08/31/2020
COLORADO
6. Monarch Crest Trail
57h badges
TOP CHOICE FOR CLASSIC XC
Pros and cons
You can’t beat the panoramas at 12,000 feet
Laid-back vibe compared to resorts
Hot springs, camping and activities abound
Challenging ride due to the altitude
Need to plan for a shuttle drop
Monarch Pass in San Isabel National Forest features a stunning, albeit challenging, high-alpine ride. Monarch Crest Trail is one of Colorado’s three IMBA Epic routes starting on the east side of Monarch Pass. Riders ascend 2000 vertical feet and travel above 12,000 feet elevation. The reward is that you’ll enjoy outstanding mountain views in all directions. The iconic Monarch Crest Trail is actually three trails in one 14-mile point to point, following a section of the Continental Divide Trail. I recommend nabbing a shuttle service for an easy drop off. Otherwise, use two cars and some friends.
Monarch Crest Trail
Mountain biking on the Monarch Crest Trail. Photo by TRAILSOURCE.COM licensed under CC BY 2.0
A 15-mile trek with significant climbing up a dirt road will get you onto Monarch Crest Trail. It starts mostly flat and winds through pines before meeting Silver Creek Trail for another 4.5 miles of chundery downhill. You’ll hit some technical terrain, features and vantage points. The trail runs right into the largest section of the ride on the Rainbow Trail for nine miles of additional traversing, climbing and descending, featuring a short rock and root garden climb to start, and a speedy, technical finish. It’s a total of 36 miles back to Poncha Springs, with the last five downhill miles being paved.
How hard is the Monarch Crest Trail?
A challenge is all the eye of the beholder. Climbing 2,000 vertical feet is no joke and takes the majority of the time on this trail. Altitude is also not to be underestimated. Weather can also change at the drop of a hat and lightning is always a risk when traveling in the high country of the Rockies. Bring layers and start early to avoid afternoon storms, although the changing climate means they’re less of an issue these days. If you’re traveling from sea level or low-elevation areas, do yourself a favor and a day or two to acclimate.
Fortunately, the Arkansas River is a main attraction in Salida and nearby Buena Vista. Plus, you won’t want for dining, shopping, breweries and live-music opportunities in the summer. I recommend you stay in the charming town of Salida, just north of the trail. The trailhead is just 19 miles from Poncha Springs, and another more low-key lodging option.
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Find a little bit of everything along this classic track, including doubletrack, singletrack, technical, loose, contoured, and stunning views from above 12,000 feet elevation.
Gallery
The Monarch Crest Trail Is Still the Definition of Epic
The Monarch Crest Trail Is Stil...
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6. MONARCH CREST TRAIL - GOOD TO KNOW
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Terrain:
A little of everything!
When to go:
Late June to September
Rest-day activity:
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa
Bike shuttle:
High Valley Bike Shuttle
Restaurants:
Elevation Beer Co in Poncha Springs or Salida
Trail map:
Monarch Crest Trail Map
Bike shops:
Subculture Cyclery, Absolute Bikes
My Advice for Planning Your Colorado Mountain Biking Trip
How to prepare for your trip into Colorado’s wild and open spaces
There are a few tips of advice that seem to trip people up when planning out a trip to Colorado. Weather is drastically warmer in the Front Range and Denver area. If you’re headed to the mountains or high elevation, bring a puffy or warm jacket seeing it can get down to the 40s at night, even in the summer. Both the Front Range and mountains are known for of-the-moment weather changes, so bring layers or a light jacket. Check the weather often, drink plenty of water and remember altitude lowers your tolerance for alcohol. I’ve seen it too many times where people get wasted after a couple drinks or get headaches from dehydration when visiting Aspen. A reusable water bottle will go a long way.
Remember, more people than ever are heading out into Colorado’s wilderness due travel restrictions. I highly encourage people to explore their own country, state and backyard — all while being a good steward. Pack out all your trash, especially since reduced state and federal park funding means even trash cans aren’t being monitored as well as before. Also, stick to the trails to reduce impact.
Crested Butte MTB
Crested Butte has plenty of mountain biking trails for all skill levels and plenty to do off two wheels in the quaint little mountain town. Photo by TRAILSOURCE.COM licensed under CC BY 2.0
Safety tips for encountering and respecting wildlife while biking
Colorado is home to a range of wildlife that live and migrate in the diverse sections of the state. People gravitate here because vast portions of it are wild. That also means you need to be prepared and respect wildlife if you do encounter them. Certain trails are closed for elk migrations. Black bears aren’t uncommon, and due to the popularity of certain areas where trash is left accessible, interactions are becoming more common. Unlike Alaska’s more dangerous breeds, black bears can be scared away by loud noises. Don’t mess with a mother with her cubs, though. Moose are infamous for being aggressive, and a mother moose with calves to protect is certainly dangerous. Keep your distance and don’t even dream of a close-up.
Plan wisely or hire a guide before biking in Colorado
Despite its popularity, Colorado’s terrain can pose its own risk and people in the high-alpine can’t be easily reached. Many of these trails involve stretches of bare rock that are slippery during and after rain, or gravel that can get loose when dry. Investing in a sturdy mountain bike with good tires and suspension will make a world of a difference. As a beginner, I balked at the gear prices. After one trip to the desert using a borrowed bike without decent tread changed my mind forever.
Pack for weather events — the Rockies get late-afternoon lightning events and the Front Range is notorious for hail storms that will total a car without warning! And bring a GPS, especially if you’re headed into remote areas where you’re unfamiliar. And regardless of the terrain or weather, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
