Hiking in Winter Park, CO

The Winter Park/Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce is doing a bike and hike trail of the week and I thought I would pass it along on our blog for any of you that have an interest in hiking and biking.

The first edition is Monarch Lake for the hike.  I have done this hike with my wife pregnant with twins so it is about perfect for kids, families and pets.  Monarch Lake is absolutely beautiful and there is lots of wildlife in the area so keep the camera close and be on the watch.  There is good fishing in Monarch Lake so take a pole and try to snag a big one.

Winter Park Hike Trail of the Week

Monarch Lake

Length:4.07 miles round trip
Elevation: Trailhead: 8,345′ Highest Point: 8,459′
Rating: Easy- A trail requiring limited skill with little challenge to travel
Trailhead Location: From the Winter Park Visitor Center continue North on US Hwy 40 for about twenty minutes into the town of Granby. Once you drive through the town of Granby you will see an exit sign for US Hwy 34 to Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park.From there take Hwy 34, and between mile marker 5 and 6 turn onto CR 6 (FDR 125).  Follow this road for 10 miles to the Monarch Lake parking area.
Trail Information: This easy loop around the lake is a popular destination year round. The trail begins at an old cabin that is staffed in the summertime. Along the way you will pass an old steam donkey engine, log chute pilings and cabin remains from when this area was logged in 1902. Keep your eyes open for the moose!
Special Trail Regulations: dogs must be on a leash not to exceed six feet at all times. Day use at this trailhead requires the purchase of an Arapaho National Recreation Area entrance pass or display of your golden passport on the dash of your vehicle. If you are camping overnight in the wilderness, then only a wilderness permit is required. Please leave the parking stub from the wilderness permit on the dashboard of the vehicle in the parking lot.

Again, Monarch Lake Trail is a great scenic hike just a short drive from Winter Park and Fraser on your way to Grand Lake.  Make a day of it and head over to Grand Lake and have a bite to eat and take in Grand Lake, Colorado’s biggest natural lake.

Summer is here so get out of the house, get a little exercise and see the beauty of Colorado.