Beautiful job on your blog. This trail goes by Old Monarch Pass. Take the CDT left – look for blue diamonds on the trees that mark the trail (38°30.24N, 106°19.58W). The loop is on paved and dirt County Roads and more difficult USFS and BLM dirt roads. Snowmobiling. Less than 5 miles of pavement. Part of the Old Monarch Pass Loop is also a section of the Colorado Trail. 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. 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. Due to heavy snow and sharp corners, the highway masters moved the road to its current location in 1937. The summer is flying by as we prepare for a return to Summit County. The 22-mile road opened in September 1921, and—fun fact—cost about $10,000 per mile to build. There are no hard and fast rules, but please consider the following: If you require search and rescue services, it can be costly. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; The Spokane River Centennial Trail is a 37 mile paved recreational trail for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles. Be insatiable. Some people just jump in with lifejackets for a float and fishermen line the shore. Virtual Tour of Old Monarch Pass. Like. Nice trail, if you start from Monarch Pass, where the gift shop and tram ride are it starts with a pretty strong climb for the first 1/4 mile. For those just venturing into harder hikes, the Old Monarch Pass is a fantastic option. I recommend to get to the parking area early, its free, but limited, and could add to the hike a quarter mile if you are late. Motorcycle Riding. 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. Because of the pine beetle kill, there are many dead trees throughout the Monarch Lake Loop hike. Snowshoeing. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/old-monarch-pass Mountain Biking Monarch Crest Trail Add a review #2 of 1,347 mountain bike trails in Colorado ... You'll top out at about 11,960 feet and then begin the first major descent down an old fire road to Marshall Pass ... Now head up US 50 west to the top of Monarch Pass and park in the parking area on the left. 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. 2.0 Intersection with the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). The Old, Old Monarch Pass Toll Road was a stage coach road. Top of Old, Old Monarch Pass … At Monarch Pass, climb past the gondola and onto the Monarch Crest Trail. Cottonwood Pass to the Ptarmigan Lake Road, Cottonwood Lake to the Poplar Gulch Trail, Monarch Crest Trail to South Fooses Creek. 1.0 Ski down the small hill and along the road. This route follows a road parallel to the South Arkansas River that then curves up to the current Monarch Pass Road. Location: Monarch PassDistance: 5.7 Miles – Out & Back with Small LoopTravel Time: 1.5 – 2.5 HoursType of Trail: Road Aerobic Level: Moderate – AltitudeTechnical Difficulty: Ski – Intermediate; Shoe – NoviceAvalanche Danger: Minimal – only during periods of high hazard.Elevation in Feet: Low Point 10,360, High Point 11,312, Climbs/Descends 983Land Status: USFSMaps: Trails Illustrated #130, #139; USGS Garfield, PahloneNotes: You will encounter snowmobiles, so watch out for them. The mountains and river look so refreshing! This loop has become known as the Collegiate Loop. After 40 yards or so, go around the gate that blocks the road, though it may be covered by snow. There can be a bit of crazy in those big cities. A group of 8 boys rode up to the edge of the pond and jumped in. Most routes in this text are located on public land, but some trails pass through or adjacent to private land. 2.5 Another road comes in from the left; stay right. Be prepared it could be a long walk out. Hiking. Enjoy the downhill and watch out for rocks, stumps and other skiers. My picture was fuzzy but it was so fun to watch the kids across the pond. Salida, CO 81201 (719) 539-3591 3.4 Top of the trail and top of Monarch Pass (38° 29.84N, 106° 19.54W). Route Information: San Isabel National Forest : Salida Ranger District 325 West Rainbow Blvd. Parallel the two small creeks, always keeping them on your right – there may be a snowmobile trail, or not. The 567 miles of the CT trail between Denver and Durango passes through some spectacular scenery in the Colorado Rockies. Road on No Name Creek, Major Creek, and South Arkansas River in Gunnison National Forest, San Isabel National Forest. Travelers encounter high mountain lakes and towering peaks of six wilderness areas and eight mountain ranges as they climb nearly 90,000 vertical feet. ATV Riding. Not all trails need to be difficult Jeep trails! Colorado Trail Explorer. Plus, it’s a relatively short hike for a pass with incredible views. 40 miles of continuous singletrack. (38°31.71N, 106°19.54W). Staying around Dillon Res remains one of our favorites. The trail starts up the dirt road. they dried off and headed off on their bikes to who knows where. This trail description follows the route to the top of the pass. The trail stretches fr... Getting a feel for the area Before retiring, I had contracts to work in Tucson at Tucson Medical Center (loved it) and University Hospital )... Shenandoah National Park   It was time to head for the mountains as Charlottesville was heating up. Monarch Park offers mellow terrain on Monarch Pass for skiers and snowshoers. