Cascade Creek (Indian Peaks)

Experienced canyoners will likely want to skip this canyon. Although Cascade Creek—flowing into Lake Granby on the west side of the continental divide—appears as though it might carve through several granite bands and form deep, committing narrows, it never actually develops significant gorges or substantial vertical drops. Every rappel can be bypassed. The higher-volume water funneled through the few narrow chutes doesn’t pair well with the slick conditions, and the rappels feel more contrived than natural. Combined with the long approach and a poor overall return on effort, it doesn’t come together as a recommended descent. However, the trail itself is excellent. Enjoy hiking the Cascade Creek Trail with less weight in your pack, taking in most of the waterfalls directly from the trail or via short detours along secondary paths.

Drive West on Monarch Lake Road / CR 6 off of Highway 34 on the Southwest corner of Lake Granby. After 9.6 miles, Park at the Monarch Lake Trailhead. All visitors to the Arapaho National Recreation Area are required to pay a recreation fee. Pay online at https:/www.recreation.gov/activitypass/anra Hike the Cascade Creek Trail 5.23 miles following signs to Crater Lake, which sits at the bottom of Lone Eagle Peak. Depart the trail when it levels out above R1, which can be seen from the trail.

Cascade Creek is mostly an open creek, separated here by the 4 sections where Cascade Creek cuts through glacier-carved granite bands. 1st Descent Section A short narrows ends in a 12' bypassable falls just before R1. R1: 45' from a tree DCR or other natural anchors After a few downclimbs and stream walking R2: 25' from a tree DCL into a small pool under a rock overhang Bypass a narrow chute on either side R3: 75' from a tree DCL in line with a chute to a short more vertical falls. Bypass DCR and strike through the meadow back to the trail, log bridge and top of R4. 2nd Descent Section R4: 35' from trees DCL or DCR. Easily bypassable DCL on old trails. Reenter the creek for R5 or continue the bypass. R5: 12' from trees DCL or DCR 3rd Descent Section R6: 140'-150' from trees above through a chute and down Cascade Creek Falls Alternatively, R6b: 65' from a tree DCR if the water volume in the chute is too high next to the falls into the pool below. Exit at the trail or continue downstream and downclimb the small waterfall below, then regain the trail. 4th Descent Section R7: ~120' from a tree or boulder down this longer, low angle stepped cascade R8: 40' at the end of a final narrows for a two stage waterfall

Hike 4.65 miles back to the Monarch Lake Trailhead from Cascade Creek Falls or 3.65 miles from the bottom of R8.