Click on photo to explore the lake shore to the right. To get to Island Lake,
you first hike way up to the formation to the left to the fairylike reflecting pool.
To get to Gourd Lake, you start 8½ miles away at Monarch Lake by the
southeast reach of Lake Granby. Walk into the mountains along the north
shore of the lake (with the lake to your right). At the far end of the lake
you walk through a dense forest. Before you cross Buchanan Creek you'll
need to turn up the Cascade Creek / Buchanan Creek Trail. About 3 miles up
from Monarch Lake you'll be near the now closed Shelter Rock "Campground".
Just past this level area you'll meet the Buchanan Pass Trail. Turn left onto
this trail and you'll enter a huge fold in the mountains as you follow Buchanan
Creek. A mile and a half up the trail, you'll meet (on your left) the trail and a
sign pointing the way to Gourd Lake. It is a good trail, however it is not
marked on most maps. The trail winds 1300 feet up to Gourd Lake and
provides a number of dramatic views of the wild Indian Peaks terrain.

.. return to scenery list ..