunning scenic spot in Rocky Mountain National Park, offering breathtaking views and an immersive natural experience.
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
32.8 km
Explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center - your essential resource for adventure and discovery.
Rocky Mountain National Park Sign
33.0 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Rocky Mountain National Park, a natural wonder in Colorado for outdoor adventures and serene escapes.
Rainbow Curve Overlook
33.5 km
Discover the stunning beauty of Rainbow Curve Overlook, a must-visit scenic spot in Rocky Mountain National Park offering breathtaking views and hiking trails.
Farview Curve Viewpoint
33.8 km
Experience the stunning beauty of the Rocky Mountains at Farview Curve Viewpoint, a must-visit scenic spot along Trail Ridge Road in Colorado.
Tour Estes Park
34.0 km
Explore the stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming culture of Estes Park, your gateway to the Rocky Mountains.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway Top Terminal
34.3 km
Experience the breathtaking vistas of the Rockies with a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, a must-visit tourist attraction in Colorado.
Horseshoe Park
34.4 km
Explore the stunning scenery and wildlife of Horseshoe Park in Estes Park, Colorado, a perfect getaway for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Unmissable attractions to see
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland
0.9 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, a haven for outdoor adventures and serene natural landscapes in Colorado.
Wild Basin
15.3 km
Discover Wild Basin: Hike to stunning waterfalls and alpine lakes in a less-crowded corner of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Ouzel Falls
15.8 km
Discover the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park on the trail to Ouzel Falls, a 5.4-mile hike through Wild Basin's stunning waterfalls.
Calypso Cascades
16.1 km
Hike to the stunning Calypso Cascades in Rocky Mountain National Park's Wild Basin and discover a serene waterfall surrounded by natural beauty.
Grand Lake
17.9 km
Discover Grand Lake, Colorado: A charming mountain village with year-round recreation, stunning lake views, and easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Grand Lake Visitor Center
18.2 km
Your adventure starts here! Get info on Grand Lake, the Rockies, and more at the Grand Lake Visitor Center. Open daily with friendly staff.
Copeland Falls
18.4 km
Discover the serene beauty of Copeland Falls, an easily accessible waterfall hike in Rocky Mountain National Park's Wild Basin.
Wild Basin Trailhead
18.6 km
Discover Rocky Mountain National Park's serene side: Hike to stunning waterfalls and alpine lakes from the Wild Basin Trailhead near Allenspark, CO.
Fraser Tubing Hill
19.6 km
Experience thrilling snow tubing at Fraser Tubing Hill, a family-owned winter tradition since 1971, located minutes from Winter Park!
Kawuneeche Visitor Center
19.7 km
Explore the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park at Kawuneeche Visitor Center, your essential guide to outdoor adventures and breathtaking landscapes.
Chasm View
20.0 km
Experience breathtaking views from Chasm View in Rocky Mountain National Park, where nature's grandeur unfolds before your eyes.
Lake Of Glass
20.7 km
Hike to Lake of Glass in Rocky Mountain National Park for stunning reflections and breathtaking mountain views.
Keyhole Route
21.8 km
Experience the thrill of summiting Longs Peak via the iconic Keyhole Route, a challenging mountaineering adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Chasm Junction
21.8 km
A pivotal trail junction on the way to Longs Peak and Chasm Lake, offering access to stunning alpine scenery and challenging climbs in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Lake Haiyaha To Mills/Loch Jct Trl
23.1 km
Discover the turquoise waters and rugged beauty of Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
Essential places to dine
Twin Owls Steakhouse
31.0 km
Experience exceptional steaks and American cuisine at Twin Owls Steakhouse in Estes Park – where quality meets stunning mountain views.
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
32.7 km
Experience the best of American cuisine and craft brews at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern in Estes Park – your cozy retreat after exploring nature's wonders.
Bird & Jim
33.3 km
Discover Bird & Jim: An exceptional dining experience featuring local American cuisine and stunning views in Estes Park.
Boss Burgers and Gyros
33.5 km
Indulge in mouth-watering burgers and authentic gyros at Boss Burgers and Gyros – your go-to spot in scenic Estes Park.
Smokin' Dave's BBQ - ESTES PARK
33.6 km
Experience mouthwatering barbecue at Smokin' Dave's BBQ in Estes Park - where smoky flavors meet stunning mountain views.
Coffee on the Rocks
34.5 km
Discover Coffee on the Rocks in Estes Park – where quality brews meet breathtaking mountain views for an unforgettable experience.
Rivers Edge BBQ
34.6 km
Experience mouthwatering barbecue at Rivers Edge BBQ in Estes Park – where flavor meets nature's beauty.
The View Restaurant
34.8 km
Discover exquisite American cuisine amidst breathtaking mountain views at The View Restaurant in Estes Park.
Sweet Basilico Cafe
34.9 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors amidst stunning mountain views at Sweet Basilico Cafe in Estes Park.
