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. SECTION 7: Marshall Pass to Starvation Creek Tr to Rainbow Trail. 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. Related Posts. This 1.3 mile road to the top is the 1919 pathway taken over the Divide and is today known as Old Monarch Pass. The view from the top is unbelievable. Old Monarch Pass / Waterdog Lake Loop - Colorado | AllTrails We want you to have a safe and enjoyable trip into Colorado’s backcountry. But if you get the chance to drive its a beautiful pass … This road can be traversed by passenger vehicles at most times during the summer and early fall months. Due to heavy snow and sharp corners, the highway masters moved the road to its current location in 1937. The original pass can still be seen on some topographic maps today, but is passable only on foot. " Part of the Continental Divide, Cottonwood Pass is located near the border of Chaffee and Gunnison counties. The road is a perfect trail in winter. On a clear day, you’ll have great views west all the way to the San Juans. You will come back to this later. 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. From the summit on a clear day, you can see the entire breadth of the Rockies, from Pikes Peak to the San Juans. Boreas Pass is also located on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 11,400 feet. 0.6 Stay on the road left. 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 Mountain/Pass is off Highway 50, and is accessed by County Road 237, which also crosses the Continental Divide. On a clear day, you’ll have great views west all the way to the San Juans. It's a … However, heavy rainfalls occasionally wash out the east entrance to the pass. Cottonwood Pass to the Ptarmigan Lake Road, Cottonwood Lake to the Poplar Gulch Trail, Monarch Crest Trail to South Fooses Creek. It is now recognized as “Old Monarch Pass,” and can be easily accessed in dry conditions via an unpaved Forest Road 237. From here, either continue down the pass for a longer trip or simply turn around and follow your tracks back to the car. Part of the Old Monarch Pass Loop is also a section of the Colorado Trail. The route follows what is commonly called Old Monarch Pass, a path begun in 1919 to shorten the original wagon trail through this area. A dirt road on each side leads to the pass. 1.3 Top of Old Monarch Pass and the Continental Divide at 11,392 feet (38°29.87N , 106°20.25 W). 1.3 Top of Old Monarch Pass and the Continental Divide at 11,392 feet (38°29.87N, 106°20.25 W). 0.0 From the bottom of the pass, head up the road (38°30.210N, 106°19.70W). Check with a local ranger station for current conditions. Be sure to read this list of equipment you should bring on your ride along with tips to make your biking trip more enjoyable. The road to the summit is unpaved, and chains or snow tyres can be required throughout the year. 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. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! 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. Be prepared it could be a long walk out. 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. There are no hard and fast rules, but please consider the following: If you require search and rescue services, it can be costly. The pass is located on the famous coast to coast U.S. highway 50. Hazards, natural or manmade, whether noted in this book or not, can be encountered at any time, under any situation. This 22-mile road was reported to cost about $10,000 per mile. It's a Regular size geocache, with difficulty of 1, terrain of 2. Monarch pass is a beautiful drive! The 1880 route is called Old Old Monarch Pass. Here’s a look at where it’s located on the map. South Arkansas River to east. This stretch of road should not be attempted by novice drivers. 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. gtag('config', 'DC-1320480'); ". Be insatiable. If a CORSAR card holder becomes lost or injured in the backcountry, the Colorado SAR Fund pays eligible search and rescue expenses. All backcountry travelers and their companions assume responsibility for themselves. See the topo map showing the closure and detour. This classic route over the divide is now a popular gravel mountain bike right. The once-popular route, which was replaced by the shorter Hwy. 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. photos by Randy Bishop, 7/7/2007 during the Dirty Dozen ride This was an 1880’s stagecoach road and evidence is seen of construction that is over 130 years old. This stretch of road should not be attempted by novice drivers. If you’re insatiable and need more, look at the sections titled: Other Areas to Explore. 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. 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. 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. The road will curve to the East, but you will want to split off and start to blaze your own trail. SECTION 4: Alpine Tunnel to bottom of Old Monarch Pass road. Monarch Pass straddles the Continental Divide 23 miles west of the town of Salida. When State Highway 50 was built, the pass became "Old" Monarch Pass. The 22-mile road opened in September 1921, and—fun fact—cost about $10,000 per mile to build. 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. This option takes most of the day. 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. The “new” road over the pass… 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. 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 pass can be traversed by all vehicles under most conditions and is generally op… 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It is a pleasant gravel road in the summer and a favorite cross-country ski route in the winter. It’s all downhill – for real. Park on the right (north) side of the road in the large pullout. More info via skimonarch.com. 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