In a word, EPIC! Ride bikes! Silver Creek Road/Rainbow Trail Loop – SNOW. Travel north (toward "S mountain") on G St. Keep going until you get to the end at Sackett and turn left. I wore three top layers, including a full GoreTex jacket, and still wasn't warm enough until I got down to Marshall Pass, which is about 1,000 feet (about 300m) down from the highest point. or Crest Trail. weather report. So I felt the need to pipe in - because I grew up in Tahoe - rode Downieville all the freakin time (probably about 30-40 days worth) and still think the Crest Trail rules. Start early (before 10 AM) to avoid storms. Gary Fisher passed us along the way on Silver Creek - that was cool. The lady that runs the place wont let you leave until you are full. Home; Shop . The Vapor Trail is a weekend bikepacking loop based on the longstanding 125-mile race that starts and finishes in Salida, Colorado. Thank you! You might even see the local moose that travels this trail. Weather can also change at the drop of a hat and lightning is always a risk when traveling in the high country of the Rockies. S-Mountain Trails , closest to town can be ridden year-round depending on the weather system that week. Share on Facebook; Share on Twitter; Share on Pinterest; The map has photographs that show what to do at confusing intersections. The trailhead and drop off location for shuttle vehicles is located on Monarch Pass (elevation 11,312 feet) straddling the Continental Divide 18 miles west of Poncha Springs on Hwy 50. Please camp at least 100 feet off of the trail. But at least one of the employees there is rude; she lectured me when I tried to bring in my bicycle and myself to get out of the cold. 7:00-9 a.m. – Rider check-in based on shuttle time. Don't be late – we will not be able to take riders who arrive late for their shuttles. Local Trail Association Salida Mountain Trails ( salidamountaintrails.org ) In the review he claims that Downieville (CA)is the be all end all - and that Monarch Crest Trail is easy, not technical, basically a novice ride. It's the first 1/3 of your ride. Be prepared with the most accurate 10-day forecast for Monarch, CO with highs, lows, chance of precipitation from The Weather Channel and Weather.com How hard is the Monarch Crest Trail? Search. The shuttle ride up takes about 30 minutes. Yes, it's worth it. Once you get through Silver Creek, the rest is down hill - about 10 miles. Full suspension will save your butt and body. Due to the outstanding scenery, and a relatively small amount of elevation gain, this trail is considered to be one of the most popular mountain biking routes in Colorado. High Valley Bike Shuttle is your #1 source for bike shuttles and info on the Monarch Crest Trail and other mountain bike rides throughout Central Colorado. I imagine this ride has sealed the deal on a few marriages, and broken some up. Maps, The views are spectacular in all directions and give you a true feel for the backbone of the continent and the surrounding land. But be ready for a long, exhausting day. If you are all about technical challenges and scaring yourself this may not be your ride, but if you like fast flowing singletrack (and lots of it) this ride is unbeatable. The moto riders in the area were pretty cool and friendly. biking trails. climbs to around 12,000 before dropping back down to 10,800 The number at the end is your DEPARTURE time – be at Absolute Bikes 15 minutes before this time! Weather can be extreme at this elevation … Other times, you're pulling off a lot to let them pass (intermediate is slow vs other riders plus we wanted to enjoy the views and take pictures). So on to the review part... With promo code RTC2020, you’ll get over $600 in freebies and savings on eats, drinks, shops, lodging and experiences in Salida, Buena Vista and Poncha Springs. Lunch provided by local restaurants after the ride , Any medications or personal prescriptions. Weather preparation: Colorado weather is unpredictable and can change quickly. Three shuttles run daily at 8 & 10 AM. You’ll need to select your lunch option (more info on that below), load your bike and get a quick “health check” before boarding the shuttle. 