Hikers should also be prepared for extreme sun exposure, wind, cool temperatures, and rapidly changing weather conditions while on the trail. Colorado is the perfect destination for any avid extreme sports fan. Monarch Crest. Trailforks scans users ridelogs to determine the most popular direction each trail is ridden. 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. Colors indicate trail is missing specified detail. by Greg Heil. Hikers should always be aware of lightning risk while hiking in the Rocky Mountains, especially at higher elevations. Parking: The parking lot for this trail sits at the trailhead for the Sweetgum Trail. This IMBA EPIC, is located at the top of Monarch pass, on the Continental Divide. After you top out, the descent towards Green Creek is fast and furious. The trail begins as a paved road heading up the mountain between the Monarch Pass Gift Shop and the gondola building for the Monarch Tramway. Mountainbiking the Monarch Crest Trail Epic in Colorado. 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. As you can see from the photo below, the fog lingered below the east side of the pass for much of the day. Make sure you have the proper gear with you, and know what safety precautions you need to consider beforehand. The route begins relatively flat and contours through pines. ButI don't really give a shit about how long or fast it took to ride this truly epic… Sweet Singletrack Photographer. Three shuttles run daily at 8 & 10 AM. Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine the last time a trail was ridden. There are plenty of opportunities for both ice and rock climbing, as well as rafting, skiing, mountain biking and so on. As a general rule of thumb you should plan to be off the summit before noon in order to avoid the notorious afternoon thunderstorms that frequent the mountains during the summer months. If you're doing Monarch Crest, do the Rainbow trail too. Hikers should note that there may be some off-trail trekking involved with this option. @ document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); RockyMountainHikingTrails.com. 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. The Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway and Gift Shop are on the top of Monarch Pass at 11,312 feet (3.45 km). The Monarch Crest Trail is best ridden as a shuttle and begins at the very top of Monarch Pass just outside of Salida or Poncha Springs, Colorado on highway U.S. 50. Starting at Monarch Pass summit at 11,320 feet you will travel south along the Continental Divide nudging up to 12,000 feet as you make your way to Marshall Pass to take in some Colorado trail goodness. The best of the rest is the Rainbow Trail. The Monarch Crest starts on the east side of Monarch Pass. From this junction the trail begins to climb again. It climbs above tree line and traverses the mountains through grassy meadows and rock gardens. Licence Free. by Greg Heil. The hike along the Monarch Crest Trail in the San Isabel National Forest begins from Monarch Pass. Dogs and biking are both allowed on this trail. After you climb the dirt road and do a short climb, the views are amazing, and then more amazing as you navigate between small peaks. 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