Monarch Crest: descending Poncha Creek Road
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This route provides a slightly more technical descent from Marshall Pass than the Marshall Pass Road. Though somewhat rocky, the descent line is fast and very fun.
Ride length: 26.0 miles
Ride type: one-way with shuttle
Riding time: 2.5-3 hours
Surface: dirt/jeep road (12.9 miles); single-track (8.0 miles); paved road (5.1 miles)
Elevations: start 11,300’; end 7,480’; max 11,960’; min 7,480’
Total climbing: gain 1,095’ – loss 4,910’ = total -3,815’
Aerobic level: moderate (easy climbs, but altitude can make them feel tough)
Technical level: 3 (roots and rocks; the upper portion of Poncha Creek Road is rocky)
Season: July through October
USGS Quadrangles: Pahlone Peak, Mount Ouray, Poncha Pass, Salida West
Getting there: from the intersection of US 50 and US 285 (5 miles west of Salida on US 50), turn left onto US 285 and drive about 0.25 miles south. Leave a vehicle in the open parking area on the left, just north of the High Valley Center in Poncha Springs.
Take the bikes and riders to the top of Monarch Pass. From the parking area in Poncha Springs, turn right (north) on US 285/US 50 and drive approximately
Trailhead/trail amenities: gift shop with restrooms at trailhead; pit toilets near mile 10.2 and mile 18.5.
The Ride:
Ride type: one-way with shuttle
Riding time: 2.5-3 hours
Surface: dirt/jeep road (12.9 miles); single-track (8.0 miles); paved road (5.1 miles)
Elevations: start 11,300’; end 7,480’; max 11,960’; min 7,480’
Total climbing: gain 1,095’ – loss 4,910’ = total -3,815’
Aerobic level: moderate (easy climbs, but altitude can make them feel tough)
Technical level: 3 (roots and rocks; the upper portion of Poncha Creek Road is rocky)
Season: July through October
USGS Quadrangles: Pahlone Peak, Mount Ouray, Poncha Pass, Salida West
Getting there: from the intersection of US 50 and US 285 (5 miles west of Salida on US 50), turn left onto US 285 and drive about 0.25 miles south. Leave a vehicle in the open parking area on the left, just north of the High Valley Center in Poncha Springs.
Take the bikes and riders to the top of Monarch Pass. From the parking area in Poncha Springs, turn right (north) on US 285/US 50 and drive approximately
- 2 miles west on US 50 to the summit of Monarch Pass. Park in the large lot by the Scenic Ride.
Trailhead/trail amenities: gift shop with restrooms at trailhead; pit toilets near mile 10.2 and mile 18.5.
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:
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