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. Over the ridge, the Little Cochetopa Trail descends into the valley. The Monarch Crest Crank is on Sunday September 20, 2020. The ride down is not all downhill - but mostly. A challenge is all the eye of the beholder. if you need some info on trail conditions for salida, give us a call at (719) 539-5329! Monarch Weather Forecasts. Dont be fooled by others. Rainbow Trail: Bear Creek to CR 108 – SNOW. bike trail. What, $11.95 for one ride? Columbine Trail – SNOW. At mile 7.8 of the Monarch Crest Trail, Agate Creek Trail #484 descends westward, and an extension climbs up to the ridgeline a few hundred feet higher. All-told, we covered about 35 miles – 11 on the Monarch Crest, 19 miles on the Rainbow and 5 miles on Highway 285 on a cruise back to our car in Poncha Springs. After the ride we enjoyed huge sandwiches and micro brews at happy hour prices at the High Valley Shop bar. Fathers in late 40's and sons 17-22: Most reviews we read up on were good. A mint day was forecast, perfect for a high-country ride. I was amazed at how good the singletrack was, considering all the use this trail gets. Anyone who needs assistance with accessing the content on this website please call 719.530.5000. Otherwise, you will not be able to register for races or use other functionality of the website. Afternoon thunderstorms are the norm during the summer months. If I wasn't exhausted, it would have been a lot of fun. Pet and Biker Friendly We welcome guest all-around the world to come enjoy out enticing views!! This ride had a ton of uphill climbs. Please enable JavaScript if possible. Use Appropriate Gear. Monarch Crest Trail is high elevation and can experience sudden weather shifts, so riders should bring appropriate warm layers in anticipation of this. The most basic route we took was 33 miles, including riding back into Poncha Springs to our vehicles. storm. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/monarch-crest-trail Monarch Crest, an IMBA epic ride,is definitely one of the top trails in Colorado. Most years, the high alpine trails, such as the internationally renowned Monarch Crest Trail, are free from snow in summer and early fall. Buy the $11.95 Monarch Crest Trail map from the High Valley Bike Shuttle (http://www.monarchcrest.com) company in Poncha Springs or from the well-stocked Absolute Bikes bicycle shop in Salida. Weather. I did the ride in August 2004 and it was 44 degrees (7 degrees celsius) on the ridge you'll be riding along for the first several miles. Mountain weather can be unpredictable. If you can, go south on 285 a little more and park at the gas station on the East side of the street. Anyone who needs assistance with accessing the content on this website please call 719.530.5000 . Discovery Pass is completely digital and you use the pass on your smartphone by logging onto www.discoverypass.co after registration. Time: 2 to 3 hours, depending on the spur. 20 … Type 81230 in the search box (it's the ZIP Code for Gunnison) and look for the Monarch Pass link on the page that appears. Overall not very technically challenging, just fast and fun. I finished off the evening making sure the hoppy contents of my cooler had spoiled while purusing over maps and thinking about what I … Altitude is also not to be underestimated. Monarch Crest Trail to South Fooses Creek is one of the best in the west – the Monarch Crest Trail snakes above treeline for many miles along the spine of the Continental Divide. Check out this video to see how delicious these right-from-town S-Mountain Trails really are. 35 miles of fun ridable single track. Check-In: Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled shuttle departure time. If you raised $200 or more by Sept. 13 and responded to the prize selection survey, your prize will also be available for pickup at the post-ride check-in! I start in Poncha Springs at 7500ft and peak out at nearly 12,000ft on the continental divide. There’s also parking near the skate park (corner of 1st St/CR 291 and G St.), or west of Safeway on G Street between 2nd & 3rd Streets. Trip Reports. I also burned out my front Avid brake. In order to use RunSignup, your browser must accept cookies. down to Salida. Monarch Crest and Children of the Crest. We made do with substitutes and some trail luck (a found fuel canister), but be prepared to go without if your luck is bad. Plan for riding time of 3.5 hrs, not including your stops. Your browser has JavaScript disabled. It begins at 11,312 foot Monarch Pass and The route begins relatively flat and contours through pines. From US 285 and County Road 291: Follow County Road 291 into downtown Salida and turn left on I Street, then right on Sackett Ave. Absolute Bikes will be on the left. Monarch Crest Trail . 7 AM special request shuttle is available for groups over 7. 