Monarch Crest: Ride 44 - descending Silver Creek 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.
You’ve seen it: your friends just got back from riding the “Monarch Crest” and they rave on-and-on about endless single-track and epic scenery. That’s a typical reaction to this route. This is the one, the classic ride Front Range mountain bikers return to each summer like disciples on a pilgrimage. Few rides anywhere offer as much.
Please bear in mind that this is a strenuous and technically demanding route. The stretch from Marshall Pass to US 285 is much tougher than the initial ride to Marshall Pass, and some intermediate riders will find it above their skill level. Also, be prepared for many short, strenuous climbs on the Rainbow Trail between the Silver Creek trailhead and the highway.
Please bear in mind that this is a strenuous and technically demanding route. The stretch from Marshall Pass to US 285 is much tougher than the initial ride to Marshall Pass, and some intermediate riders will find it above their skill level. Also, be prepared for many short, strenuous climbs on the Rainbow Trail between the Silver Creek trailhead and the highway.
Ride length: 33.2 miles
Ride type: one-way with shuttle
Riding time: 4-5 hours
Surface: dirt/jeep road (2.8 miles); single-track (26.4 miles); paved road (5.0 miles)
Elevations: start 11,300’; end 7,480’; max 11,960’; min 7,480’
Total climbing: gain 3,260’ – loss 7,080’ = total -3,820’
Aerobic level: strenuous (lots of ups and downs)
Technical level: 4+ (roots, rocks, and steeps)
Season: July through October
USGS Quadrangles: Pahlone Peak, Mount Ouray, Bonanza, Poncha Pass, Salida West
Ride type: one-way with shuttle
Riding time: 4-5 hours
Surface: dirt/jeep road (2.8 miles); single-track (26.4 miles); paved road (5.0 miles)
Elevations: start 11,300’; end 7,480’; max 11,960’; min 7,480’
Total climbing: gain 3,260’ – loss 7,080’ = total -3,820’
Aerobic level: strenuous (lots of ups and downs)
Technical level: 4+ (roots, rocks, and steeps)
Season: July through October
USGS Quadrangles: Pahlone Peak, Mount Ouray, Bonanza, Poncha Pass, Salida West