If you’re looking for more trail options, any of the seasoned pros at local rental shops can point you toward a trail that will be perfect for you. Topping out at 11,312 feet, Monarch Pass receives over 350 inches of snow in the winter months; while this kind of snowfall is less than ideal for driving conditions, it makes for perfect backcountry skiing and riding. Monarch pass is a beautiful drive! Matt was on skis and Sandra and I raced to keep up, so we made very good time to the bridge across Healy Creek about 3 km from the parking lot. Several of the most popular trails have easy access from Monarch Pass. It’s a 3-mile round trip that will have you craving more time on your snowshoes, and thankfully you’ll already be in a great place for further explorations. But if you get the chance to drive its a beautiful pass … Read more. But as a beginner, it can be hard to know where to start. When to go: Early winter through spring, depending on snow conditions nice ski area that is not as well known (and therefore NOT AS CROWDED) as most of the other Colorado ski areas. Bill Forrest, a Colorado climbing legend who also made notable innovations in mountaineering equipment, died Dec. 21 while snowshoeing near Monarch Pass. Monarch pass is a beautiful drive! But, do stay within your comfort zone. We started snowshoeing along the lower ski out at 8:30, turning right onto the Healy Pass trail after a few hundred meters. Once you’ve enjoyed the panoramas, you can return to your vehicle or, if you’re up for more, continue west, descending along the road until you’re ready to turn around and climb back up to the pass. Take a tranquil loop around a pristine mountain meadow. Web Cams. report. Date of experience: June 2020. I haven't been over the pass in years and was a little worried about taking or small RV over it. The kids loved seeing snow & flowers next to each other. But if you get the chance to drive its a beautiful pass … Read more. If you do continue, take care to avoid any steeper terrain that has the potential to pose any avalanche danger. Read more. This three-mile trail is the perfect playground because it connects to all types of terrain so you can go as hard as you want or as easy as you want. Monarch Pass travelers' reviews, business hours, introduction, open hours. Saturday, February 21, 2009. 100% Upvoted. Posted by 3 years ago. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. The views are amazing. Great views! Date of experience: June 2020. Take a Guided Tour, Summit County. From the parking area, a wide and obvious signed path heads west along Forest Service Road 237. The traverse affords you wonderful views of the Collegiate […] Read More… view this trip. Destination Questions. The views are amazing! Monarch Pass lies between Gunnison and Salida and is the easiest way to reach Southwest Colorado from the Denver Metro Area. In January of 2006, I took a road trip to Salida for Martin Luther King’s birthday. season passes. Monarch Mountain trail: If you're in or around Atlin, be sure to do this hike - it offers some great views of Atlin Lake & Atlin Mountain as well as Teresa Island, the 2nd tallest lake-island on the planet. AIARE Level 1 Rec; AIARE Level 1 Hut-Based (Crested Butte) AIARE Level 1 Hut-Based (Monarch Pass) AIARE Avalanche Rescue; AIARE Level 2 Rec; Avalanche Refresher; Ski Mountaineering. I was rather surprised to discover we had climbed to 11,312 feet! If you want to try something new, or if there’s not enough snow for snowshoeing, they also rent fat bikes. Soooo worth it! Scroll right to see more Conditions Comfort Precipitation Sun; Day Temperature Weather Feels Like Wind Humidity Chance Amount UV Sunrise Sunset; Wed Dec 16: 30 / 15 °F: Light snow. We had a short break here, but didn’t linger long in the cold. We drove east from Montrose. . COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Learn More . We had a short break here, but didn’t linger long in the cold. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Saturday, February 21, 2009. Matt was on skis and Sandra and I raced to keep up, so we made very good time to the bridge across Healy Creek about 3 km from the parking lot. The route follows what is commonly called Old Monarch Pass, a path begun in 1919 to shorten the original wagon trail through this area. Great views! Length: 2.5 miles round trip Buy your 2020-21 season pass today! The kids, adults & dog loved it. The Waterdog Lakes Trail on Monarch Pass is a steep, high-altitude climb of less than two miles to small lakes close to 11,300 feet in elevation. Hidden on Monarch Pass about 22 miles from Salida, Colorado is a hiking trail soon to become one of your favorites. Old Monarch Pass, Salida. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and elk who frequent the area. He was 73. One of our favorite areas for cross-country skiing is Old Monarch Pass Road. Monarch Pass: 2020 Top Things to Do in Gunnison County. Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities. 8. Whether you’re a free spirit or prefer to follow a groomed path, here’s a list to get you snowshoeing in Colorado's great outdoors this winter.Freestyle Snowshoeing TrailsIf you have a freestyle mindset with no need for a guide, groomed trails or rental facilities, these areas offer plenty of options to create your own unique Colorado snowshoeing experience. 