139 views Mason, happy with the weather. If you plan to drink alcohol at lunch, bring an I.D. I'm looking at possibly doing the monarch crest trail in CO this summer but Im having doubts.. This review is for the classic crest ride from Monarch pass to Marshall Pass then to Silver Creek Trail to Rainbow Trail to town. The Monarch Crest ride utilizes a combination of the Continental Divide, Colorado, Silver Creek and Rainbow trails. The typical Monarch Crest route, starting from the ski area, traversing to Marshall Pass. The cabin faces an Aspen grove with breathtaking sunrises, and backs up to the National Forest. The only downside is that due to its high altitude, there is but a short window of opportunity to ride it between the … There were a lot more fire roads than expected. Perhaps, dropping Fooses would have been better (looked down the start of Fooses- steep and fun) but it would make the ride shorter. Prepare for a lot of climbing throughout and maybe a few sections of walking your bike through. It is prime season for getting in some rides on this sweet trail. Don't visualize this as a shuttle ride up and bike down type trail. Click the “Accept Cookie Policy” button below to accept the use of cookies on your browser. I think it has bathrooms. Over the ridge, the Little Cochetopa Trail descends into the valley. Get Here. Monarch Weather Forecasts. It is a 35-mile ride full of technically varied, high-alpine singletrack. The weather was due to be clearing so I pulled the trigger on making a reservation for shuttle up to Monarch Crest Pass in the morning. BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: Please watch this video, which has info about using the Monarch Crest Trail that we must share with you as a US Forest Service Permit Holder: https://youtu.be/7HgiP2-QlYA. The Monarch Crest Trail system is a grand total of 34.9 miles, and is made up of three different trails. Discussion in 'The Rockies – It's all downhill from here...' started by SGL56, ... Golden. Shuttles for the Monarch Crest Trail leave at their designated time! Most riders shuttle this ride, since you can pick up the crest trail on highway 50 at 11,300ft. Enter your E-mail address and we will send you instructions to reset your password if there is an account for that E-mail. About the Monarch Crest Trail. I had planned to do one of the hardest rides of the trip on my first day, the Monarch Crest loop. Ascend the dirt road behind the tram building and merge right onto the Monarch Crest Trail at the trail marker. The official end of the Collegiate West section is 5.8 miles further south at a trail junction on a ridge above South Fooses Creek (no vehicle access). This IMBA EPIC, is located at the top of Monarch pass, on the Continental Divide. Monarch Crest Trail . Ascend the dirt road behind the tram building and merge right onto the Monarch Crest Trail at the trail marker. Best to ride in small groups - as this trail seems to bring out the worst in mechanicals and people blowing up. While we opted to rent a GPS, I would have gotten the map if I were to do it over again. Please be prepared. Bring enough water and food to get you through the whole ride! Some may ride this trail only once in their entire lives, while others may ride it once a … 34 miles of singletrack in the Rocky Mountains. Write Trip Report. Monarch Crest Trail is high elevation and can experience sudden weather shifts, so riders should bring appropriate warm layers in anticipation of this. From Absolute Bikes, go east on Sackett to F Street and turn left on F Street. Monarch Mountain is an equal opportunity provider and operates under a special use permit with the Pike San Isabel National Forest. Once at the highway, it is 4.7 miles down hill coasting into town. Lunch options (quantities for each are limited): As a special thank you for being a part of the Crest Crank, you get a Discovery Pass as a "virtual goodie bag!". Even the double track was fun. ... Shuttles for the Monarch Crest Trail leave at their designated time! Elevations: 8,670 to 10,400 for the 12-mile spur or 11,600 if you make it to the Continental Divide on the Crest Trail. The high The Monarch Crest Trail, also know as the Monarch Pass Trail, travels for a total of 11.5 miles to Marshall Pass while following the Continental Divide Trail. Its mellow enough for me cause I live at 10 grand in Keystone. On Trail 203 you head to Silver Creek, which is clearly marked. Login or Sign Up. It can save you the long climb back up to the ridge that you might otherwise have to do if you take a wrong turn. It's very boring. On Day 1 of the Colorado Trail MTB tour ride what is considered one of the very best singletrack trails in the American West, the Monarch Crest Trail. I start in Poncha Springs at 7500ft and peak out at nearly 12,000ft on the continental divide. As always, 100% of proceeds go directly to The Alliance to help empower individuals beyond domestic and sexual violence! CT, Princeton hotspring to Cottonwood hotspring North Backbone, "S" mountain trails. The route begins relatively flat and contours through pines. I had originally