During the summer, an aerial tram from the parking lot at the summit carries visitors to the top of Monarch Ridge above the pass (at approximately 12,000 feet (3,700 m) above sea level), allowing a wider view of the surrounding peaks. If you like to hike and have done other hikes in this area, don't do this one. The 4 year old walked 99% of it. Monarch Lake Loop Trail is a 4.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Granby, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Colorado Monarch Pass Winter - Duration: 21:54. Old Monarch Pass Loop is a 3.2 mile loop trail located near Salida, Colorado that offers scenic views. It's got a little technicality to it but nothing for your enduro bike. Certainly not a destination for a hike. Join Free or … Park on the east side of the road in the large lot by the tram building. Some good views, but you are right by the hwy for a lot of this hike and hear semi's and cars a lot of the time. 4 kids ages 4-12. 4h 32m, Amazing!!! Old Monarch Pass Road winds along an easy-to-follow path through towering stands of lodgepole pines and spruce-fir forest. You really have a menu of trails to choose your own adventure back down to town. The Waterdog Lakes signed trailhead is located on the left near a large roadside gravel parking area about a quarter mile past the campground road between mile markers 202 and 203. Watch out for the afternoon storms. Hardcore locals might just ride up Monarch Pass to the trailhead but most shuttle. Sundays hike was on the CDT (Continental Divide Trail) north from Monarch Pass right off US 50 highway. Was not able to do this hike as there is still knee-deep snow at the beginning of the trail. Here, after.8 mile, the … Gourd Lake - 16.6 Miles Round-Trip Gourd Lake (10,795') is located 8.3 miles from Monarch Lake Trailhead in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.It lies just below treeline in a large, granite bowl west of the Divide.Gourd Lake is similar in appearance to nearby Mirror Lake but with lighter crowds. From I-70, take Exit #232 for Rocky Mountain National Park and Winter Park. Old Monarch Pass is a 17 km less popular dirt/gravel road trail located near Salida Colorado. Monarch Lake Trailhead, located at the west end of Monarch Lake. A large parking area, gift shop, and gondola make this a … Great views. We wish a sign or two had been placed to give you some ideas of how far you'd gone or … You will pass the Monarch Ski Resort on the left and then the Monarch Park Campground on the right. Monarch Pass is between Gunnison and Poncha Springs along Colorado’s Highway 50, which crosses the Continental Divide at 11,312 feet, offering sweeping vistas of central Colorado’s Sawatch Range. Monarch Lake, Mineral King, Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, California. Nice trail, if you start from Monarch Pass, where the gift shop and tram ride are it starts with a pretty strong climb for the first 1/4 mile. Featured Routes. This is not the place where we left the trail to go into Salida, but the hiking distance is about equal and the CDT follows a ridge that’s supposed to be more scenic. 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. Wes Wu 590 views. The trailhead is at Monarch Pass, off Highway 50, about 19 miles up from Poncha Springs. The Continental Divide Trail runs 8 miles from Monarch Pass to Boss Lake, passing through Monarch Mountain ski resort and past Hunt Lake along the way. Scenery. This will head south, crossing Buchanan Creek, then Arapaho Creek. Mount Shavano, Mount Antero, Mount Princeton, Mount Yale, Mount Harvard, Mount Oxford, and La Pata Peak Trail. Monarch Mountain guarantees to be open for skiing/snowboarding for (at least) 90 days in the 2020-21 season. Monarch Pass Overlook & Trailhead Monarch Pass is between Gunnison and Poncha Springs along Colorado’s Highway 50, which crosses the Continental Divide at 11,312 feet, offering sweeping vistas of central Colorado’s Sawatch Range. Started raining at noon so go there early. Also, it provides access to Buchanan Pass, to Pawnee Pass, and to Arapahoe Pass as well. Just wanted to update on the conditions. 673' Up — Old Monarch Pass Loop is a 5.1 kilometer loop trail located near Salida, Colorado that offers scenic views. This trailhead is technically for the Continental Divide Trail, which will intersect our Colorado Trail in about eight miles. Length 4.2 miElevation gain 223 ftRoute type Loop But if you get the chance to drive its a beautiful pass … I haven't been over the pass in years and was a little worried about taking or small RV over it. The trail starts just west of the Monarch Pass gift/food shop on the other side of Hwy 50. 