Big Horn Restaurant
35.1 km
Experience family-friendly dining at Big Horn Restaurant in Estes Park with delicious American cuisine perfect for all tastes and budgets.
Mother's Cafe
35.2 km
Discover comfort food at Mother's Cafe in Estes Park - where every dish feels like home amidst stunning mountain views.
CAFE DE PHO THAI
35.2 km
Experience authentic Vietnamese and Thai flavors at Café de Pho Thai in Estes Park – where culinary delight meets scenic beauty.
MollyB Restaurant
35.2 km
Experience delightful American cuisine at MollyB Restaurant in Estes Park - where great food meets stunning mountain views.
The Grubsteak Restaurant
35.2 km
Discover The Grubsteak Restaurant in Estes Park – where exceptional steaks meet warm hospitality amidst stunning mountain views.
Twisted Griffin Irish Pub & Restaurant
35.2 km
Discover authentic Irish cuisine and warm hospitality at Twisted Griffin in Estes Park—your perfect dining destination in Colorado.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
City Market
16.8 km
Discover the essence of Granby at City Market, where fresh local produce and specialty items await every culinary enthusiast.
Country Ace Hardware
18.1 km
Discover the unique blend of hardware, gardening, and gifts at Country Ace Hardware in Granby, Colorado.
Safeway
18.7 km
Explore Safeway in Fraser, CO - your go-to grocery store offering fresh produce, local specialties, and quality services for every traveler.
Bottle Pass Liquors
18.7 km
Discover a diverse selection of wines and liquors in Fraser, Colorado at Bottle Pass Liquors – your local destination for fine spirits.
Local Experience
18.8 km
Discover top-notch ski gear and unbeatable service at Fraser's Local Experience, perfect for your Colorado winter adventures.
Sunshine Herb Corner
19.0 km
Explore Sunshine Herb Corner in Fraser, Colorado - your go-to destination for vitamins, supplements, and health foods amidst stunning mountain scenery.
The Mad Moose
33.3 km
Explore The Mad Moose for top outdoor gear and unique souvenirs in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Village Store of Estes Park
33.3 km
Discover the charm of The Village Store in Estes Park, a perfect blend of clothing, gifts, and souvenirs for every traveler.
Wild Horse Gift Shop
33.7 km
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The Trading Post of the Rockies
34.6 km
Explore a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and local crafts at The Trading Post of the Rockies in scenic Estes Park.
Lizzie's Boutique
35.1 km
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Annie's
35.2 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Annie's, a charming gift shop in Estes Park, CO, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Rockies.
Wonderful Things
35.2 km
Explore Wonderful Things in Estes Park, where unique gifts and local treasures await every visitor in a charming mountain atmosphere.
Favorite Things
35.2 km
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The Whispering Wood
35.2 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Randi's Grill & Pub
20.6 km
Experience authentic Irish cuisine and warm hospitality at Randi's Grill & Pub in Winter Park, a cozy getaway for food lovers and adventure seekers.
Gravity Haus Winter Park
21.0 km
Experience the perfect blend of luxury and adventure at Gravity Haus Winter Park, your gateway to the Rocky Mountains.
Rock Cut Brewing Company
34.9 km
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Full Throttle Distillery & Grill Estes Park
35.1 km
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Lonigans Saloon Nightclub & Grill, An Irish Pub
35.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Lonigans Saloon Nightclub & Grill, a perfect blend of Irish pub charm and delightful grill cuisine in Estes Park.
Wheel Bar
35.4 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and innovative cocktails at The Wheel Bar, Estes Park's favorite cocktail destination for locals and tourists alike.
The Bull Pin - Elevated Entertainment
35.5 km
Experience fun and excitement at The Bull Pin in Estes Park, featuring bowling, billiards, and arcade games for all ages.
Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
35.5 km
Experience the best of Colorado's craft brewery scene at Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co., where unique flavors and stunning mountain views await.
Avant Garde Aleworks
35.7 km
Discover the essence of craft brewing at Avant Garde Aleworks, where exceptional beers meet stunning mountain views in Estes Park, Colorado.
The Whiskey Bar At The Cascades Restaurant
36.1 km
Discover the elegance of The Whiskey Bar At The Cascades in Estes Park, where fine whiskeys and stunning mountain views meet in perfect harmony.
217 Wine Bar
36.2 km
Discover the best selection of fine wines at 217 Wine Bar in Estes Park, where scenic views meet exquisite flavors for a perfect evening.
The Bitter Bar
40.0 km
Discover The Bitter Bar, Boulder’s premier cocktail destination, offering unique drinks and a vibrant ambiance for a perfect night out.
West End Tavern
40.0 km
Discover the West End Tavern in Boulder, Colorado – a lively bar with stunning rooftop views, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
Pits & Stems
40.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Pits & Stems, Boulder’s premier cocktail bar known for its innovative drinks and welcoming ambiance.
Press Play Bar LP
40.1 km
Discover the joy of retro gaming and craft beverages at Press Play Bar in Boulder, where every visit promises fun and unforgettable memories.
