Monarch Lakes

Starting from the Sawtooth Trailhead, take the Timber Gap Trail, which begins with steep switchbacks near the Monarch Creek drainage, passing Black Wolf Falls before reaching a junction with the Monarch Lakes Trail. Turn right at the junction and follow signs for Monarch Lake. Continue up to Groundhog Meadow, crossing Monarch Creek. After the meadow, the trail switchbacks through old-growth red fir forest before reaching a second junction for Crystal Lake. Stay left to continue toward Monarch Lake. The trail soon flattens, rounding a rocky corner into a talus-lined basin, with views of Sawtooth Pass and Sawtooth Peak. The path contours around the southern slopes of the basin, crosses Monarch Creek again, and finally reaches Lower Monarch Lake.Lower Monarch Lake is set in a picturesque granite bowl at the base of Sawtooth Peak's west slope. To the south Mineral Peak rises, offering a popular scramble for peak-baggers. On the lake's far shore, a cascade flows from Upper Monarch Lake, which is dammed and used by Southern California Edison for power generation.Lower Monarch Lake is a perfect lunch stop before heading back to the trailhead or continuing up the challenging 1,200-foot climb to Sawtooth Pass for access to Sawtooth Peak or Columbine Lake. Backcountry campsites and a vault toilet are available, but beware of marmots--they're not shy about taking food. Upper Monarch Lake can be accessed via a trail leading from the east shore of Lower Monarch Lake.Description by Aron Bronson on Outdoor Project with improvements by Lani Advokat