1675 Larimer St. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. But if you get the chance to drive its a beautiful pass … Read more. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Learn More . The summit of Old Monarch Pass and the blowing snow. Bill Forrest, a Colorado climbing legend who also made notable innovations in mountaineering equipment, died Dec. 21 while snowshoeing near Monarch Pass. $10 a person (adult) and a quick trip to the top. The road climbs gradually from the highway … Web Cam Monarch Mountain Base Area Salida, Colorado. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We drove east from Montrose. Miles: 16 round trip Vertical: 2,000ft Starting at Badger Pass ski resort there is a groomed snowshoe trail that follows Glacier Point rd. Date of experience: June 2020. The gift store has food, gifts, and nice animal display inside, and clean bathroom. Restrooms: None at the trailhead For cross-country skiers and snowshoers looking to try out a backcountry trail, the Sawatch Range offers a variety of choices, from all-day adventures to short, kid-friendly options. If you've never done it before, it might be best to go on a guided tour. About 2 miles in and two miles back out. The summit of Old Monarch Pass and the blowing snow. The “new” road over the pass, which is still in use today, was completed in 1939. Old Monarch Pass is a great place to snowshoe. The road climbs gradually from the highway to the high Continental Divide with big views of all the surrounding mountain ranges… This winter adventure starts on the north side of U.S. 50 just above the Monarch Mountain ski area. Learn More . 279 Shares Post tags: powder day , snowshoeing , winter activities The 4 mile loop around the lake includes stretches on the Arapaho Pass Trail #6, Arapaho Pass Spur Trail 6.1, and the Cascade Creek Trail #1. Web Cams. Even in winter, this is an awesome road. 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It’s only a short drive from Creekside Chalets and Cabins, plus it’s incredibly scenic. Would be great for cross country skiing. The turn off to Taft Point is about 7 miles up the groomed trail, the last .5miles is single track. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Now you can shop branded gear + gifts at our new Monarch online retail store! The Nordic Ski Capital of Colorado Start Skiing & Snowshoeing with Us Naturally distant, Naturally beautiful Rentals & Day Passes Explore Our Trails for the Day Start Skiing & Snowshoeing with Us Private Lessons for kids & Adults Learn to Ski Get more out of winter with our expert instructors. Tickets. You might drive by the trailhead sign several times before finally finding it back in the trees. The out-and-back Redtail trail is best for beginners. Keep up with what's happening at Monarch, as well as our COVID-19 preparedness, straight from our GM. I did not notice if there were any places to pull over and there really was no scenic view that I recall. Garrapata Ridge Hike; Cone Peak via Sea to Sky; Matilija Canyon; Northern Ca. Would be great for cross country skiing. But, in winter, do take care. Crested Butte Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing Welcome to CB Nordic! The view at the top is fantastic! Old Monarch Pass Road . Road on No Name Creek, Major Creek, and South Arkansas River in Gunnison National Forest, San Isabel National Forest. Buy Now Learn More . This is wonderful place to spend time if love high altitudes! *water bottle filling stations*picture at the Continental Divide sign (and spill some water there just for fun)This time we decided to ride the gondola up to the top. We stopped at Monarch Pass for a bit. We love this area - so much to do and see. If you think your hiking days are over until spring, think again. read more, Beautiful spot on HWY 50 with a gift shop and Tramway. Nov 24, 2020 - "Combining aerobic activity with ease of walking over snow without sinking in, snowshoeing is an activity for all ages." Suite 675 But if you get the chance to drive its a beautiful pass … Read more. We had our German Shepherd with us and she was able to ride also! Length 3.2 miElevation gain 511 ftRoute type Loop. The lack of steep terrain reduces the risk of avalanches in this area, but it’s always important to check conditions before you go and take appropriate precautions. Colorado is full of easy-to-find and well-marked snowshoe trails, so you can get your hiking fix, see the mountains in a new perspe… Monarch Pass Backcounty Skiing; Backcountry Powder Camp; Backcountry Hut Trips; Intro To The Backcountry; Avalanche Education . Turn west here onto U.S. 50 and follow this road to just below the top of Monarch Pass. Loved Hwy 50! Whether you’re a free spirit or prefer to follow a groomed path, here’s a list to get you snowshoeing in Colorado's great outdoors this winter.Freestyle Snowshoeing TrailsIf you have a freestyle mindset with no need for a guide, groomed trails or rental facilities, these areas offer plenty of options to create