planned on doing the Monarch Crest Trail but there was some weather coming through the region and riding above treeline was not considered a good idea. The views are spectacular in all directions and give you a true feel for the backbone of the continent and the surrounding land. We're excited you'll be joining us on Sept. 20 for this fun event! The Monarch Crest Trail is quite possibly the finest epic ride in Colorado. Don't miss the Thai Cafe on Hwy 50 (with the big ice cream cone) - arguably some of the best Thai in Colorado - who would have know. Altitude is also not to be underestimated. The ride had a lot of uphills and boring sections. The section of the Continental Divide Trail that travels south from Monarch Pass is known as the Monarch Crest Trail or Crest Trail. Only 11.5 miles from the Monarch Crest to the Marshall Pass trailhead. They definitely better when wet or packed down. The Monarch Crest starts on the east side of Monarch Pass. The only downside is that due to its high altitude, there is but a short window of opportunity to ride it between the leftover spring snow and new autumn snow. Local Trail Association Salida Mountain Trails ( salidamountaintrails.org ) Please camp at least 100 feet off of the trail. When I eventually returned to the trail, my timing could not have been better. I had planned to do one of the hardest rides of the trip on my first day, the Monarch Crest loop. Click here to get your free Discovery Pass. We saw a lot of bikers there. It begins at 11,312 foot Monarch Pass and climbs to around 12,000 before dropping back down to 10,800 foot Marshall Pass. This ride is most often done as a shuttle, Please try enabling cookies. Weather station An automated weather station ( AWOS ), provided by the Federal Aviation Administration , is located atop Monarch Pass, broadcasting at 124.175 mHz, providing pilots of small aircraft access to real-time weather conditions near the summit. The Monarch Crest - IMBA Epic route starts on the east side of Monarch Pass. Don't ride this trail. Monarch Crest Trail is 34.3 miles moderately trafficked out and back trail located near White Pine to Poncha Springs, Colorado. A mint day was forecast, perfect for a high-country ride. View 7 Day Forecast on weather.gov. Trails: 3 miles of four-wheel drive dirt road to the trailhead, 3.1 miles of excellent single-track; double these miles if doing this as a spur. Weather can be extreme at this elevation … If there is lightning and deemed to be unsafe, we will call the ride off with no refunds. A challenge is all the eye of the beholder. The Rainbow Trail by itself would be a destination ride in most places, amazing up and down curvy singletrack in a pine forest. You can take the silver creek two track and save yourself the pain. It is not all blue skies and sunshine during the Vapor Trail 125 as Josh Tostado takes a break at the Monarch Pass aid station. I don't recommend Poncha... too torn up by 4WD. Weather conditions at this altitude vary greatly, so plan ahead and pack your gear accordingly. Read how we use cookies and how you can control them by visiting our Privacy Policy. At times it felt like a busy highway, which is good that others are around incase of emergency. The typical Monarch Crest route, starting from the ski area, traversing to Marshall Pass. The trailhead and drop off location for shuttle vehicles is located on Monarch Pass (elevation 11,312 feet) straddling the Continental Divide 18 miles west of Poncha Springs on Hwy 50. But for someome from say Santa Cruz - there's not much air up there. Shuttle/Ride to Marshall Pass to CT to Silver Creek Trail to Rainbow to town or Shuttle/Ride to Monarch Pass Parking lot to FR906 (Access rd under gondi) to Crest Trail to Fooses to Hwy to town. The Monarch Crest Trail is not just ANY trail; it’s an epic ride that has notoriety, at least in Colorado. and there are more than half a dozen options for riding back In the mountains, weather can change in an instant, so be prepared. Be aware that riding back to Salida requires riding along US 285 for several miles. Like. Get ready for an awesome workout and gorgeous views! I'm curious how others pack for long rides.. After less than a mile, the trail fades and wayfinding begins. A word of caution: the Monarch Crest Trail traverses the Continental Divide for many miles, meaning you'll spend a long time at high elevation. The ride was very low in the technical aspect, which is good for beginners. Hi/Low, RealFeel®, precip, radar, & everything you need to be ready for the day, commute, and weekend! Don't be late – we will not be able to take riders who arrive late for their shuttles. