Crater Lake and Mirror Lake - 14.8 Miles Round-Trip

Crater Lake and Mirror Lake are located 7.2 and 7.4 miles from Monarch Lake Trailhead on the west side of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

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The lakes are set in a deep bowl carved from Mount Achonee (12,469') and Lone Eagle Peak (11,920') under the Continental Divide.

This long but moderate hike follows the Cascade Creek Trail along Monarch Lake, Buchanan Creek and Cascade Creek to the Crater Lake Trail, which splits south through subalpine forests to the lakes.

While achievable in a day, numerous highlights and backcountry camping options warrant an overnight stay. Camping permits are required and limited. Contact the Sulphur Ranger District (970.887.4100) in advance to secure a permit. 

Visitors will enjoy miles of fishable streams, a stop at Cascade Falls and abundant flowers on the hike to Crater Lake:

The Cascade Creek Trail begins on a level path up the north shore of Monarch Lake to the Indian Peaks Wilderness boundary (1.2 miles : 8,358’). Look for osprey over the lake, moose in the marshy inlet area and raspberries along the way.

It rises to the Arapaho Pass Spur Trail (1.6 miles : 8,367') and steepens under a tall canopy marred by pine beetles.

At 2.05 miles (8,481') the trail meets Buchanan Creek before climbing away on steep switchbacks. It moderates past 2.5 miles and begins a long, level stretch through uniform lodgepole to the Buchanan Pass Trail split (3.45 miles : 8,772').

*There are several established campsites in this area, however some do not conform to Forest Service rules. Only use sites that are at least 100' away from trails and streams.

The trail continues over a bridge near the confluence off Buchanan Creek and Cascade Creek (3.6 miles : 8,835') and climbs to a narrow, voluminous waterfall (3.75 miles). This is not Cascade Falls, but one of several unnamed ones en route to the main group.

The trail rises to a long bridge at an abrupt opening in the valley (4.4 miles : 9,105') and crosses Cascade Creek to the first of four main falls that comprise Cascade Falls (4.55 miles : 9,207'). Note that fires and horses are not permitted beyond the bridge leading to the falls.

Travel steepens beside the falls and grows rugged beyond the fourth (5.2 miles : 9,525') up to a large meadow with good views of the Divide (5.4 miles : 9,670'). 

The trail crosses a narrow, elevated bridge (6.45 miles : 9,995') to the Crater Lake Trail split (6.65 miles : 10,033'). This bridge can be tricky when wet or with heavy packs.

Veer right onto the Crater Lake Trail and look for cairns leading over rock slabs to backcountry campsite #1 (6.85 miles : 10,153').

It crosses Cascade Creek on a newly installed bridge (6.95 miles : 10,153') and levels through an attractive sequence of glades, streams and open forest.

The trail makes one final push up steep switchbacks to Mirror Lake (7.2 miles : 10,291'). Lone Eagle Peak looms over Mirror Lake, one of the most iconic settings in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. A number of designated campsites ring the small lake.

The main trail continues up the west side of Mirror Lake to Crater Lake (7.4 miles : 10,327'). Note there are many social trails between the lakes, and it's possible to become disoriented. If in doubt, simply follow the stream connecting the two.

Crater Lake occupies a large bowl under Mount Achonee (12,469'), Lone Eagle Peak (11,920') and several unnamed peaks topping 12,000'. Peck Glacier and several perennial snowfields cling to the steep-walled cirque. Social trails circle the lake, but climbing higher for additional perspective is somewhat limited by terrain and pitch.