Gourd Lake Trail
Description:
The
Gourd Lake trail begins on the Buchanan Pass trail at an elevation of 9,536
feet and climbs to Gourd Lake at an elevation of 10,836 feet in 2.7 miles.
The trail is long and steep. This rather strenuous trail contains a series
of long switchbacks. The trail winds primarily through lodgepole pine and
spruce forest with a few rocky openings along the way. Most of the trail is
relatively rock free. Near the top it crosses a stream coming from the lake
and makes the final ascent to Gourd Lake. You'll come to a long pond just
below the lake. Continue on around to the right and up to the lake.
Gourd Lake sits in a bowl surrounded on the north by rock walls. Only about
half of the shore is accessible for fishing. The south and east shores are
accessible. There is not much open space around the lake.
Open campfires are not permitted in the area around the lake (stoves only).
Good campsites are limited around the lake. The lake is deep and contains
large cutthroat trout.
Features:
| Length: |
2.7 miles (4.4 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
9,538' - 10,838' |
| Elevation change: |
1,300 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 15 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
Moderate |
| USGS maps: |
Isolation Peak |
| Trailheads: |
Monarch Lake |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash, no campfires
at Gourd Lake |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (not allow in wilderness) |
| Suitable for horses: |
Yes |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other Nearby Resources:
Directions:
The
Gourd Lake Trail is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and can be reached
via the Buchanan Pass Trail. From Granby take Highway 34 north to the entrance
to the Arapaho National Recreation Area. Travel east on Forest Road 125 for
about 10 miles to the Monarch Lake Trailhead. Take the Cascade Creek Trail for
about 3.4 miles to the Buchanan Pass Trail. Travel east on the Buchanan Pass
Trail for about 2.3 miles to the Gourd Lake Trail.
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