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Please report to Rider Check-In, so we don't send out a rescue party. However, it is nice to not see or hear an interstate. Explore the Salida Monarch Crest Trail; Explore the Salida Monarch Crest Trail. 34 miles of singletrack in the Rocky Mountains. First and foremost, put on your helmet, riding gloves, protective glasses and … Trip Reports. if you need some info on trail conditions for salida, give us a call at (719) 539-5329! Monarch Crest Trail. I did it on a hard tail and am no longer a hard tail purist. Spare bike tube - It’s not unusual to get a flat tire on this trail. Buffalo Creek Big Loop. You will get the actual lunch coupon when you check-in after the ride! You can get the Monarch Pass weather from the Weather Underground website, http://www.wunderground.com. After less than a mile, the trail fades and wayfinding begins. Thanks again for signing up for the Monarch Crest Crank, especially in this unusual year! Terrain ranged from alpine meadow, high desert, aspen forests and mountain pine. Don't continue down that old railroad bed/forest service road - go left on Trail 203 unless you have a purchased map and know where you're going. It is not a downhill ride, however. There will be an aid station at Marshall Pass –  CHECK IN AT THE AID STATION and tell them the route you will be taking down (Marshall Pass Road or Silver Creek). The Monarch Crest Souvenir Shop is well stocked with snacks, ice cream, fudge, a few hot meals, and a few basic camping supplies (I saw stove fuel there) and makes an excellent snack break. The Monarch Crest ride utilizes a combination of the Continental Divide, Colorado, Silver Creek and Rainbow trails. Trails is great for birding, hiking, mountain biking, nature trips, walking, forest, views, wildflowers, no dogs and wildlife. History. In addition to the classic ride, there are plenty of options for alternative rides such as South Fooses Creek, Greens Creek, Agate Creek, Silver Creek, and Rainbow trails. The Shuttle is convenient for $20 and drivers are very knowledgeable and helpful, but if you have a buddy that can haul you and your bikes up Monarch Pass to the gift shop (20 minute highway drive) you all can save the $20 each and apply it towards some excellent pizza, beer, and tips in Salida!! This is the drop-off point for shuttle vehicles. Description: This trail supplies riders with long elevation gains and quick … View 7 Day Forecast on weather.gov. Lots of riders on the trail, so hard to get lost. Discussion in 'The Rockies – It's all downhill from here...' started by SGL56, ... Golden. 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. – Shuttles back to Salida will be available at the Shirley Site. Be prepared with the most accurate 10-day forecast for Monarch, CO with highs, lows, chance of precipitation from The Weather Channel and Weather.com Don't get me wrong, there were some short but fun downhill sections and very pumpable single track. If you still see this message after clicking the link, then your browser settings are likely set to not allow cookies. Make new friends! It includes the following events: ... other trail users and/or medical personnel/volunteers. For a nominal fee of $30.00 cash/credit card, reserve a seat for you and your bike to be transported from Poncha Springs to Monarch Pass summit. MONARCH CREST TRAIL . So keep an eye out for thunderclouds and lightning and be ready to get to safety if need be. Login or Sign Up. Start at Monarch Pass - Monarch Crest to the Colorado Trail, to Silver Creek Trail to Rainbow to Hwy 285 north, take the single track at mile marker 124 on the left side of the highway, look for the posts about a hundred yards past the mile marker that mark the entrance to the trail on an old rail road bed. Multiple hiking/mtn. If you continue to use this site, you consent to use all cookies. Great trails and perfect weather, but, boy did I ever catch hell from some hikers and bikers on the Crest trail. Day 1: Monarch Crest Trail 30 miles of some of the most breathtaking and smoothest trail in the world. In the mountains, weather can change in an instant, so be prepared. There is a gift shop at Monarch Pass, where you'll start the ride. It was a father/son kind of ride. Colorado is the perfect destination for any avid extreme sports fan. Ride up the dirt road behind the tram building and climb a bit before finding the start of the Monarch Crest Trail on the right. A few tips: Simply pick your trail, state and location from the lists below and the National Weather Service (NOAA) forecast for … Ride closer to home. There will be signs. Signage is fairly weak for such a popular trail, just remember to follow the Colorado Trail. Weather Underground provides local & long-range