Monarch Crest Trail review page


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CO - Monarch Crest Trail - Mountain Bike Trail Review with Map and Pictures

Thanks to HLM & NB for the Pics, Map & Review

Rating Explanation (0-5) Category:									Overall Rating
Single-Track	Adventure	Climbing	Free-ride	Fun	Fear	Trail Enhancements	Scenery	Technicalities	Overall Rating
5	5	5	0	4.75	2	natural		2	5

GPS Files - (Contact Bikerag To Upload Your files)
Google Earth	GPX Map File	GPX Routes	Other


For PERSONAL use only - Please read our GPS info page

Directions - Requires a shuttle. Park at High Valley Bike Shuttle in Poncho Springs, which is at the intersection of US 50 West and Highway 285 North. Either take the shuttle or drive yourself up US 50 West for 18.4 miles to Monarch Pass (11,312 ft). Parking is on the left.

Description - An epic ride for sure- a must do. The trail is approx 35 miles of incredible singletrack crossing high alpine meadows, talus fields, and old-growth forests. The scenery is absolutely beautiful especially the section that follows the Continental Divide. The ride starts off with a big climb, but it’s not especially steep. It does ascend to slightly over 12,000ft so bring your lungs. In about three miles it tops out and follows the rolling ridgeline of the Continental Divide all the way to Marshall Pass. Once you get to Marshall Pass there are a couple of minor climbs (actually the toughest part of the ride) and then the ripping descent begins. Very fast! After about 5 miles of high speed descending, there is an option to bail out on a dirt road or take a right onto the Rainbow Trail.
The Rainbow Trail is one of the best trails I’ve been on in awhile. It’s about 75% smooth exposed singletrack through alpine meadows and pine-filled hillsides. The remaining sections are a mixture of short, rocky sections with blind curves and small hill climbs. The trail dumps you out on Highway 285 and then you coast downhill on pavement all the way back to your car (unfortunately no one has taken it upon themselves to put 5 more miles of DH Singletrack in to finish the ride

Local riders claim to be able to knock this thing out in 3 hours. Be prepared to be out for 5hrs unless your name is Lance or you live at altitude and are extremely fit. It is a serious backcountry undertaking-be prepared with plenty of water, food and clothing for potential bad weather.

Loops - GET A MAP! Can pick up at any bike shop or at the shuttle place. It’s a point-to-point ride. Start at Monarch Pass west of the Gondola and take the Continental Divide Trail to Marshall Pass. Take the Colorado Trail to Silver Creek to Rainbow Trail. The Marshall Pass trail junction can be confusing.

Shuttle: High Valley Bike Shuttle- 800/871-5145. $15.00 per person. Leaves at 8am & 10am. Reservations requested.

Pre-ride Music:

Total Miles: 34.33 (shuttle as you can see by profile)

	Local Bike Shops	Absolute Bikes – 888/539-9295
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	Related Guide Books & Mapping Software	Mountain Bike Guide Books - Used & New Topo Software for all states - Used & New

Disclaimer: Caution - Use this map at your own risk. Bikerag.com and affiliates will not accept responsibility for an personal injury, property damage or trespassing while using this map. Trail users shall obey all signs, and always obtain permission from the land owner to use trails for any sporting activity. Permission to use trails should not be assumed. This map simply contains topographical information and trails that existed at one time. Trails shown maybe be missing, not accurate, closed, overgrown etc....

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