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    Beaver Reservoir to Monarch Lake Hike

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    7.5-10.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    26.7 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    975 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead

    Beaver Reservoir to Monarch Lake Hike is a one-way trail in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. We love this hike because you aren’t retracing your steps back to the carpark. Instead, this hike will guide you through various Colorado terrains and up and over the Continental Divide. This hike is not for the faint of heart, but if you are seeking a stimulating excursion through the Indian Peaks, then you have found your next adventure.

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    Route Description for Beaver Reservoir to Monarch Lake Hike

    The Beaver Reservoir to Monarch Lake Trail is an exhilarating hike. Navigate through primitive trails, scale Sawtooth Mountain and the Continental Divide all in one day. Make sure you grab your trail GPS prior to heading out because the hike traverses through some underdeveloped areas. Don’t fret though, we’ve got you! Additionally, make sure you are adequately experienced before conquering this trail, you will need to scramble up steep rock taluses, navigate switchbacks and be comfortable hiking off the beaten path. Don’t forget to leave a car at the finish line!

    Begin this trail at the Beaver Reservoir Parking Lot. From here, hook onto Coney Creek Road. Hike Coney Creek Road for a while before crossing a bridge. After the bridge, veer left onto the Beaver Creek Trail. Follow this trail through the woodlands as you gradually gain elevation. Stay on this path as it merges onto Buchanan Pass Trail, stay left here. At this point, you will ascend the treeline and begin your climb up to Buchanan Pass. This segment of the trail is rocky and steep. Be careful when scrambling up the ridge. Navigate the rocky switchbacks until you summit the Continental Divide.

    Once on the pass, feel free to hike the steep, but short climb up to Sawtooth Mountain peak. Here you will be rewarded with expanse vistas of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Head back down the summit to Buchanan Pass. Descend the west side of the pass, maneuvering loose boulders and the rocky scree. Continue along Buchanan Pass Trail as you dip back below the tree line. Do your best to stay on this trail. Eventually you will encounter a junction with the Cascade Creek Trail, take this path west as it guides you down to Monarch Lake and to the Parking lot.

    Getting to the Beaver Reservoir to Monarch Lake Hike Trailhead

    The Beaver Reservoir to Monarch Lake Trail departs from the Beaver Reservoir Parking Lot off of Country Road 96.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Yes, permits required.

    • When to do

      April-October

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Poor

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      One Way

    Beaver Reservoir to Monarch Lake Hike Elevation Graph

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    Beaver Reservoir to Monarch Lake Hike Reviews

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