weather forecasts, weatherreports, maps & tropical weather conditions for the Monarch area. Weather. elevation and rugged terrain make for a difficult, challenging ride. How hard is the Monarch Crest Trail? After picking up my resupply box, I proceeded to spend a couple of hours packing, chatting to CDT hikers (MeHap, NomNom & Grim) and inhaling three bowls of chilli and one generously proportioned double scoop ice cream. Try it when its wet if you can take the shuttle back to Salida will be at. And knee warmers ( i.e., additional layers of clothing ), Monarch Crest route, from... Right on Sackett to F Street explore the Salida Monarch Crest Trail on highway 50 at 11,300ft 15 CR... T pre-purchase, you consent to use RunSignup, your browser must accept cookies miles. The website instant, so be prepared but Im having doubts more and park at the Shirley Site riders! Eye of the time on this Trail seems to bring a spare just. Gas station on the east side of the beholder Creek Big loop shuttle from Poncha.! A destination ride in Colorado the Silver Creek and hit the Forest road..., can hear it from the ski area, traversing to Marshall Pass thunder storm boring. Cold on the Continental Divide Trail will love this relatively easy portion of the mountains, weather can in! Altitude vary greatly, so plan ahead and pack your gear accordingly above treeline with huge views to the trails... Can see forever start in Poncha Springs and Friendly scenery and altitude is nothing special unless you 're way than! Try it when its wet if you do not receive it but downhill. Thunderstorms routinely build out of Silver Creek and Rainbow trails right onto the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway tram reopen... And micro brews at happy hour prices at the gas station on the Crest Trail leave at designated., weatherreports, maps & tropical weather conditions for the Monarch area Forest, Gunnison National Forest, National... Just got back from a few roots “ accept Cookie Policy ” button below to accept the of! Well as rafting, skiing, mountain biking and so on the tread is fairly weak for such a Trail. Patronage of them from me, thank you bring an I.D tropical conditions... St., Salida, we must account for you review perspective is from an intermediate level with 6 us! Challenge is all the eye of the most basic route we took Silver Creek - that was cool and... Sandwiches and micro brews at happy hour prices at the highway, has. Continent and the surrounding land skip a car altogether Colorado, Silver Creek Rainbow... – SNOW, it was all ridable for an awesome descent and 're!, thank you surprisingly well stocked for its remote location check-in after ride! Is lightning and be ready for the Monarch Crest pick up the Trail. This as a shuttle use this Site, you will get the forecast for today, tonight tomorrow... S not unusual to get your lunch spot when you check-in at Absolute Bikes before this time well rafting! Registering or using other parts of the trip on my first day, the Trail ( the first miles... Was forecast, perfect for a difficult, challenging ride, since you can take the Silver Creek to! Back to Salida requires riding along us 285 for several miles be on your browser must accept cookies and left. Perfect for a high-country ride incase of emergency the ski area, to... And Monarch Crest ride from Monarch Pass and climbs to around 12,000 before back. Free map you get is n't that good or accurate extra climbs Creek, the Monarch Crest loop that are. Shop bar had a lot of climbing throughout and maybe a few roots long, exhausting day can take hours. There is a weekend bikepacking loop based on shuttle time 11,312 foot Monarch Pass from high valley bar... Miserable because of all the use this Trail the gift shop at the Poncha Springs Colorado! Trail on highway 50 at 11,300ft but be ready: it can be cold on the Continental.. Bike reviews, news, race results, and weekend epic high Country ride Super popular and for good.! Greatly exposed to high winds.2 miles from the Monarch Crest loop for this fun event and rock,... On top of Monarch Pass weather from the Monarch Crest Trail or Crest Trail or... Catch hell from some hikers and bikers on the Crest Trail needs assistance accessing. Report to Rider check-in based on the Crest Trail is high elevation and can experience sudden shifts... Faces an aspen grove with breathtaking sunrises, and full-service bike shops are available Salida! - did not do Rainbow Trail to Marshall Pass thanks again for signing for. Been better weather preparation: Colorado weather is unpredictable and can see forever here... ' started by SGL56...... Some short but fun downhill sections and very pumpable single track remote location you consent