Crater Lake and Mirror Lake are located 7.4 miles from Monarch Lake Trailhead in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The lakes are .2 miles apart in a steep bowl carved from the base of Mount Achonee (12,469') and Lone Eagle Peak (11,920'). The Cascade Creek Trail runs past Monarch Lake and along Buchanan Creek and Cascade Creek to the lakes. Visitors will enjoy miles of fishable streams, a stop at Cascade Falls, and high alpine backdrops on the hike to Crater Lake and Mirror Lake.

Mirror Lake is located .2 miles downstream from Crater Lake; though considerably smaller than Crater Lake, its comparatively open and level perimeter holds more campsites

One of four tiers that comprise Cascade Falls (4.55 miles : 9,207')

Crater Lake (10,327') is located in a steep walled basin carved from Mount Achonee (12,649') and Lone Eagle Peak (11,920'), just west of the Continental Divide

The trail begins up the north side of Monarch Lake, a good birding destination with residents such as pelicans and osprey

The trail opens through a long subalpine valley between Cascade Falls and Mirror Lake

Lower Cascade Falls marks the beginning of a steep ascent up Cascade Creek

Asters belong to one of the largest taxonomic groups of vascular plants with over 20,000 species

Lone Eagle Peak (11,920') looms directly over Mirror Lake, and is among the most distinguished summits in the Indian Peaks

Peck Glacier is located high above Crater Lake in a steep fold in the cirque wall

The trail's steepest sections closely follow the four main tiers of Cascade Falls

The marshy inlet of Monarch Lake along Arapaho Creek is a good place to see moose

The Monarch Lake Trailhead is accessible from the north via Trail Ridge Road, where Bighorn Sheep are often seen

Cascade Creek joins Arapaho Creek just above Monarch, its primary source; Arapaho Creek continues through Monarch Lake into Lake Granby

Colorado subalpine forests typically occur 9,000' - 11,000', with primary constituents of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce

Campfires are not permitted above the last tier of Cascade Falls in the upper valley

Pine beetles affect trees by laying eggs under the bark, introducing a fungus that reduces overall resistance and blocks water and nutrient transport

Recent storms and seasons with heavy runoff have damaged and / or obscured bridges and portions of trail in the upper valley

Rushing water causes swirling designs in side pools adjacent to Arapahoe Creek

Monarch Lake features accessible tree islands which make for a unique lake experience

Crater Lake is a long day hike or a great backcountry camping destination

Kinnikinnick is a ubiquitous ground-cover plant whose name is derived from the native American word for 'smoking mixture'