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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 35 mi (56.3 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: One-way
Elevation: +1,086/ -2,307 ft
Total: 516 riders
 

Mountain Biking Monarch Crest Trail

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#7 of 1,366 mountain bike trails in Colorado
#27 in the world

This is one of the premier shuttle rides in the state and with good reason. With over 30 miles of mostly singletrack trails and all of the best scenery Colorado has to offer, this trail is a must ride. As a shuttle ride you'll climb about 2,300 feet (much of it above 11,000 feet) and you'll descent about 6,000 feet total. The first part of the ride is above treeline and is not technical in any way. You'll top out at about 11,960 feet and then begin the first major descent down an old fire road to Marshall Pass (this is about the 10 mile mark). From here you can choose to descend down more fire road to the bottom or you can climb up the Rainbow Trail (recommended). Here you'll find some dense forest sections and some steeper climbs. Finally, head left onto the Silver Creek trail and follow this baby all the way down to a forest service road. The Silver Creek trail is pretty technical with some large scree fields, switchbacks, and some rough sections of trail. At the end of the singletrack you'll ride through a large streambed and out to the forest road. Go down a bit here until you see a sign for the Rainbow Trail. Here you can take the Rainbow Trail back to US 285 or stay on the road for a quicker descent. An awesome ride, do it if you get the chance but watch for thunderstorms and be prepared for a long day. Shuttle services are available, check the internet for more information. Trail is usually open (read: clear of snow) from July to August.

First added by alvin.santoy on Jul 31, 2004. Last updated May 11, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: yes
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: unknown
  • Fat bike grooming: unknown
  • E-bikes allowed: unknown
  • Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
From Salida, head west on US 50 to Poncha Springs. Head south on 285 for less than a quarter
of a mile and park one vehicle at the gas station/shuttle parking area (they charge $5 per
vehicle). Now head up US 50 west to the top of Monarch Pass and park in the parking area on
the left. The trail starts up the dirt road.
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Jon_Gotow (on Sep 28, 2019)
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Trail conditions

Good (on Sep 12, 2021)
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Monarch Crest Trail videos

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Monarch Crest Descents
 
Monarch Crest Trail - Full Marshall…
 
Monarch Crest Trail, July 2009
 
Monarch Crest: South Foose's Creek
 
Monarch Crest - Descent to Marshall…
 
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Rider questions

Q: is this doable in June?
A: Most likely there'll still be 10 (or more) feet of snow up there in June. Generally, trail is getting close to dry by July 4th, but there are still usually some big snowy sections even in early July.

Q: Current conditions
A: Good but cold on September 15, 2017