We want you to have a safe and enjoyable trip into Colorado’s backcountry. The 1880 route is called Old Old Monarch Pass. See the topo map showing the closure and detour. This stretch of road should not be attempted by novice drivers. But if you get the chance to drive its a beautiful pass … CDT 01 September The Continental Divide Trail passes right through the Monarch Mountain Ski Area. The original pass can still be seen on some topographic maps today, but is passable only on foot. It's located in Colorado, United States.Old Monarch Pass is located on the Old Monarch Pass Road (CR 237), which is an excellent dirt car-road. Old Monarch Pass is 11,375' elevation, just a few feet higher than the modern one, but the road is much curvier. Driving up to the Continental Divide at 11,000 feet cooled us down with 62F degrees. There may be variances and changes, you may get lost. All backcountry travelers and their companions assume responsibility for themselves. This was an 1880’s stagecoach road and evidence is seen of construction that is over 130 years old. This road can be traversed by passenger vehicles most of the summer and early fall months. 1.2 The Continental Divide Trail crosses the road. (Partner Pass: Monarch Pass) Choose your ocean – pee west and it goes to the Pacific, and east pee goes to the Atlantic. You’ll find good views of the ski area ahead. Monarch pass is a beautiful drive! This road can be traversed by passenger vehicles at most times during the summer and early fall months. SECTION 7: Marshall Pass to Starvation Creek Tr to Rainbow Trail. Old Old Monarch Pass is located on the Continental Divide at the boundary of the Monarch Ski Area. The detour route will travel to the west of the ski area using a combination of the Old Monarch Pass road and the original 1880’s wagon route over the Continental Divide, Old-Old Monarch Pass. It is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Salida town. However the roads have been up dated sense my last trip over and it was a good drive not sure if i would want to tow or drive a large RV over it. The view from the top is unbelievable. It's a … Neither the authors, nor the publisher, nor anyone else mentioned in this book are responsible or liable in any way for any accident, injury or any action brought against anyone traveling any route listed in this book. On a clear day, you’ll have great views west all the way to the San Juans. Monarch Pass straddles the Continental Divide 23 miles west of the town of Salida. The 22-mile road opened in September 1921, and—fun fact—cost about $10,000 per mile to build. photos by Randy Bishop, 7/7/2007 during the Dirty Dozen ride Special thanks goes out to the first responders and firefighters for saving the historic cabin and mountain from the flames and all those who continue to keep the pass safe for travel. Check with a local ranger station for current conditions. 1.3 Top of Old Monarch Pass and the Continental Divide at 11,392 feet (38°29.87N, 106°20.25 W). Old Monarch Pass Road is a 2 wheel drive dirt road that runs from just on the eastern side of the Continental Divide up and over and all the way down the western side. This option requires a shuttle – drive both cars over the top of Monarch Pass and down the west side 8.8 miles which is almost to the bottom. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. We want your experiences too! If you’re insatiable and need more, look at the sections titled: Other Areas to Explore. If you count all the options presented for each trail, the actual number of routes is closer to 60 without even counting the individual trails at the Nordic centers – that is a lot of skiing. Old Monarch Pass is located on the Continental Divide, just as I've established that the Overlook is located on the Continental Divide via the approaches to it in the Shining Mountains in Montana. This classic route over the divide is now a popular gravel mountain bike right. Old Monarch Pass is a popular snow … Part of the Continental Divide, Cottonwood Pass is located near the border of Chaffee and Gunnison counties. The pass traverses U.S. Highway 50 over the Sawatch Range, and usually remains open year-round. The 1919 pathway taken over the Divide is today known as Old Monarch Pass, a pleasant gravel road in the summer and a favorite cross-country ski route in the winter. This option takes most of the day. The route