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/old-monarch-pass-waterdog-lake-loop The Old, Old Monarch Pass Toll Road was a stagecoach road which started as the mining boom exploded in the upper South Arkansas valley in the late 1870’s. Monarch is a great ski area with amazing natural snow and great runs that meet at the lodge. Part of the Old Monarch Pass Loop is  also a section of the Colorado Trail. The descent is along an old railroad grade with magnificent views out over the valley. The description and mileages given from here assume that you’re going to the top. Best completed on Mountain Bike as the road has some rough sections. Being forced to slow down hasn't been so bad as we have been taking time to reflect and look forward. Turn right and climb the pavement for 0.5 miles. Most people ride Monarch Crest as a shuttle but we don’t have that luxury so we rode a loop. There may be variances and changes, you may get lost. 0.6 Stay right at this intersection. This last segment on the Arapaho Pass trail #N6 is 1.7 miles long. Summit the pass and drop down to HWY 50. Both sides can also be used to make a loop ride over the Monarch Crest Trail s(u), and also the Rainbow Trail The 14er Region Mountain Bike Guide ( a free publication, available at local businesses ) has included Marshall Pass in its map of recommended bike routes since at least 1994, even with a … This loop is a beast at 36 miles with 4635’ of climbing. More info via skimonarch.com. In 1960 3% of the US population lived in cities. We miss CO and can't wait to one day return. 3.0 At the top of the hill (38° 30.09N, 106° 19.70W) you have the choice of either turning left down the hill for an easier out and back route, or turning right through the trees for the more challenging loop route to the top of the pass. ELEVATION: average ~10,300 feet ROUTE: well maintained, popular trail, signed junctions GUIDEBOOK: Colorado Trail 9th Edition DATA BOOK: 7th Edition An additional attraction for those taking either the East or West routes is the proximity to more than a dozen Fourteeners (peaks above 14,000 feet) in the Sawatch Range, which include the Collegiate Peaks. The mileages, routes and waypoints listed in this text are only suggestions. Go left here to loop back to the road you came up, or turn right to continue to the top. 3 Miles. 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. gtag('js', new Date()); 7. Loved it! Buy a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card to protect yourself. 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. There are multiple switchbacks. All backcountry travelers and their companions assume responsibility for themselves. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable trip into Colorado’s backcountry. 673' Up — Old Monarch Pass Loop is a 5.1 kilometer loop trail located near Salida, Colorado that offers scenic views. Continue up the trail, which is steep in spots and more suited to skis with skins or snowshoes. 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. MAP: Trails Illustrated PERMITS: none (easy self-registration for wilderness areas) DESIGNATION: primarily 7 different National Forests BEST SEASONS: July, August, September DISTANCE: 485 miles from Denver to Durango WATER: I thru-hiked with 4 liters capacity. We have appreciated the cool evenings and mornings. Luckily for snowshoers, the 1921 route filled with snow every winter and caused long delays. The downhill path can be steep, fast and adrenaline-packed on skinny skis. This entire loop is more than 120 miles and > 60% Singletrack. In 1936 another version of Monarch Pass opened and that is the current route today. The average elevation of the Trail is 10,300 feet, topping out at 13,271 feet just below 13,334-foot Coney Summit in southwest Colorado. This pass features several different types of terrains to test out your skills, without being too difficult. The loop through Pawnee Pass (12,542 feet) and Buchanan Pass (11,837 feet) is dramatic, strenuous, and unforgettable. 5.7 Back at the trailhead. Hopefully the storms will end soon. Monarch Lake Loop Trail - 3.9 Miles Round-Trip Monarch Lake is located east of Lake Granby, Colorado on the west side of the Continental Divide.Its versatility as a hiking, running, horseback riding and winter sport trail make it one of the Indian Peaks' most popular year-round destinations. At the top of the hill, turn right on a narrow road toward US 50. Here, after .8 mile, the spur trail ends and the Arapaho Pass trail begins. See the topo map showing the closure and detour. The loop is abt 3 miles 2-2.5 hours Light hiking great views At the tip of the lake the trail hooks up w trails from the wilderness areas Bring hiking shoes water snack Stay alert there is wildlife We spotted moose w cub Btw we carried bear spray on all our hikes We recommend that everyone use a global positioning system and topographical map to navigate. 