Monarch Crest: Ride 41 - Monarch Crest Trail
To download GPX files, click the link then select "File->Save As..." from your browser's menu OR right-click the link and select "Save Target As..." from the pop-up menu.
Use the "refresh" feature of your browser or press the "F5" key on your keyboard if route data gets scrambled when toggling between Earth and Map/Satellite views.
Use the "refresh" feature of your browser or press the "F5" key on your keyboard if route data gets scrambled when toggling between Earth and Map/Satellite views.
This route description is for the ride between Monarch and Marshall Passes. Included elsewhere in this guide are descriptions for some of the more popular descent routes.
USGS Quadrangles:
Pahlone Peak, Mount Ouray
Ride length: 20.8 miles
Ride type: out-and-back
Riding time: 3 hours
Surface: jeep road (4.8 miles); single-track (16.0 miles)
Elevations: start/end 11,300'; max 11,960'; min 10,830'
Total climbing: gain/loss 2,460'
Aerobic level: moderate (the climbs are easy, but the altitude can make them feel tough)
Technical level: 3 (some rocks and roots, but the overall line is clean and built for speed)
Season: July through October
Getting there: from the intersection of US 50 and US 285 (5 miles west of Salida on US 50), turn right (north/west) on US 285/US 50. Drive18.0 miles west on US 50 to the summit of Monarch Pass. Park in the large lot by the store and tram ride.
Ride type: out-and-back
Riding time: 3 hours
Surface: jeep road (4.8 miles); single-track (16.0 miles)
Elevations: start/end 11,300'; max 11,960'; min 10,830'
Total climbing: gain/loss 2,460'
Aerobic level: moderate (the climbs are easy, but the altitude can make them feel tough)
Technical level: 3 (some rocks and roots, but the overall line is clean and built for speed)
Season: July through October
Getting there: from the intersection of US 50 and US 285 (5 miles west of Salida on US 50), turn right (north/west) on US 285/US 50. Drive18.0 miles west on US 50 to the summit of Monarch Pass. Park in the large lot by the store and tram ride.
The Ride:
-0.0 - From your car, ride up the paved drive leading to the tram.
-0.3 - Bear right onto the Continental Divide Trail. The single-track looks awesome, but don't forget to sign the trail register!
-1.0 - Pass under some power lines then bear right onto the jeep track leading uphill.
-1.5 - Bear right and leave the jeep track for another helping of single-track. Trail markers and a map board lead the way.
-1.8 - Check out the views!
-2.7 - More amazing views! Can it get any better?
-2.8 - Pass the sign marking Middle Fooses Creek on your left.
-4.7 - Round a big bend and Mount Ouray comes into prominent view.
-5.0 - Continue straight past the intersection with the South Fooses Creek descent route (Colorado Trail) on your left. (This is an awesome descent back to US 50 and the route intersects the highway approximately 8.4 miles below the summit of Monarch Pass). From this point forward, the Colorado Trail overlaps the Continental Divide Trail.
-5.7 - Get ready for some speed.
-6.0 - Drop into forest cover on some slightly technical terrain.
-6.6 - Pass the Greens Creek spur and the backpackers' shelter on your left. Continue straight on the CDT/COT into the woods.
-7.3 - The climbing gets a little steep here, but nothing you can't handle.
-7.7 - Continue straight on the main trail. Pass the Little Cochetopa trail on your left.
-7.8 - Stay on the main trail. The Agate Creek Trail (TR 484) intersects to your right.
-8.3 - Cross a small talus slope.
-8.8 - The single-track becomes a fast jeep trail. Let it rip, but watch for hikers and traffic.
-10.2 - Pop-out onto Marshall Pass Road (FSR 200). Turn right and ride toward the parking lot and pit toilet.
-10.4 - That was excellent, but now what? If you are riding without a shuttle, turn back and return to Monarch Pass along the same route.
-0.3 - Bear right onto the Continental Divide Trail. The single-track looks awesome, but don't forget to sign the trail register!
-1.0 - Pass under some power lines then bear right onto the jeep track leading uphill.
-1.5 - Bear right and leave the jeep track for another helping of single-track. Trail markers and a map board lead the way.
-1.8 - Check out the views!
-2.7 - More amazing views! Can it get any better?
-2.8 - Pass the sign marking Middle Fooses Creek on your left.
-4.7 - Round a big bend and Mount Ouray comes into prominent view.
-5.0 - Continue straight past the intersection with the South Fooses Creek descent route (Colorado Trail) on your left. (This is an awesome descent back to US 50 and the route intersects the highway approximately 8.4 miles below the summit of Monarch Pass). From this point forward, the Colorado Trail overlaps the Continental Divide Trail.
-5.7 - Get ready for some speed.
-6.0 - Drop into forest cover on some slightly technical terrain.
-6.6 - Pass the Greens Creek spur and the backpackers' shelter on your left. Continue straight on the CDT/COT into the woods.
-7.3 - The climbing gets a little steep here, but nothing you can't handle.
-7.7 - Continue straight on the main trail. Pass the Little Cochetopa trail on your left.
-7.8 - Stay on the main trail. The Agate Creek Trail (TR 484) intersects to your right.
-8.3 - Cross a small talus slope.
-8.8 - The single-track becomes a fast jeep trail. Let it rip, but watch for hikers and traffic.
-10.2 - Pop-out onto Marshall Pass Road (FSR 200). Turn right and ride toward the parking lot and pit toilet.
-10.4 - That was excellent, but now what? If you are riding without a shuttle, turn back and return to Monarch Pass along the same route.
Topo with elevation profile:
Click to enlarge. Save it to your local computer for best resolution.