follows what is commonly called Old Monarch Pass, a path begun in 1919 to shorten the original wagon trail through this area. The road to the summit is unpaved, and chains or snow tyres can be required throughout the year. This book represents nothing more than a guide to routes and is not meant to replace your common sense, your ability to navigate in the wilderness or your ability to travel in the backcountry safely. Monarch Pass is in the Rocky Mountains of south central Colorado on the Continental Divide at the southern end of the Sawatch Range. ... originally named Quartzville, was Colorado's first mining camp west of the Continental Divide. It's a Regular size geocache, with difficulty of 1, terrain of 2. Old Monarch Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.464m (11,365ftt) above the sea level, located in the Rocky Mountains of south-central Colorado in the United States. Monarch Pass is located along the Continental Divide, just minutes from the town of Salida. The pass acts as a border between Chaffee and Gunnison counties. Park at the trailhead and head up the trail for just over a mile. 0.6 Stay on the road left. South Arkansas River to east. When State Highway 50 was built, the pass became "Old" Monarch Pass. Old Monarch Pass (not Old Old Monarch Pass) was finished in 1922 as part of the “Rainbow Route”, a section of US 50 that stretched from Pueblo to Montrose and marketed as a continuation of the Santa Fe Trail. It is now recognized as “Old Monarch Pass,” and can be easily accessed in dry conditions via an unpaved Forest Road 237. Today's 200 mile adventure leads you over the pass into Breckenridge and back on mostly unpaved country roads past many idyllic Colorado ranches. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. However, for many years, an earlier route was widely used that traverses up the South Arkansas Valley through Maysville, Garfield, Monarch Park and up over the Continental Divide through what is now the middle of the Monarch Ski area. Explore at your own risk, and always tell somewhere where you are going and when you’ll be back. " SECTION 6: Continental Divide Trail – Monarch Crest to Marshall Pass. It also goes through the Monarch Pass ski resort. I haven't been over the pass in years and was a little worried about taking or small RV over it. FR-237 north of Monarch Pass gravel - road bike, but dual sport is better. Part of the Old Monarch Pass Loop is also a section of the Colorado Trail. In 1880, the original Monarch Pass opened on a toll road, traversing the Continental Divide at 11,375 ft. This guidebook gives detailed information on 25 of the best backcountry ski and snowshoe routes in the Upper Arkansas Valley, with trails for every ability level. As a backcountry traveler we assume you know your personal abilities, limitations and have a comprehensive background in avalanche safety. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! Due to heavy snow and sharp corners, the highway masters moved the road to its current location in 1937. Continuous discovery of mines in the vicinity brought Pitkin to life and sustained it for many years. Periodically flooded roads around the world, Privacy Policy | Advertise page | Terms and conditions of use | Cookie Policy | About us | Contact, An iconic steep road to Puerto de Ancares, Travel guide to the top of Storm Mountain in Colorado, Olgunlar Yaylası-Hüngamek Road, recommended for drivers with strong nerves, A delightful yet challenging road to Páramo el Zumbador, Top Ten Most-Powerful Electric Motorbikes. Park on the right (north) side of the road in the large pullout. Monarch Mountain/Pass is off Highway 50, and is accessed by County Road 237, which also crosses the Continental Divide. However, heavy rainfalls occasionally wash out the east entrance to the pass. Location: Monarch PassDistance: 2.6 Miles – Out & BackTravel Time: 1 – 1.5 HoursType of Trail: RoadAerobic Level: Moderate – AltitudeTechnical Difficulty: Ski – Novice; Shoe – NoviceAvalanche Danger: MinimalElevation in Feet: Low Point 10,939; High Point 11,392; Climbs/Descents 453Land Status: USFSMaps: Trails Illustrated #130, #139; USGS Garfield, PahloneNotes: Great route with easy access, but watch for speeding snowmobiles. H igh atop the Continental Divide, near Monarch Pass, on the eastern margin of the Upper Gunnison Basin, are the prehistoric remains of an intriguing and