MONARCH CREST

MONARCH CREST

	MONARCH CREST
Location:	Colorado
Nearest Town:	PONCHO SPRINGS
Directions to Trailhead:	HI-WAY 50 TO THE TOP OF MONARCH PASS PARK BY TRAMWAY
Trail Description:	ABOVE TREE LINE RIDE OF CONTIENAL DIVIDE FROM MONARCH PASS TO MARSHALL PASS, CHOOSE A DESENT TO EAST OR WEST
Trail Length:	20+
Trail Type:	Singletrack
Skill Level:	Intermediate
Submitted By:	BOB SCHWAB

Jerky from Denver Date: June 4, 2003 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Take the chicken exit down the dirt road after the long downhill from the peak. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I thought I was in shape until we started the 10 mile climb from the parking lot to the peak. At 11,000 feet there is little to no oxygen. I stopped several times on the climb and assumed the fetal position. In short, be in good shape or you'll get dropped like I did. Also, you'll want dual suspension for the long, rocky downhill after the initial climb. I was advised by my riding partners to take the chicken exit down the dirt road after the first big downhill. It was a good choice for me. Fortunately, there is a liquor store next to "the" gas station. A few tall boys in the shade while waiting for the rest of the group was what the doctor order. I'll be back this summer, but in better shape and with a soft tail.	Overall Rating:

Vince Talavera from Cherry Creek/Denver CO Date: February 7, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Colorado trail to Silver Creek to Rainbow... Other recommended trails in the same area: Just do the Rainbow Trail if you cant handle 25+ miles at altitude/
Review: Great trail, good climbs and fast descents. Although the guy from Santa Cruz is a loser, I agree with him that the ride isnt all that technical. But you do have to be a very strong endurance rider to ride this whole ride. BTW guys... I am marrying a girl that grew up in PONCHA SPRINGS... It is not "PONCHO" SPRINGS.. :o)	Overall Rating:

Steve from Victorvile, CA Date: December 22, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Shuttle or as a loop if you want 5,000+ vertical up Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Did the shuttle route, maybe 28 miles singletrack, good views in spite of the smoke from the 2002 fires, fun, very few people, relatively easy to follow	Overall Rating:

Trekdaddy from Knoxville TN Date: October 28, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Take the van up from Poncho Springs,It will be the best 14 bucks you will ever spend ! Other recommended trails in the same area: Leadville
Review: This ride is the BOMB !!!! Its the best trail Ive ever ridden. If you think its to easy...Ride it backwards.	Overall Rating:

Aaron from San Francisco Date: July 22, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Take shuttle from Pancho to the Monarch Pass, take, the Colorado trail to Silver Creek to Rainbow...total ride is 35 miles (30 on trail, 5 on road). Other recommended trails in the same area: Santa Cruz rider has no clue what he is talking about! I ride Downieville and yes it's technical but this trial is killer too! That guy gives good people from CA a bad name.
Review: This is what I would call an EPIC ride! This trail has it all, fast and smooth, rocks, scree, stream crossings. Fun climbs, ripping descents. The downhill from the turn off onto Silver creek(?)is awesome, let it rip and hold on tight! Lot's of fun lofters too. The views for the first 8 miles are awesome. This is what Mt. biking is made for...killer backcountry, big mountain rides...	Overall Rating:

Dean from Denver Date: July 17, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Shuttle to top of Monarch Pass or take the commercial van up. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: One of the "classics" in Colorado, not to be missed. Long, great views, varied difficulty. Everything one would want in a long days cross country ride. Start early. Took sigle track option near bottom on Rainbow Trial. Took 6+ hours including lunch. Contrary to some information you may read, its not all downhill, some good climbs at 10,000+ altitude. I'm 60+. Not recommended for anyone unless you are in good shape - there are no shortcuts once you get into ride.	Overall Rating:

Santa Cruz Rider from Santa Cruz, CA Date: July 17, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: none Other recommended trails in the same area: Again don't waste your time if you like trails that are a challenge....
Review: The I-80 has more bumps in it than this trail. I don't understand why all you CO folks love this tril? It does have nice views but the ride is not very demanding. If you guys from CO want a real ride then come to Downieville CA and ride the trils there, in CA we have trails that will have you scared and wanting more. We call them technical, not like the smooth trails in CO...riding in CO is like skiing a groomed run.	Overall Rating:

Jerod from Denver Date: May 1, 2002 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: go to www.monarchcrest.com for a trail map. TAKE THE SHUTTLE from the gas station, which is described on the website. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: WOW! This trail is exciting, it's tuff, bring lots of water and food. You can ride 30+ miles of singletrack of which the first 10 or 12 are above tree line. There are some tuff climbs and crazy fast downhills.	Overall Rating:

Jimmy James from Denver Date: March 12, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Poncho Springs gas station shuttle. Make reservations and do the earlier rides to avoid afternoon rain. www.monarchcrest.com Other recommended trails in the same area: The Italian joint by where you parked is very yummy after that long ride. Where next....Crested Butte is very close for the next days rides.
Review: This is the best ride in Colorado and far removed from the glitter of resort towns. Season begins July 4th and ends around Labor Day Weekend. Camp in the National Forest on 285 a few miles past Poncho Springs (you will be riding near this area the next day) or plenty of cheap motels in Salida. Bring tools for chain, tube, cables and gear for rain and cold temps. Use the below knowledge to avoid bailing our earlier, the singletrack continues.....	Overall Rating:

Bill Burge from Atlanta, GA Date: September 25, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Colorado Trail-Silver Creek- Rainbow Trail Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This is were I want to go if I die, forget heaven.	Overall Rating:

mtbberzrkr from Phoenix Date: July 25, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: follow everyone else's directions. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: WOW! I was impressed. Being from Phoenix and living and 1500ft above sea level in the desert, this was like a whole other planet. Starting out by climbing above the timberline was definitely a lung buster, but well worth it. The views along the Continental Divide Trail are awesome. After a nice climb up to the top(around 12,00 ft.) you're rewarded with some twisty and fast down sections, and a couple short climbs through the trees, and the best damn fireroad descent I've ever done. Lotsa jumps and a couple tight hairpin turns. Personally, my favorite part of the trail was the 12 mile descent(go figure-riding a 37lb Bullit). You get to let it all go down the singletrack hitting open meadows, trees, and a couple giant scree feilds(one has a nice 3-4 ft drop into a feild of baby-heads). At the bottom of the trail you're rewarded with a nice, refreshing splash down the the stream. We opted to shoot out the road to make our 12 hr drive back home, but I will be back for the Rainbow Trail at the end.	Overall Rating:

David from Colo Springs, CO Date: April 23, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Take the $10 shuttle from the gas station in Poncha Springs. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: The reviews on this site do the trail justice. The ride will test everything you have, and will be remembered as something epic. Bring food and water. Be prepared for flats, and other repairs. Control your speed; I almost did an endo over three fallen aspen that a beaver left on the trail. There were a couple of confusing parts for us, but they have been listed in previous reviews. Keep the bike on the trail. Bring a map. Tricky spot with a hard right onto a narrow log bridge... this is right after the boulder field (yeah, some may opt to walk that part). The ride back into Poncha Springs on the highway is fast, windy, and dangerous. Although there is a wide shoulder, be aware of fast highway traffic at your back. There are plenty of other bikers on the trail if you need help... but don't rely on it before-hand. We had three flats in our group. As someone else pointed out: "Watch for dirt bikes on the trail. They are tearing the trail up. Write the USFS about your disgust after seeing it." I can't stress that final statement enough. We saw a group of 11 dirt bikers tearing down the trail. It's a yearly trip for them. They are noisy, share way too much pollution, and they tear up our trails like you wouldn't believe. It is truly disgusting. Excellent trail, would recommend to anyone who loves to ride.	Overall Rating:

Dallas from Gilion Date: September 22, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Monarch to Marshall Pass, then follow a map to the Silver Creek Trail, which will take you to the Rainbow Trail. You can then continue on the Rainbow Trail to 285 or take a fast, smooth fire road back (depending on how tired you are at that point). Other recommended trails in the same area: All parts of the Rainbow Trail are a blast if you are a singletrack junkie.
Review: The other reviews do a good job of describing this trial. Its got everything and the scenery can't be beat. I've ridden in Missouri, Texas, Arkansas, Moab and other places in Colorado and to date this is the best ride I've ever experienced, with Porcupine Rim in Moab a close second. This is a long ride at high elevation, so if you are going to attempt this be sure to bring tools (be prepared for something to go wrong just in case), plenty of food and water and make sure you are in above average shape. Also, start early if you are hitting if for hte first time so you can be near the end of the ride by the time the usual afternoon rains/storms roll through the area. We got drizzled/rained on during the last 1.5 hours of the ride, but it didn't detract at all from the epic experience.	Overall Rating:

Cleavis from beantown Date: September 7, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: This is an excellent ride. It really doesn't get much better. HOWEVER, be prepared for climbing(bring a hardtail),repairs(bring tools),hungar and thirst(food and water), and lots of energy. Other recommended trails in the same area: Rainbow trails, Colorado trail, Crested Butte
Review: Go Right when you get to Marshall Pass. This part of the ride is a little confusing	Overall Rating:

Dave Schroeder from Denver, Co Date: August 17, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Start top of Monarch Pass next to tram, stay on Colorado Trail, to Silver Creek trail to Rainbow to 285, six miles of highway and your happy as hell to see the sign for Poncha Springs. Other recommended trails in the same area: 401
Review: This was my first 'epic' trail since starting the sport a couple years ago. I must say this trail ate me up on the climbs, but I got my revenge on the decents. This trail has it all with difficult climbs that lead way to awesome downs on plush singletrack. The loose rocks on the lower half of Rainbow presented the greatest challange. We rode a total of 52 miles including some backtracking. Pay attention to the trail signs, stay on the Colorado trail until you get to the Silver Creek sign. Some of the best views in Colorado (that is when you can take your eyes off the trail to catch a glimpse !) Take plenty of water with you and a rainjacket, we got caught in a storm late in the day which added another element, MUD. Awesome !! Have fun.	Overall Rating:

jim from Summit County, CO Date: August 14, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Monarch pass-marshal pass-rainbow trail to 285 Other recommended trails in the same area: Starvation Creek (VIRGIN!)
Review: This is an update and amendment to my previous post. This year's ride was a disappointment. Instead of a dozen cars w/ bikes at the pass there were 30-40 and bikers everywhere. Monarch pass has become very popular and the trails are starting to show it. The one butter-smooth sections of the upper Rainbow trail are rutted and double-tracked in places. About the only section that still in good shape is the lower Rainbow Trail section from CR201 to HWY 285. PLEASE, if you ride this trail (or any other for that case)1. do not skid 2.do not ride around obsticles 3. keep your speed under contol. I am changing my rating of this trail to 3 stars. It's still great, but loosing it luster.	Overall Rating:

ripperme from aspen,co Date: May 9, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: take the shuttle. 10 bucks Other recommended trails in the same area: goverment,401,409, star pass, boy scout
Review: This ride is absolutely the best all around epic I have ever experienced. I try to get over a couple times a year to do it. It has everything from fast loose descents, to buff rolly singletrack. The climb to descend ratio favors the downhillers, but there is a considerable amount of short steep climbs that do take their toll. The last time I did it I had no mechanicals, no flats. The time before I had 5 flats. Carry lots of water, tools, food, other misc. goods. Its by far the best in my mind, and I have done many rides in Crested butte, Aspen, Glenwood, Fruita, Moab etc.	Overall Rating:

jim from summit county, co Date: May 8, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: shuttle from Poncha Springs with two cars or use shuttle service for $10. Other recommended trails in the same area: none worthy after this one.
Review: In a word: EPIC! Scenery, buff single track, and long enough to leave you exausted and with a big fat grin. A few tips after riding it several times. 1. As stated before, bring plenty of water, clothes, food and tools. 2. Get a free trail guide in town or at the visitors center in Poncha Springs. 3. Watch for turns in the trail because you can get lost very quickly. 4. I usually skip the last part of the Rainbow Trail. It's not very thrilling and climbs for a long time before quickly dropping down to 285. Get on the dirt road and haul butt back to 285 and Poncha Springs. 5. Watch for dirt bikes on the trail. They are tearing shit up. Write the USFS about your disgust after seeing it.	Overall Rating:

Pope from Tulsa, Ok Date: April 4, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Stay on the marked routes. Don't get off of them. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This is a phenomenal ride. Be sure to take the shuttle from Poncha Springs. You don't wanna ride back up to get your vehicle. Take !lots! of water. We do it every August. Last year, we took a 100 oz. Camelbak and two 24 oz. water bottle's and were completely dry when we finally got out. When you get to the Rainbow Trail, you might wanna call it quits there...unless you have plenty of water. Rainbow trail is a blast, but it's plenty challenging. No place to get food or water when you cross the highway, either.	Overall Rating:

Teamd from Mesa,AZ Date: November 13, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Start at Monarch Pass. Follow the Colorado trail, down to Marshall Pass and then rip down Highway 285. Have a beer at IlVichino's in Salida while your bro' goes back to get the car. Other recommended trails in the same area: Midland trail (old railroad grade) above B-YOU-KNEE Vista
Review: This is simply as good as it gets. Mixed terrain lots of downhill and the most beautiful views imaginable.	Overall Rating:

Sworks from Texas Date: October 1, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Old Midland Trail in Buena Vista if you have time
Review: SWWWWWEEEEEETTTTTT! see reviews below for more details!	Overall Rating:

Scott from Littleton, Co Date: September 7, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Monarch Pass to Marshall Pass along the Continental Divide Trail. Then take the Colorado Trail to Silver Creek Trail. Down the Silver Creek Trail to the Rainbow Trail. Rainbow Trail to US285. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This is a major ride with major potential for problems if you're not prepared. Take as much water as you can carry, extra food, tools, spare tubes, and maps. As Rick below points out, this ride does a minimum of 2500' in elevation gain, a good portion of which is along the 12 mile Rainbow Trail. If your bonked when you get to the Rainbow Trail, don't do it!! Follow the county road out instead. The Rainbow Trail itself is one of the better singletracks i've ridden, but fatique made it less enjoyable. Consider using a shuttle service so you'll be drinking beers sooner after the ride instead of driving back up to get your cars.	Overall Rating:

Rick from Colorado Date: August 30, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Ride from Monarch Pass to Poncha Pass @ Rainbow Trail/285 Other recommended trails in the same area: CO trail from BV to Princeton Hot Springs.
Review: This is a superb, dare I say 'epic' ride. Monarch Pass to 285 via the Rainbow is over 30+ miles of singletrack. Advanced rding but not gonzo. Physically challenging. Net elevation loss of 4-5K but you will gain over 2.5k over route. Bring every portable tool you own, expect mechanicals and be prepared for medicals (We had a lot of blood on this ride, a broken deraileur, a few flats..) bring more water than you think you need. Excellent, varied singletrack from rolling trail roots rocks to stream crossings, crazy rocky descents and many short climbs (that add up). Know the route but also advise a good topo with trail numbers. Several outs. Pray for sun. Shares part of CDT and CO trail	Overall Rating:

pikabike from Deermont, CO Date: June 22, 1999 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: One thing that almost everybody overlooks is the fact that this is NOT a one-way shuttle trail. People do ride it from Marshall Pass to Monarch Pass and back. The out-and-back route eliminates the shuttle shuffle and doubles your time spent on the best part (above-timberline legal singletrack is a rare treat). Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Simple: start at Marshall Pass (10,800 ft) and climb on the marked trail. The old jeep trail soon turns to singletrack and then leaves the trees. There is a bit of descending early on, and some approaching Monarch Pass. The rest is mostly gradual uphill. The grade, length, and technical aspects are not difficult by themselves, but combined with the high altitude, this makes a ride best suited to intermediate and advanced riders.	Overall Rating:

Jason Rowe from Ft. Collins Co Date: April 30, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: One of the best trails I've ever ridden. Can you say downhill. 75% of this ride is downhill. It's got a screamin fire road, rocky river beds, loose above treeline single track and rolling open meadows. A must ride trail.	Overall Rating:

BOB SCHWAB from MONTROSE COLORADO Date: February 9, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: MONARCH PASS TO MARSHALL PASS, WEST ON MARSHALL PASS TO THE RAINBOW TRAIL, FOLLOW RAINBOW TRAIL EAST TOWARDS PONCHO SPRINGS Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: EXCELLENT VIEWS , BRING YOUR LUNGS BECAUSE YOU START OUT AT 12,000 FT, THE DESENT ON THE RAINBOW TRAIL IS EXCELLENT, THE MARSHALL PASS ROAD IS ANOTHER OPTION, LEAVE A 2ND VECHILE AT THE BOTTOM FOR A SHUTTLE	Overall Rating: