Gourd Lake is located 8.3 miles from Monarch Lake Trailhead in a large, granite bowl west of the Continental Divide. Though long, moderate conditions make it achievable in a day. Visitors will enjoy diverse flowers, berries, excellent fishing and light crowds on the hike to Gourd Lake.

The trail begins on Monarch Lake, a large montane lake that supports trout, water fowl, pelicans and osprey

Mountain clover favors dry montane and subalpine meadows

Social trails lead up either side of Gourd Lake's large outlet channel

Mariposa lily is one of 40 related lily species native to western North America

Indian paintbrush seeds are so small that you can plant a whole acre with just a few handfuls

Though much of the shoreline is inaccessible, there are many nooks and contours to explore

Female Dusky Grouse can reach 2 lbs while males can exceed 3 lbs

Aster is derived from the Latin word for 'star'

The open south shore of Gourd Lake provides ample room to fish its large cutthroat trout

Various waterfowl species inhabit Granby and Monarch lakes; the American White Pelicans' wings can have a 9' span

Mountain harebell can be found from the foothills to alpine slopes, and in a variety of micro-climates across that range

Red elderberry's stems, bark, leaves and roots contain cyanide-producing toxins, but berries may be consumed after cooking

The shallow water of Gourd Lake's outlet channel is a great place to spot trout

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

Thimbleberries, a member of the rose family, are abundant along the moist, shady banks of Cascade Creek

Gourd Lake (10,795')

Small pockets of aspen along Buchanan Creek

Morning fog on Lake Granby, Colorado's second largest body of water

Though beetle kill is minimal in the lake vicinity, open fires are not permitted at Gourd Lake

The Cascade Falls are located a short distance past the Buchanan Pass Trail split