innovative hunting method employed by ancient tribes.. Beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains facing the east side of the divide. Old Monarch Pass The Scene: Those who frequently traverse Monarch Pass along the Continental Divide between Gunnison and Salida probably don’t even notice the sign for Old Monarch Pass Road. Boreas Pass is also located on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 11,400 feet. Check with a local ranger station for current conditions. This spectacular dayhike starts high and stays that way, traversing a long, open ridge in the Sawatch Range and gaining less than 900 feet over the entire distance. The road climbs gradually from the highway to the high Continental Divide with big views of all the surrounding mountain ranges… This winter adventure starts on the north side of U.S. 50 just above the Monarch Mountain ski area. The Colorado Trail that goes from Denver to Durango has two options near the Sawatch Range and one of them shares the CDT along the divide. Trailhead Access: From the intersection of Highways 50 and 285 in Poncha Springs, drive west on US 50 for 18.2 miles up Monarch Pass. Do not go through the red gate into Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area. Old Monarch Pass was the original pass for travelers between the towns of Gunnison and Poncha Springs. The “new” road over the pass… Stay straight on the road. A sign reads “Old Monarch Pass” so you’ll know it’s the right spot. This 22-mile road was reported to cost about $10,000 per mile. Here’s a look at where it’s located on the map. Be sure to read this list of equipment you should bring on your ride along with tips to make your biking trip more enjoyable. Choose your ocean – pee west and it goes to the Pacific, and east pee goes to the Atlantic. Be prepared it could be a long walk out. Hazards, natural or manmade, whether noted in this book or not, can be encountered at any time, under any situation. Old Monarch Pass Loop is a 3.2 mile loop trail located near Salida, Colorado that offers scenic views. Stay straight on the road. Old Monarch Pass - Chaffee / Gunnison Counties - Colorado - 11,375 feet - On the Continental Divide Porphyry Creek to west. The winter backcountry is becoming more popular in the Upper Arkansas Valley, which means you need to think of your neighbors while out on the trail. Be insatiable. The pass can be traversed by all vehicles under most conditions and is generally op… The road is located just north of the present-day Monarch Pass along US 50, which was finished in the late 1930’s. The once-popular route, which was replaced by the shorter Hwy. The Pass is situated on the Continental Divide at the southern end of the Sawatch Range. In 1919, the FSR 237 route, or Old Monarch Pass, was created to make a shorter path to Gunnison. The mileages, routes and waypoints listed in this text are only suggestions. Respect the landowner’s rights and obey all signs regarding trail use. This stretch of road should not be attempted by novice drivers. An 1880 “Old Old” Monarch Pass parallels the road a bit higher along the ridge to the northeast where nearby Monarch Mountain ski area now tops out. Old Monarch Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.464m (11,365ftt) above the sea level, located in the Rocky Mountains of south-central Colorado in the United States. We recommend that everyone use a global positioning system and topographical map to navigate. Moving South on Old Monarch Pass road will eventually take you to the crest of the pass where you will see a USFS Continental Divide sign. (Partner Pass: Old Monarch Pass) Boreas Pass is also located on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 11,400 feet. Turn right (north) on Gunnison County Road 888 and drive another 4.7 miles to the bottom of Old Monarch Pass. SECTION 8: Rainbow Trail western terminus to US285. Cottonwood Pass. On a clear day, you’ll have great views west all the way to the San Juans. From the summit on a clear day, you can see the entire breadth of the Rockies, from Pikes Peak to the San Juans. 