The route follows what is commonly called Old Monarch Pass, a path begun in 1919 to shorten the original wagon trail through this area. 5.7 Back at the trailhead. And riding up the Rainbow Trail is a unique challenge. In 1960 3% of the US population lived in cities. The route includes Old Monarch Pass, Black Sage Pass, Waunita Pass, Cumberland Pass, and Cottonwood Pass. There is usually plowed parking on the left, but sometimes only a few spaces. Your post triggered fond memories for me. 3.9 Turn right on the road – this is the end of the loop. Total Length 9½mi; Old Monarch Pass Road . Trail Ratings 4.0 from 1 vote #1 in Monarch Mountain #165 Overall. In the Arkansas Valley, the route avoids highways 285 and 50 as much as possible, opting for minor paved and dirt backroads. ATV Riding. This loop is a beast at 36 miles with 4635’ of climbing. Take the CDT left – look for blue diamonds on the trees that mark the trail (38°30.24N, 106°19.58W). 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. Parallel the two small creeks, always keeping them on your right – there may be a snowmobile trail, or not. I think you found a good place for a while. The description and mileages given from here assume that you’re going to the top. 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. Good stuff. As a backcountry traveler we assume you know your personal abilities, limitations and have a comprehensive background in avalanche safety. 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. 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.). Funds from the CORSAR program go into the Colorado Search and Rescue (SAR) Fund. 2.6 Reach the highway and the turnaround spot (38° 30.03N, 106° 19.92W). A group of 8 boys rode up to the edge of the pond and jumped in. 4h 32m, Amazing!!! Top of Old, 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. Backcountry travel is a physically strenuous activity with many risks and dangers. Travelers encounter high mountain lakes and towering peaks of six wilderness areas and eight mountain ranges as they climb nearly 90,000 vertical feet. 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. 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. Not all trails need to be difficult Jeep trails! Time for a beer in Salida. Summit the pass and drop down to HWY 50. Some days after hiking in the hills we. The trail has lots of different terrains to test out your skills on, but isn’t too difficult. 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. We spent 25 years living in either the Springs or Pueblo West and traveled Hwy 50 many a time. they dried off and headed off on their bikes to who knows where. Thanks for showing what we are missing from not going to the Mountains out west! If you’re insatiable and need more, look at the sections titled: Other Areas to Explore. 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. Luckily for snowshoers, the 1921 route filled with snow every winter and caused long delays. Due to heavy snow and sharp corners, the highway masters moved the road to its current location in 1937. Plus, it packs in some incredible views in a … For those just venturing into harder hikes, the Old Monarch Pass is a fantastic option. This trail description follows the route to the top of the pass. 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. The road is a perfect trail in winter. 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. There may be variances and changes, you may get lost. The loop is on paved and dirt County Roads and more difficult USFS and BLM dirt roads. We thought that we needed to escape our small towns. The next day the rains hit hard and we thought about the hikers we had passed. 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. Hiking. This route follows a road parallel to the South Arkansas River that then curves up to the current Monarch Pass Road. Now 50% of the population live in cities. Snowshoeing. 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. This loop has become known as the Collegiate Loop. After a dip. 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. Horseback Riding. Motorcycle Riding. Here, after .8 mile, the spur trail ends and the Arapaho Pass trail begins. Some people just jump in with lifejackets for a float and fishermen line the shore. Just looking at your beautiful photos makes me feel a little cooler. Old Monarch Pass is 11,375' elevation, just a few feet higher than the modern one, but the road is much curvier. Otherwise, sidestep or use herring bone steps to surmount this obstacle. We miss CO and can't wait to one day return. Enjoy the downhill and watch out for rocks, stumps and other skiers. 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. 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. 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). https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/old-monarch-pass-waterdog-lake-loop This trail goes by Old Monarch 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. Respect the landowner’s rights and obey all signs regarding trail use. There are no hard and fast rules, but please consider the following: If you require search and rescue services, it can be costly. Enjoy the rest of the summer in beautiful Colorado. Novice Option: Ski out-and-back to Mile 2.6. Turn right and climb the pavement for 0.5 miles. 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. Go left here to loop back to the road you came up, or turn right to continue to the top. Travel back along the flat road to the trailhead. Ride the Crest past the wooden shelter at the top of Green's Creek. 3.1 Enter this clearing (38° 30.05N, 106° 19.55W) and stay slightly uphill to your right where you’ll intersect another path that is almost always kicked in by downhill skiers. We have appreciated the cool evenings and mornings. The loop through Pawnee Pass (12,542 feet) and Buchanan Pass (11,837 feet) is dramatic, strenuous, and unforgettable. Less than 5 miles of pavement. The mountains and river look so refreshing! 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 … The “new” road over the pass, which is … The descent is along an old railroad grade with magnificent views out over the valley. The 567 miles of the CT trail between Denver and Durango passes through some spectacular scenery in the Colorado Rockies. Most routes in this text are located on public land, but some trails pass through or adjacent to private land. 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. 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. 0.6 Stay right at this intersection. Be insatiable. 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. Monarch Pass on modern HWY 50 is actually the third Monarch Pass, and was opened in 1939, when the ski area was built. Route Information: San Isabel National Forest : Salida Ranger District 325 West Rainbow Blvd. In 1936 another version of Monarch Pass opened and that is the current route today. 7. The mileages, routes and waypoints listed in this text are only suggestions. gtag('js', new Date()); Road on No Name Creek, Major Creek, and South Arkansas River in Gunnison National Forest, San Isabel National Forest. There can be a bit of crazy in those big cities. " See the topo map showing the closure and detour. Be sure to read this list of equipment you should bring on your ride along with tips to make your biking trip more enjoyable. Get Here. The downhill path can be steep, fast and adrenaline-packed on skinny skis. The descent is along an Old railroad grade with magnificent views out over the valley Centennial trail is a challenge. 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