21:54. The trailhead is located on Route 50, at the top of the pass, roughly 21.5 miles from Salida, and 18 miles from Poncha Springs. Crater Lake and Mirror Lake are accessible from the Monarch Lake Trailhead in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area on the west side of the Continental Divide. Trail has very smooth surface. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. Beautiful Monarch Lakes lie cradled in scenic bowl at the foot of Sawtooth and Mineral Peaks. Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recarea/?recid=12678. Monarch Lakes Sequoia National Park, California Monarch Lakes Trail, located in the Mineral King area of Sequoia National Park, provides access to Upper and Lower Monarch Lakes, and to the high altitude world of Sawtooth Pass and Sawtooth Peak—passing through colorful Monarch Canyon along the way. If we are unable to be open for 90 days in 2020-21, we will refund the equivalent prorated amount of the purchase price of your pass regardless of the number of days you used it. The trailhead is located southeast of Lake Granby, on the northwest shore of Monarch Lake. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Loved the cooler weather! Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 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. Lovely views Loved it! (719) 553-1400 This hike was perfect because after the initial ascent, it is fairly flat. Parking: The parking lot for this trail sits at the trailhead for the Sweetgum Trail. Narrow, unobtrusive trail. 6.6 miles and 1200+ feet vertical. Be prepared! Very short, very easy hike (you won't sweat at all). The usual arrival of these beautiful insects is mid-October, and the population peaks all through the month of November. Didn’t make it very far, about a mile in, because I made the mistake of listening to my favorite true crime podcast (My Favorite Murder #ssdgm) and got freaked out since I was hiking by myself and it was dusk and I ain’t trying to get murdered (just in case). We hiked Waterdog Lake Trail yesterday so we were a little sore from the elevation change. There are many peaks to climb from this trailhead, and it makes a great place to hike. The pass is widely considered one of the most scenic in Colorado, offering a panoramic view of the southern end of the Sawatch Range from the summit. BUT will definitely come back, the wildflowers are so lovely and the forest is lush! This section of trail is rarely traveled, and especially little-used by mountain bikes, despite being bike-legal. Great for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Pretty easy trail. It also serves as the trailhead for the Continental Divide National ScenicTrail, known locally as the Monarch Crest Trail. Start by checking in at the Ranger Station at the parking lot and heading out on the north side of the Monarch Lake Loop (a flat, easy 4-mile loop around Monarch Lake). First of all, it lets you hike to Crater Lake and the Lone Eagle Cirque. The trail was in good shape and easy for a trail at 11,000ft. —Photo by Terri Cook Adventure Snowshoe Trail We Like: Old Monarch Pass. A large parking area, gift shop, and gondola make this a popular rest stop. TTY: (719) 553-1404 Old Monarch Pass Loop is a 3.2 mile loop trail located near Salida, Colorado that offers scenic views. The trailhead is located SE of Lake Granby, on the NW shore of Monarch Lake. Lone Eagle Peak and Crater Lake from Monarch … Skied up Old Monarch Road to the top of the pass, and there’s amazing views up there. Remember to bring big spray and sun tan lotion as both were needed. Best hiked in morning or evening for shade. 21July2019 Gorgeous views. Start early and finish by midday to get off the exposed ridge before summer's almost-daily afternoon thunderstorms. Monarch Pass Trailhead, CO – Natural Atlas Monarch Pass Trailhead is a trailhead on North Fork Agate Creek in Gunnison National Forest, CO. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. Great way to get some quality time. Consequently the trail can be extremely narrow, faint, rocky, and exposed, making for … The Interagency Senior Pass (previously known as the Golden Age Pass) ... From Poncha Springs travel west on Highway 50 for about 15 miles, then south on County Road 231 to the Monarch Park Campground. It states a loop trail, however, we felt we were hiking away from the lake at one point. November 10th at 7:30am until further notice. The Monarch Lake Trailhead is located 61.9 miles north of I-70 on Arapaho Bay Road in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. However the roads have been up dated sense my last trip over and it was a good drive not sure if i would want to tow or drive a large RV over it. Nice views. Views all along were spectacular! 