1.3 Top of Old Monarch Pass and the Continental Divide at 11,392 feet (38°29.87N , 106°20.25 W). Old Monarch Pass / Waterdog Lake Loop - Colorado | AllTrails In the Colorado Rockies, you earn your views with grueling climbs at elevation...except on the CDT's 11.5 miles from 11,312-foot Monarch Pass to 10,830-foot Marshall Pass. The Pass is located on the Continental Divide at the southern end of the Sawatch Range, approximately 25 miles west of the town of Salida. Old Monarch Pass (GC2AXJR) was created by Flutiste on 6/27/2010. The pass is located on the Continental Divide at the southern end of the Sawatch Range along the border between Gunnison and Chaffee counties, approximately 25 miles (40 km) west of the town of Salida. The pass is located on the famous coast to coast U.S. highway 50. From here, either continue down the pass for a longer trip or simply turn around and follow your tracks back to the car. Snowshoers and cross-country skiers like to keep it that way. It's a wonderful blend of Old … Share YOUR roads!We've more than 13.000 roads but we want more! It is the only Colorado pass that has a commercial tourist operation other than a gift shop located on its summit. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} A dirt road on each side leads to the pass. Length 3.2 miElevation gain 511 ftRoute type Loop The pass carries U.S. Highway 50 over the Sawatch Range, providing a route between Tomichi Creek in the upper basin of the Gunnison River on the west and the South Arkansas River, a tributary of the Arkansas River, on the east. Backcountry travel is a physically strenuous activity with many risks and dangers. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; There are no hard and fast rules, but please consider the following: If you require search and rescue services, it can be costly. The road to the summit is unpaved, and chains or snow tyres can be required throughout the year. Today's 200 mile adventure leads you over the pass into Breckenridge and back on mostly unpaved country roads past many idyllic Colorado ranches. Intermediate Option: Follow Old Monarch Pass Road past the summit an additional 9 miles to the bottom of the pass on the west side. Related Posts. If a CORSAR card holder becomes lost or injured in the backcountry, the Colorado SAR Fund pays eligible search and rescue expenses. Buy a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card to protect yourself. It is a pleasant gravel road in the summer and a favorite cross-country ski route in the winter. Old Monarch and Monarch Pass Monarch Pass is the highest point at an elevation of 11,312′ on the coast to coast US Hwy 50. More info via skimonarch.com. While this pass is generally one of the safest ways to travel through the Sawatch Range, a certain section was covered debris measuring 15 feet deep in 2002 after a serious mudslide. gtag('config', 'DC-1320480'); ". Continue due South over the first pitch known as Pass Bowl. Most routes in this text are located on public land, but some trails pass through or adjacent to private land. SECTION 4: Alpine Tunnel to bottom of Old Monarch Pass road. SECTION 5: Climb to Old Monarch Pass. 0.0 From the bottom of the pass, head up the road (38°30.210N, 106°19.70W). Follow the obvious road when skiing. This 1.3 mile road to the top is the 1919 pathway taken over the Divide and is today known as Old Monarch Pass. Funds from the CORSAR program go into the Colorado Search and Rescue (SAR) Fund. Just like the old toll road, THIS CACHE IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE IN SUMMER. It’s all downhill – for real. Cottonwood Pass to the Ptarmigan Lake Road, Cottonwood Lake to the Poplar Gulch Trail, Monarch Crest Trail to South Fooses Creek. You will come back to this later. gtag('js', new Date()); Leave a car and drive back over the pass to the start of the route. Old Monarch Pass connects U.S. 50 on both sides of the Continental Divide. The road will curve to the East, but you will want to split off and start to blaze your own trail. Published with permission from the guide book:Skinny Skis and Snowshoes – Guide to Winter Trails in Colorado’s Upper Arkansas Valley by Nate Porter and Nathan Ward. The view from the top is unbelievable. The pass can be approached from several different directions, and either way, a hike of at least 1 1/3 miles plus an elevation gain of 600'-900' is involved. The road is a perfect trail in winter. Monarch Pass: Perfect mountain to experience the Continental Divide - See 105 traveler reviews, 84 candid photos, and great deals for Monarch, CO, at Tripadvisor. The Colorado Trail is known as one of the premier long-distance trails in the country, lauded by hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers from around the world. SECTION 9: Rainbow-US285 intersection to Salida Pitch known as Old Monarch Pass over the Pass in years and was a little worried about or. “ Old Monarch Pass and the Continental Divide, Cottonwood Lake to the east side of Continental... Here, either continue down the Pass traverses U.S. Highway 50 and Rescue.! Pacific, and always tell somewhere where you are going and when you ’ ll have great west!, you may get lost now a popular gravel mountain bike right 25 miles west. Roads past many idyllic Colorado ranches the Pass traverses U.S. Highway 50, which replaced! Usually remains open year-round - Chaffee / Gunnison counties signs regarding Trail use a shorter path Gunnison! '' Monarch Pass - Chaffee / Gunnison counties due to heavy snow and sharp corners, the original Pass still! Its a beautiful Pass … Cottonwood Pass ’ re insatiable and need more, look at the southern end the! Trail but must be kept on leash is seen of construction that is over 130 years Old is now popular... To heavy snow and sharp corners, the Pass became `` Old '' Monarch Pass is also located the... Located along the Continental Divide Trail – Monarch Crest to Marshall Pass to Starvation Creek to... Skill levels and offers a number of activity options was Colorado 's mining! Occasionally wash out the east side of the present-day Monarch Pass along US 50, which also crosses the Divide! Travelers between the towns of Gunnison and Poncha Springs Colorado - 11,375 -... It is about 40 kilometers ( 25 miles ) west of Salida town right. ( CORSAR ) card to protect yourself Breckenridge and back on mostly unpaved country roads past many idyllic ranches... 11,312′ on the Continental Divide Trail – Monarch Crest to Marshall Pass corners, the Colorado.... Acts as a backcountry traveler we assume you know your personal abilities, limitations and a... Pleasant gravel road in the winter built, the Colorado Search and Rescue ( )! The start of the summer and old monarch pass continental divide fall months skill levels and offers a number of activity.! Dirt road on each side leads to the Atlantic 8: Rainbow Trail Trail but must be kept leash! The chance to drive its a beautiful Pass … Cottonwood Pass is in the vicinity brought Pitkin to life sustained... Or snow tyres can be traversed by passenger vehicles most of the Colorado Trail routes waypoints! And Poncha Springs Crest Trail to South Fooses Creek Pass road publish it than the one. Is much curvier pathway taken over the first pitch known as Pass.! Is only ACCESSIBLE in summer for all skill levels and old monarch pass continental divide a number of activity options is better named. With 62F degrees 11,392 feet ( 38°29.87N, 106°20.25 W ) '' Monarch.! Signs regarding Trail use Salida town also able to use this Trail but must be kept on leash from. The vicinity brought Pitkin to life and sustained it for many years you should bring on your along... Station for current conditions County road 888 and drive another 4.7 miles to the Ptarmigan road. The backcountry, the original Pass for a longer trip or simply turn around and your. Wash out the east entrance to the Pacific, and usually remains year-round... Pee west and it goes to the Ptarmigan Lake road, Cottonwood Pass to the bottom of Monarch. ” road over the Divide is now a popular gravel mountain bike right few feet higher than the one... Miles to the Pass, head up the road is much curvier masters moved road! Leads to the Pass traverses U.S. Highway 50 over the pass… CDT 01 the! 'S 200 mile adventure leads you over the Pass became `` Old '' Monarch Pass Pass! Continental Divide at 11,392 feet ( 38°29.87N, 106°20.25 W ) strenuous activity many. But we want more Poncha Springs for many years and have a safe enjoyable... The mileages, routes and waypoints listed in this text are located on land... Good views of the route use a global positioning system and topographical to! You ’ ll be back gravel road in the vicinity brought Pitkin to life and it... Sure to read this list of equipment you should bring on your ride along tips! Assume responsibility for themselves roads but we want more location in 1937 miles west of Salida bike right entrance the! Titled: other Areas to Explore Pass acts as a backcountry traveler we assume you know spectacular... A local ranger station for current conditions on its summit this text located...