Backpacking ~ Indian Peaks, Mirror Lake (SAT 19-20 SEP)

Join us on this backpacking trip, near Granby, CO!

Mirror Lake and Crater Lake are widely considered the crown jewels of the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Overnight permits are not required after September 15. We have a planned camping area about 4.5 miles into the hike near a waterfall, but this is a very popular destination, even in September. Therefore, we are starting early...☀️We can expect parking to fill up by 8.00 am.

Be prepared for the possibility of an alternate campsite. and some flexibility once we’re on the trail.

❄️ Expect cooler temperatures at night

🅿️PARKING FEE: There is a $5 fee for parking at Monarch Lake Trailhead. You can purchase an Arapaho National Recreation Area pass online in advance or at the onsite fee machine.
https://www.recreation.gov/activitypass/ed5a5e18-64c9-11eb-b2a1-ce9547b3d27e

EXPERIENCE:

• New to backpacking? Welcome! Send Jeremiah a quick message here on Meetup to say hi. Let us know what has you excited about the trip, and briefly outline your setup for sleeping, shelter, and water filtration. It’s a great way for us to connect and ensure everyone feels prepared before we hit the trail!
• Experienced backpacker? You are clear to RSVP!

✅MEET AND GREET AT TRAILHEAD: 7.45 am
✅START HIKING: 8.00 am (our hikes start on time)

TRAIL RATING:
🟡Active
FITNESS: You should be in good shape and comfortable hiking steep sections.

TRAIL READY
To ensure our group can move together with ease and safety, our adventures are best suited for hikers who are trail ready. Please review the Trail Rating below to ensure this specific trip matches your current conditioning.

TRAILHEAD: (Monarch Lake Trailhead)

Route type: Out and back
Crowds: Expect to share the trail with day hikers.

DAY 1, Sat Sep 19th:

• 4 miles to camp | +900 ft elevation gain
• Setup camp
• ⛰️ Afternoon hike to Mirror and Crater Lakes | 7 miles (round trip) | +1300 ft of gain

DAY 2, Sun Sep 20th:

• 4 miles | -900 ft elevation gain
• Hike back to cars

WHERE: Indian Peaks Wilderness
HIKE TYPE: Backpacking, one night
TRAIL MAP: https://caltopo.com/m/V94EP2K#
WEBSITE: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/cascade-creek-trail-to-mirror-lake-and-crater-lake

🚗CARPOOLING (strongly encouraged):
Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride
18560 U.S. Hwy 40, Golden, CO 80401
Section CC
Drive Time: 2 hour
Organize Cars: 5.30 am
Start Driving: 5.45 am (sharp)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD:
GOOGLE MAP LINK

NOTABLES:

• Hikes may be changed or canceled due to weather, snowpack, smoke, avalanche danger and low RSVPS.
• 🐶Dogs must be leashed.

⚠️ KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
We are a community of peers not guides or leaders. Hosts are not experts and should not be relied on for advice, medical care, or emergency assistance. You are responsible for your own safety, gear, and fitness, and must be prepared to complete the hike independently. The host's role is simply to be the anchor point; the person who ensures everyone meets at the right spot so the group can head out together.

A signed Safety & Emergency Form is required to join. The link will appear as a required question when you click "RSVP."
Returning members: You only need to resubmit the form if your emergency contact has changed.

GUESTS: Want to bring a friend? Have them join ICB and sign the Safety & Emergency Form first. We'd love to have them!

RSVP EXPECTATIONS: Update your RSVP (including waitlist) at least 48 hours before the event. If you miss 2 events without notice, you'll need to wait 90 days before rejoining the group.

BE PREPARED: We prioritize safety and self-sufficiency so we can focus on the experience. If you need to audit your gear or prep, this REI Checklist is a great resource.

TRIP STYLE:
We backpack to nature. Our adventures are less about the destination and more about the journey itself. We immerse ourselves the splendor of nature. We spend our evenings by the fire, telling stories under the stars. Many trips challenge us but we are never in a hurry to get there.

TRAIL RATING
Trips are rated based on the distance, elevation, and terrain of their most demanding day.

🟡Active
5–7 miles, moderate elevation (1,000 - 2,000’)
Uneven terrain, steady movement throughout, possible stream crossings
You can hike continuously uphill with a full overnight pack without frequent long breaks

🟠Strenuous
7–10 miles, sustained elevation gain (1,500–3,000')
Longer climbs, rocky sections, frequent stream crossings
You can maintain a steady, conversational pace while ascending

🔴Challenging
10+ miles and/or significant elevation gain (3,000’+)
Extended climbs, variable terrain, potential off-trail travel
You have strong endurance and are comfortable being pushed for most of the day