The Way: Monarch Pass is on US 50, 18 miles west of Poncha Springs. Apparently the owners of the toll road did not keep good care of the road and charged what was thought to be high rates, so in 1887 the county purchased the road for $1400 and took over the maintenance. Park here and you will see a sign for the Continental Divide Trail which parallels the gated road. Old Monarch Pass. Local Wisdom: Most people--especially bikers--go north to south, from Monarch to Marshall, for a net drop in elevation. The original pass was a toll-road which opened in 1880. (10980ft,mile78) Old Monarch Pass road joins on right 11. Monarch Mountain is an equal opportunity provider and operates under a special use permit with the Pike San Isabel National Forest. Old Monarch Pass / Waterdog Lake Loop is a 10.6 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Sargents, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. window.timelapseview_options=window.timelapseview_options || {};window.timelapseview_options["53u2x"] = {"e":"9RmqeM","t":"7"}; window.timelapseview_options=window.timelapseview_options || {};window.timelapseview_options["QWyn4"] = {"e":"MXww8z","t":"7"}; window.timelapseview_options=window.timelapseview_options || {};window.timelapseview_options["Ni3Yw"] = {"e":"z7Arw9","t":"7"}; window.timelapseview_options=window.timelapseview_options || {};window.timelapseview_options["6l1OV"] = {"e":"zYmQyz","t":"7"}; As described in my previous post, during the MPVMP we will be utilizing a detour for the CDNST/CT that involves a portion of the Old, Old Monarch Pass Road. It's located in Colorado, United States.Old Monarch Pass is located on the Old Monarch Pass Road (CR 237), which is an excellent dirt car-road. (8470ft,mile89) START-END WEST: Sargents Length 3.2 miElevation gain 511 ftRoute type Loop. Old Monarch Pass (GC2AXJR) was created by Flutiste on 6/27/2010. A good flowing trail network will have most trails flowing in a single direction according to their intension. 6. The CDT also sees through hikers passing by Monarch every summer. Article and photos provided by Bruce Bartleson, Professor Emeritus Western Colorado University. Old Monarch Pass is a 11 mile less popular dirt/gravel road trail located near Salida Colorado. The pass can be approached from several different directions, and either way, a hike of at least … This interactive map includes all the trail systems from our most recent paper maps. Old Monarch Pass is a 17 km less popular dirt/gravel road trail located near Salida Colorado. The trail winds through the woods … Monarch Pass on modern HWY 50 is actually the third Monarch Pass, and was opened in 1939, when the ski area was built. Colors indicate trail is missing specified detail. Loading... Unsubscribe from Butch Brininger? South Central: Old Monarch Pass, Black Sage Pass Road, Waunita Pass Road, Middle Quartz Creek, Hancock Pass, Tomichi Pass, Cumberland Pass, Alpine Tunnel, Tincup Pass, Mt. Monarch Crest is an epic High Country ride Super popular and for good reason. Look for a snowmobile trailhead for the Monarch Pass Snowmobile Area at Old Monarch Pass. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. The current ski area maintenance road from the north end of the ski area parking lot follows the old road to the divide. Get Here. Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine the last time a trail was ridden. Why we love it: As a designated snowshoe trail, this is a very well marked trail that uses tree blaze markings. Old Monarch Pass, Salida For a relatively quick jaunt, head to the top of Old Monarch Pass right from the trailhead and parking area. 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. There are multiple switchbacks. More info via skimonarch.com. Click any pin for more details; the number preceeding each trail/area name corresponds to the printed map. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions. See the topo map showing the closure and detour. Just respect your limits and the terrain. Old Monarch Pass road can be accessed from HWY 50 on the east side of the summit of Monarch Pass or from the White Pine Road (CR 888), on the west side. The Old, Old Monarch Pass Toll Road was a stage coach road. 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. Old Monarch Pass Road. In 1919, the FSR 237 route, or Old Monarch Pass, was created to make a shorter path to Gunnison. Start early and finish by midday to get off the exposed ridge before summer's almost-daily afternoon thunderstorms. It's a Regular size geocache, with difficulty of 1, terrain of 2. Below is some info about the original pass over the Continental Divide at Monarch provided by the guest author credited below. The old, old road is now a dirt bike and mountain bike trail at least in the lower stretches. This classic route over the divide is now a popular gravel mountain bike right. Start this ride the same as you would for the Monarch Crest Trail: From the top of Monarch Pass - US 5, park at the parking lot near the scenic tram building.. To start the ride, go up the dirt road behind the tram building. Distance From Denver: 160 Miles. Avoid this route during “Considerable” and above avalanche ratings. The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad built a spur line from Salida to Monarch that operated until 1982. As mining started to boom in the upper South Arkansas valley in the late 1870’s a road to provide access to the White Pine and Tomichi mining areas as well as to the Gunnison country, across the Divide was highly desired. Just like the old toll road, THIS CACHE IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE IN SUMMER. The discovery of gold and silver on both sides of Monarch Pass lead to the establishment of several towns including Maysville, Garfield (Junction City), and Monarch (Chaffee City). Anyone who needs assistance with accessing the content on this website please call, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). The road was only open in the summer months, as the winter snow made the route impassable. (11312ft,mile80) TOP: Monarch Pass, Monarch Crest Trail joins on left 12. Location: Monarch Pass Distance: 10.4 Miles – Out & Back Travel Time: 4.5 – 6 Hours Type of Trail: Singletrack & Road Aerobic Level: Strenuous Technical Difficulty: Ski – Advanced; Shoe – Advanced Avalanche Danger: Moderate -. There is a GPS - gpx track at the bottom of the page. After you climb the dirt road and do a short climb, the views are amazing, and then … To reach Marshall Pass from Poncha Springs, go 5 miles south on US 285, turn west … 10. After crossing the highway and continuing south on the trail, it becomes known as the infamous Crest Trail, one of the best mountain bike trails in the country. The Old, Old Monarch Pass Toll Road was a stage coach road. The intended direction a trail should be ridden. The famous Barlow and Sanderson stage line the page made the route impassable Locate the,! Pass road joins on left 12 two passes on this Loop and are! Right is a very well marked trail that uses tree blaze markings spectacular scenery in the city! 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