Trail Information
- Area: Indian Peaks Wilderness – Gourd Lake
- Trailhead: Monarch Lake Trailhead
- Dates: 8/2/2019 – 8/4/2019
- Length: ~16.5 miles in/out
- Difficulty: Moderate
This is both Erin (my now wife) and my second trip to Gourd Lake. It was first recommended to me when I called in for a permit to Crater Lake at Lone Eagle Peak. But anyone who knows Indian Peaks Wilderness, knows Lone Eagle Peak, and how hard it is to snag a permit from May to September. The ranger mentioned Gourd Lake is less traveled, probably due to the steep switch backs a couple miles prior to the lake. But he was right! Both times at the lake we’ve nearly had it to ourselves. What I’ve also always appreciated about Monarch Lake Trailhead, is that we regularly see moose on the mouth of the Arapahoe River into Monarch Lake. Typically a cow and calf combo somewhere along the river or in the marsh. Also keep an eye out for raspberry bushes in the first half mile during late summer. Always worth stopping for!
The first 5-5.5 miles are relatively easy. You follow a river the whole way, it’s mostly shady on those hot summer days, and it’s not too steep. It doesn’t get steep until you hit the turn off for Gourd Lake, which is nothing but 2.5 miles of switch backs. Also, little water until you reach the lake, so start it prepared! It’s pretty easy to recognize the end of the switch backs as soon as you see the first marshy area.
As soon as you crest, you have the option of going left or right around the lake. The main trail goes counterclockwise if you’re looking to hike past. Heading left will yield a few great campsites (#5 & #6 as mentioned below), but you will get a little cliffed out if you attempt to hike that way.
Erin and I have camped in sites #3 and #4. #4 was our first trip up there, and is really great being right on the lake. Pretty small site however, which could only hold one small tent, or several hammocks. #3 is great, but hidden from water views. There are plentiful just over the rock for hammocks, sun bathing, swimming, etc. Issues with #3 & #4 are that the trail runs right through, but it seems to rarely have any traffic. #5 and #6 could be combined into a larger site. But I stray away from that area when in a small group for fear that someone will camp near me! Could comfortably camp up to 10-12 people however, and it’s really great being surrounded by water. I remember writing down #1 and #2 as being smaller sites (2-4 people). #2 being higher up from the water, and #1 is great because it’s right where the water flows into the lake, yielding some nice relaxing sounds to fall asleep to.
There are a few more spots higher up should you want even more solitude. We took a day hike up to Island Lake and played in the snow in August. Like any hiking trip, the higher you hike, the grander the views! You sometimes sacrifice trees and shelter for views, but there’s definitely plenty of spots to make you feel comfortable. I always tend to search for trees specifically for the hammock and shade. The trail continues past Island Lake over the ridge to Upper Lake into Hell canyon. Check out my last post for that camping suggestions on that area!
