Monarch Crest Trail

The Crest Trail is the section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail running roughly 11 miles from Monarch Pass to Marshall Pass.

Monarch Pass is 20-25 miles from Absolute Bikes. The Crest trail is part of the CDNST System, and the Colorado Trail joins the Crest Trail several miles south of Monarch Pass.

Monarch Crest Trail Status: SOME MELTING SNOW DRIFTS, MUDDY PLACES

Normal Season: July through September
Last date trail was checked: Jun 27th, 2009

Down to three big drifts. A few locals are riding it, but you need to be very careful about the drops off the drifts. Photo courtesy of PT Wood - Thanks!

Want to come to Salida to ride anyway? Check out trailbuilding progress in the valley at www.salidamountaintrails.org.

The Crest is typically passable from July through September.

Crest Cam and Weather Reports

The Crest Trail begins a little over 20 miles from and 5,000 feet above Salida, so the weather there can be difficult to discern from here at Absolute Headquarters where we enjoy balmy Banana Belt weather even in winter. Now you can get the down low on highcountry weather in real time...just keep in mind it can change fast!

High Elevation, Thin Air, Sensitive Environment, Volatile Weather

The Crest Trail is at a very high elevation, even by Colorado standards. Monarch Pass is at 11,312 feet elevation. The trail climbs from Monarch Pass to traverse a high ridge at nearly 12,000 feet for much of its distance. The trail is traditionally rideable from July through September. But the dates vary according to weather patterns.

The classic problem with the Monarch Crest ride is time. How to start early enough to avoid getting caught in the almost certain thunderstorm that will come around lunchtime? The answer, start by 9:00 am. And that means rolling down the trail by 9, not rolling out of bed by 9. It takes most riders around 2 hours to ride from Monarch Pass to Marshall Pass. It can be done much faster, but you’ll want some time to spend gawking at the scenery. While you’re gawking, keep an eye on the sky. It can go from practically cloudless to full-on downpour in about an hour, so keep that in mind unless you don’t mind getting wet (and being exposed to lightning).

When there is snow on the Crest, go right over the top of the drift, above the trail bed. Don’t skirt the drift, walking or riding. It’s very harmful to the high tundra vegetation sprouting just where the snow is receding to trample it. Make your way across the snow, then slide down onto the trail, it’s very important to stay on-trail while the snowpack is melting! Start early, bring plenty of water and food, and have some extra clothing with you. If you get caught in a thunderstorm, you might be amazed at how cold it gets at over 11,000 feet elevation.

Most people ride the Crest after shuttling to Monarch Pass. The ride finishes at Poncha Springs for most options. Driving from Poncha to the pass takes half an hour. Dealing with your shuttle vehicle costs at least an hour, probably more in most situations. You could be eating pizza and drinking beer during that hour! Consider giving the High Valley Center shuttle service a try. They charge on a sliding scale to run you up to the pass with your bike from Poncha Springs. Isn’t your time worth $$ during vacation days? Why not pay to save some time. Think about it...