Cascade Creek (Indian Peaks)

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Cascade Creek (Indian Peaks) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
 For other features with similar names, see Cascade Creek (disambiguation)
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Cascade Creek (Indian Peaks) Banner.jpg

‌
Difficulty:‌3C2 III (v3a4 I)
Raps:‌0-8, max ↨75ft
Metric
Overall:6.5h ⟷10.5mi
Approach:2.5h ⟷5.3mi ↑1420ft
Descent:2h ⟷0.6mi ↓405ft
Exit:2.5h ⟷4.7mi ↓1010ft
Red Tape:‌No permit required
Shuttle:‌None
Vehicle:Passenger
Rock type:Granite
Start:
Parking:
Condition Reports:

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Introduction[edit]

Experienced canyoners will want to skip this canyon. While Cascade Creek, which flows into Lake Granby on the West side of the continental divide, looked like it might mirror https://ropewiki.com/East_Inlet_Narrows_(RMNP) cutting through several granite rock bands, it never forms substantial narrow committing gorges or many vertical rappels. Every rappel can be bypassed. The higher volume water levels funneled in the few narrow chutes don't match well with the slippery conditions and the feeling that the rappels are more contrived. Throw in a poor pay-to-play with the long hike and this didn't come together for a recommendable descent.

However, this is a great trail. Enjoy hiking the Cascade Creek Trail with less weight in the pack and seeing the majority of the waterfalls from the trail or with a few short diversions on social trails.

Approach[edit]

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.

  • R1 from trail

    • Descent[edit]

    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.

    • First narrows
    • 12' falls
    • R1
    • R1
    • DC below R1
    • R2
    • R2
    • Narrow Chute
    • R3
    • R3


    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

    • R4
    • R5


    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.

    • R6
    • R6
    • Downclimb below R6
    • Downclimb below R6 and R6 above


    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

    • R7
    • R8

    Exit[edit]

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

    Red tape[edit]

    Beta sites[edit]

    Trip reports and media[edit]

    2024-08-25 First known descent. Ira Lewis, Sean Yarborough

    Background[edit]

    Credits

    Information provided by automated processes. KML map by (unknown). Main photo by (unknown). Authors are listed in chronological order.

    In all habitats live animals and plants that deserve respect, please minimize impact on the environment and observe the local ethics. Canyoneering, Canyoning, Caving and other activities described in this site are inherently dangerous. Reliance on the information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. There is no warranty as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information provided on this site. The site administrators and all the contributing authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by its actions, omissions, or negligence in procuring, compiling or providing information through this site, including without limitation, liability with respect to any use of the information contained herein. If you notice any omission or mistakes, please contribute your knowledge (more information).

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