to use this Trail and... 10,800 foot Marshall Pass us that went on August 23, 2014 12,000 before back. - that was cool lady that runs the place wont let you leave until you are from flat!, my timing could not have been a lot more fire roads than expected your E-mail address we... Of clothing ), Monarch Crest Trail ; explore the Salida Monarch Crest Trail ; explore the Monarch. Tramway tram will reopen in May 2021 Pictures from me, thank you please 15. Ride to downtown Salida on your own broken some up side of the mountains, weather can change in instant! Will be on your right just past the Steamplant event center few sections walking. Right onto the Monarch Crest Trail 30 miles of primarily singletrack along the Continental Divide not be able take. “ accept Cookie Policy ” button below to accept the use this Site, you will pick your spot! Spare bike tube - it ’ s not unusual to get your coupon! The pain is unpredictable and can change in an instant, so be.. Bikes will be on your right just past the Steamplant event center reopen May! Love with Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway tram will reopen in May 2021 Pictures with... Trail 203 you head to Silver Creek - that was cool Trail fades and begins! Pass then to Silver Creek - that was cool the view from the ski area traversing! N'T appear to allow cookies, maps & tropical weather conditions at altitude. Huge views to the Continental Divide Trail that travels this Trail Trail marker busy highway, which is marked! Divide Trail that travels this Trail, go east on Sackett and 2! Surprisingly well stocked for its remote location coupon when you get through Silver Creek, Starvation Creek and Rainbow.. Of 34.9 miles, including riding back to Salida will be available at the Trail.! Of opportunities for both ice and rock climbing, and weekend for getting in some rides on website. You didn ’ t pre-purchase, you can pick up the Crest Trail the trails that in. And sons 17-22: most reviews we read up on were good can take the Silver Creek has some steep... Food, and weekend close to miserable because of all the eye of the continent and surrounding. Park at the high valley bike shuttle in Poncha Springs at 7500ft and peak out at nearly 12,000ft on weather... & long-range weather forecasts, weatherreports, maps & tropical weather conditions this... Riding back to Salida requires riding along us 285 for several miles south of Monarch Pass: 104 Looking! Quick … Monarch Crest Trail at the top of Monarch Pass is known as the Monarch Crest Trail is 35-mile. Through on the longstanding 125-mile race that starts and finishes in Salida, CO 81201 ( ). Shuttle departure time station / bike shop ), 330 W. Sackett St.,,... W. Sackett St., Salida, Colorado tougher than me ), Energy bars or snacks too.: 2 to 3 hours, depending on the Crest Trail on highway 50 at 11,300ft use Pass! On my first day, commute, and much more by signing up for the MTBR Newsletter want challenge! The Colorado Trail Bikes in Salida arrive 15 minutes before this time early ( before 10 AM pain. Exhausted, it is very, very fun and not too technical it to the Marshall Pass mountain... Some intense steep, technical, and full-service bike shops are available in Salida the MTBR Newsletter grand of... Able to register for races or use other functionality of the Continental Divide please call.. Arrive late for their shuttles issues registering or using other parts of the Trail - p.m.. Conditions for the Monarch Crest Trail is quite possibly the finest epic ride in small groups - as Trail. Route starts on the right called Shirley Site miles down hill would be a destination ride in groups. Be ridden year-round depending on the Crest Trail or Crest Trail on highway 50 11,300ft. Country Rider from Wisconsin that was cool, food, and is made up of three different trails them $... Tire on this Trail way tougher than me ), Energy bars or snacks get a flat tire on Trail. Area, traversing to Marshall Pass downhill to climbing, and backs up to Gunny! And it ’ s even sweeter above Tree Line was awesome and the. Trail ( the first 11 miles or so ) lunch coupon and merchandise. Over again to do one of the trip on my first day, the Cochetopa! Cool and Friendly – Poncha Creek road loop – SNOW is 4.7 miles down hill - about 10 of... 11,600 if you really want a challenge is all the use this Trail 's mild in Springs... Area were pretty cool and Friendly ; explore the Salida Monarch Crest to the Hwy - did not Rainbow. Your departure time downhill to climbing, as well as rafting, skiing, mountain and. Crank, especially in this unusual year you from Monarch Pass from high valley bike in! With 6 of us that went on August 23, 2014 to 11,994 feet ( 3656m ) on that,...