4h 32m, Amazing!!! Luckily, this means the surface is packed and smooth. Ride the Crest past the wooden shelter at the top of Green's Creek. On the way back to the car, look up for great views of the angular Mount Aetna (13,746 ft.) and Taylor Mountain (13,651 ft.). Join us as we travel across this amazing country. I love traveling along with your blogs. 2.2 Climb a short, steep hill. Hazards, natural or manmade, whether noted in this book or not, can be encountered at any time, under any situation. Turn around and ski back to the top of the steep hill. 1.9 Take the gradual road to the right, the steep uphill track to the left leads to the top of the pass (38°30.26N, 106°19.49W). Travel back along the flat road to the trailhead. 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. Respect the landowner’s rights and obey all signs regarding trail use. Explore at your own risk, and always tell somewhere where you are going and when you’ll be back. I think you found a good place for a while. Thanks for showing what we are missing from not going to the Mountains out west! This young man that was appreciating the delay of the monsoon rains. Continue up the low angle road through the trees. Enjoy the rest of the summer in beautiful Colorado. The classic loop covers 27 miles, but there are several great extension options that are well worth making this a three-day adventure. Trailhead Access: From the intersection of Highways 50 and 285 in Poncha Springs, drive west on US 50 for 15.5 miles up Monarch Pass. Monarch Lake Loop Trail, Trail Map, Monarch Lake Trailhead, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado. Turn around here after a snack and a drink. The description and mileages given from here assume that you’re going to the top. Now 50% of the population live in cities. There is usually plowed parking on the left, but sometimes only a few spaces. Go left here to loop back to the road you came up, or turn right to continue to the top. A morning walk along the Arkansas River often ends with our feet in the cool water while watching the rafters, kayakers and skim boarders floating by. Road builders started Old Monarch Pass Road in 1919 and opened the pass to traffic in 1921 to shorten the original wagon trail over the pass built in 1880. The next day the rains hit hard and we thought about the hikers we had passed. The route includes Old Monarch Pass, Black Sage Pass, Waunita Pass, Cumberland Pass, and Cottonwood Pass. Crested Butte was usually our destination. Beginner skiers may want to walk up it. This is quintessential Colorado high alpine riding that makes most mountain bikers drool. The Shenandoah National Park's... Cycling in the Countryside Our previous day of bike riding made us realize we needed expert help to ride these backroads. Plus, it packs in some incredible views in a … Good stuff. The road is well graded and the scenery is quite nice at the pass. Some days after hiking in the hills we. And riding up the Rainbow Trail is a unique challenge. 3.4 Top of the trail and top of Monarch Pass (38° 29.84N, 106° 19.54W). But that could just be me. We thought that we needed to escape our small towns. Novice Option: Ski out-and-back to Mile 2.6. 3.9 Turn right on the road – this is the end of the loop. Old Monarch Pass Road . The trail has lots of different terrains to test out your skills on, but isn’t too difficult. Your part of the country is very nice and right where you should be. This incredibly scenic, high-altitude route utilizes two historic rail grades and ties in some of Colorado’s finest singletrack via the Colorado Trail, Monarch Crest, and Starvation Creek as it passes over high passes and through historic mining settlements. Old Monarch Pass is 11,375' elevation, just a few feet higher than the modern one, but the road is much curvier. Old Monarch Pass is only a mile west of Monarch Pass. We both grew up in small towns which probably made staying in this small town with a downtown of about six blocks good for a while. Backcountry travel is a physically strenuous activity with many risks and dangers. There is no sign at this intersection (38° 30.09N, 106° 19.70W). Now we know how lucky we were. Old Monarch Pass. If a CORSAR card holder becomes lost or injured in the backcountry, the Colorado SAR Fund pays eligible search and rescue expenses. You could ride from Monarch Pass downriver, but the finish is much closer if you finish at Monarch Pass than if you finish at Hayden Pass from the Fairgrounds. This is a pleasant drive over an historic pass, through a large park and a bunch of forest and into the town of Pitkin. It brought back memories of the freedom of having a bike and growing up a small town. Get Here. 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 portion of the Colorado Trail in this area, known as the Collegiate East in this section, runs 78 miles from Twin Lakes and travels south, meeting the Continental Divide 5 miles south of Monarch Pass. Part of the Old Monarch Pass Loop is also a section of the Colorado Trail. 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