14er Huron dominated the valley. Took the whole family. Beautiful day and great snow for skiing! We chose to take the loop clockwise. Local Wisdom: Most people--especially bikers--go north to south, from Monarch to Marshall, for a net drop in elevation. This excellent trailhead allows access to many peaks. Don't get me wrong, it is pretty, but not secluded and peaceful. Directions to trailhead: Park at Monarch Pass Gift Shop lot, cross highway 50 and walk near the yellow signs. Accessibility: The campground is not universally accessible. One restroom is … M-F, 7:30am–4:30pm. If my 4 month old kitten can hike this trail, so can you! Close-by and easy to find. Gorgeous lake and mountain views w/ lots of wildflowers. Monarch pass is a beautiful drive! Monarch Crest - IMBA Epic Route - July 25, 2015 - Duration: 4:32. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. Wilderness Info Cabin at Monarch Lake After 1.5 miles on the Cascade Creek Trail, the loop will be continued by taking a right onto the Arapaho Pass Spur Trail. On the far side of the lake at ~ 1.5 miles, stay left on Cascade Trail to start the climb. There are shuttle services from Poncha Springs to the start or you can shuttle with 2 cars, leaving one at Monarch Pass and the other at the Hwy 50/Hwy 285 intersection. Definitely worth doing- easily accessible with snowshoes, spikes, or skis! A steady climb at first but it levels out. XC Skied on 2/29/2020. Location: Monarch Pass Distance: 10.4 Miles – Out & Back Travel Time: 4.5 – … The Monarch Trail at Walnut Woods Metro Park in Groveport, Ohio is an easy 1.4 mile one-way trail that runs alongside Walnut Creek and connects with the Sweetgum Trail. Beautiful view of the mountains at 11,300 feet elevation! Then is pretty flat, plenty of breath taking views on the south side. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions. Don’t be fooled by the guide when it tells you you’ve arrived. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. Great, relatively short trail, definitely on the easier side of moderate (there is a spot where you can climb up to get great views that isn't really part of the trail - that is the most difficult part). COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. We hiked Monarch Lake Trail while staying in Granby at Stillwater Campground. We climbed that one back in 2012. The trail is well maintained and the views are gorgeous. CDT Monarch Pass Connector is a 21 m black diamond singletrack trail located near Salida Colorado. Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, Pike & San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands, 2840 Kachina Drive Dogs and biking are both allowed on this trail. The only marked trailhead in the parking area is for the Monarch Crest Traill. Great stretch of the legs for anyone driving over the pass. After walking a very short distance it turns into a dirt road. Beautiful views from what I got to see! Once you get to the old Monarch Pass, you walk east along the road a little bit until the trail picks up again. Be prepared for colder temps as it was foggy and cold when arrived at 10 am. The Monarch Trail gets it's name from the annual migration of monarch butterflies that seek winter refuge in the towering eucalyptus trees of Natural Bridges State Park. A moderately-steep trail to the lake climbs through meadows, red fir forest and avalanche-scoured slopes and features fine views of the Mineral King valley. Pueblo, CO 81008 Nice trail, if you start from Monarch Pass, where the gift shop and tram ride are it starts with a pretty strong climb for the first 1/4 mile. You’re looking for a trailhead on the other side of US Hwy 50 next to a yellow “steep grade” warning sign. Due to heavy snow and sharp corners, the highway … MILNER PASS TRAILHEADS - Rocky Mountain National Park, Elevation: 10,758 feet Destinations include Forest Canyon Pass and Mount Ida The Trailheads at Milner Pass provide access to the Milner Pass, Forest Canyon Pass… Sprint phone reception was available most of the hike. Very nice trail. The Way: Monarch Pass is on US 50, 18 miles west of Poncha Springs. The trail offers a number of activity options. Really fun little loop, family friendly and only the beginning is a little tough and uphill. Length 3.2 miElevation gain 511 ftRoute type Loop Goes along the top of the Monarch Ski area. SurviveTheTime Recommended for you. Probably good in early Sept when some of the ground cover turns red. The hike starts from Monarch Lake which is located on the east side of Lake Granby. Right off US 50 Highway ’ t be fooled by the Colorado DNR and Parks! The foot of Sawtooth and Mineral peaks sprint phone reception was available most of the road the. 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