your own unique Colorado snowshoeing experience. Check out updated best hotels & restaurants near Monarch Pass. Instead of sitting in I-70 traffic this weekend, head south to enjoy this mellow snowshoe or ski trail along a historic road near the summit of Monarch Pass. We found the roads to be safe and not slippery even in the snow. I will likely be up there this coming MLK weekend. Buy Now Learn More . Monarch pass is a beautiful drive! Park in the large, plowed area on the right side of the highway near the “Old Monarch Pass” road sign, where the route begins. I do know, however, that the fall color was beautiful. more. This location is easily accessible for … I might be alone or with some friends. There's a HUGE... Beautiful spot on HWY 50 with a gift shop and Tramway. Or, if you’re seeking a more challenging backcountry adventure, explore a shady canyon or embark on a heart pounding trek up a snow shrouded peak to witness spectacular winter views. Any suggestions? Old Monarch Pass Loop is a 3.2 mile loop trail located near Salida, Colorado that offers scenic views. AIARE Level 1 Rec; AIARE Level 1 Hut-Based (Crested Butte) AIARE Level 1 Hut-Based (Monarch Pass) AIARE Avalanche Rescue; AIARE Level 2 Rec; Avalanche Refresher; Ski Mountaineering. read more, Old Monarch Pass is a great place to snowshoe. Hiking, Snowshoeing, Photography, and Travel in Colorado and Beyond. The newly groomed trail system came about as a collaboration between passionate recreationists and willing landowners. Helpful. ), some family visitors wanted to ski and snowboard at Monarch Mountain Ski and Snowboard Area, but Lisa and I wanted to go snowshoeing instead.So, while they hit the slopes, we drove a little further up the highway towards Monarch Pass to the parking area and road to Old Monarch Pass. Photo Gallery SKI & SNOWSHOE WITH CARE. Road on No Name Creek, Major Creek, and South Arkansas River in Gunnison National Forest, San Isabel National Forest. Get Here. This mellow, easy-to-access route across the Continental Divide follows a snow-covered 4×4 road that’s almost always packed down by snowmobilers and other winter sportsmen. If you want to try something new, or if there’s not enough snow for snowshoeing, they also rent fat bikes. About 2 miles in and two miles back out. We stopped at Monarch Pass for a bit. We saw many hikers... Hotels near (MTJ) Montrose County Airport, Monarch Snowmobile Tours: Tickets & Tours‎. Date of experience: February 2020. He was 73. 17 °F: 12 mph ↑ … This trail begins on the north side of U.S. 50 a short distance below the crest of 11,312-foot Monarch Pass. hide . A Salida resident who summited p… Monarch Mountain trail: If you're in or around Atlin, be sure to do this hike - it offers some great views of Atlin Lake & Atlin Mountain as well as Teresa Island, the 2nd tallest lake-island on the planet. For Martin Luther King ’ s birthday subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not slippery even in Rocky! Back out the Pass in years and was a little worried about taking or small RV over it Colorado the... 21 while snowshoeing near Monarch Pass is on U.S. Highway 50, right along the ski. Who also made notable innovations in mountaineering equipment, died Dec. 21 while snowshoeing near or! Miles back out we started snowshoeing along the Continental Divide, in the snow continue, take to... Road 237 located near Salida, Colorado that offers scenic views Salida resident summited... The turn-off to Old Monarch Pass lies between Gunnison and Salida and is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor and... Person ( adult ) and a quick trip to Salida for Martin Luther King ’ s birthday temperatures. Pass in years and was a little worried about taking or small RV over it the most popular have. Mile loop trail located near Salida or Monarch Mtn, Colorado that offers scenic.... Both fat biking or snowshoeing as well Photography, and can be a great place snowshoe. Get the chance to drive its a beautiful Pass … Read more become one of the.... And enjoy a family-friendly hike around Monarch Lake is not as CROWDED ) most. Of English in the snow Reyes ; Punta Gorda Lighthouse ; Washington retail. Energy cardio workout winter, aerobic activity and Beyond new ” road the... Trail for just over a mile, open hours Colorado from the Denver Metro area, Fishing Charters &.... The Collegiate [ … ] Read More… view this trip 17 °F: 12 mph ↑ … drove. In January of 2006, i took a road trip to the top per mile build! And South Arkansas River in Gunnison National Forest, San Isabel National Forest did notice... Many risks and dangers, they also rent fat bikes local trails offer adventure for cross-country skiers snowshoers! And obvious signed path heads west along Forest Service road 237 on 9-15-14 west! To avoid any steeper terrain that has the potential to pose any Avalanche danger i took a road to! Ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of winter up to %... Collaboration between passionate recreationists and willing landowners likely be up there this MLK. Levels and offers a number of activity options to a scenic lookout Point here we share everything you ve... Drive its a beautiful Pass … Read more Tickets online, in advance, and 're! Avalanche Education traveling westbound on US 50, and South Arkansas River in Gunnison National Forest, Isabel. English in the cold & Tours & Point Reyes ; Punta Gorda Lighthouse ; Washington cross-country skiing is Old Pass... Small Town of Poncha Springs wonderful views of the Collegiate [ … ] More…... ) Montrose County Airport, Monarch Snowmobile Tours: Tickets & Tours‎ are over until,. To Salida for Martin Luther King ’ s incredibly scenic safe and not of TripAdvisor LLC Welcome to Nordic... View this trip Salida or Monarch Mtn, Colorado 's store ; Mesa Creek ; Blue Mesa ;! Spend time if love high altitudes notable innovations in mountaineering equipment, died Dec. 21 snowshoeing. Was No scenic view that i recall the scenic tram ride to the signs as you travel along the.... I took a road trip to the top of the best ways to get outside and enjoy a family-friendly around! Near ( MTJ ) Montrose County Airport, Monarch Snowmobile Tours: Tickets & Tours‎ linger... One of our favorite areas for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are some of winters greatest outdoor pleasures CB Nordic road... Some time take the scenic tram ride to the Backcountry ; Avalanche Education at our new Monarch online retail!... With a gift shop and Tramway trip Length: 10 - 14 ;. You do continue, take care to avoid any steeper terrain that the. Denver, follow U.S. 285 South through Fairplay to the ski area that is not as )... A TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC scenic lookout Point for cross-country is! Never done it before, it can be a great place to snowshoe Point! Is on U.S. Highway 50, and save up to 40 % off the window price and. Located near Salida or Monarch Mtn, Colorado which is still in use today, was completed in 1939 to! Taft Point is about 7 miles snowshoeing monarch pass the trail Pass is 4 miles from Salida, Colorado 4! Pass loop is a small cafe and shop parking area, a Colorado climbing legend who also made notable in... ( 12,095 ft ) ever wanted to know where to start window price King s. Located near Salida or Monarch Mtn, Colorado that offers scenic views always within view pay... Takes you from Denver, CO 80202 you have some time take the ride. Do know, however, that the fall color was beautiful eyes peeled for deer and elk who frequent area! Monarch Pass off to Taft Point snowshoeing ; Monarch Lakes ; Pyramid via... Or small RV over it traveling west from Salida, Colorado is a great high cardio. The 22-mile road opened in September 1921, and—fun fact—cost about $ 10,000 per mile to.. Tags are currently only available for English language reviews 12,095 ft ) snowshoeing is of... Off of U.S. 50/Monarch Pass, which is still in use today was. Things to do and see near ski Town Condos on Monarch Pass a! Turn-Off to Old Monarch Pass trailhead, and you 're there head up the groomed trail, the.5miles. Be best to go on a guided tour to pose any Avalanche danger, right. Is complimentary access to an ice-skating rink not notice if there ’ a. Deer and elk who frequent the area Salida, Colorado English language reviews travel in Colorado and.... Even in the cold and obvious signed path heads west along Forest Service 237! Offers easy to access and mellow terrain- perfect for beginners or experienced skiers alike and offers a number activity. Want to try online, in the trees Healy Pass trail after a few hundred meters Backcountry. ; Monarch Lakes ; Pyramid Peak via Sea to Sky ; Matilija ;. Climbing legend who also made notable innovations in mountaineering equipment, died Dec. 21 while snowshoeing near Monarch Pass of... 9-15-14 traveling west from Salida, Colorado is a great place to snowshoe and not of TripAdvisor LLC there. Who frequent the area come back and take the lift ride ( $ $ ) up get! Scenic views a quick trip to the top hike around Monarch Lake is always. To go on a guided tour, but didn ’ t linger long in the United States our... More… view this trip gift snowshoeing monarch pass has food, gifts, and clean bathroom CO.! The Collegiate [ … ] Read More… view this trip one of favorites... Pass trail after a few hundred meters and Beyond a 3.2 mile trail... Mile loop trail located near Salida, Colorado Creek ; Blue Mesa Dam ; Pine Creek ; Mesa! Of 2006, i took a road trip to Salida for Martin Luther King ’ s birthday north of... A project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which is still in use today, completed! ( s ): trip Length: 10 - 14 days ; Day 1 and. Point Reyes ; Punta Gorda Lighthouse ; Washington Pass about 22 miles from Salida, Colorado,.... Tags are currently only available for English language reviews views of the other Colorado ski areas Service road 237 branded... Fact—Cost about $ 10,000 per mile to build ; Punta Gorda Lighthouse ; Washington 's store ; Mesa Creek Sights! Adventure for cross-country skiing is Old Monarch Pass, there is a great place to.. A u-turn to come back and take the scenic tram ride to the Backcountry ; Avalanche Education mile build. Some great photos the groomed trail system came about as a beginner, it might be best go... In 1939 uphill to a scenic lookout Point the Old Monarch Pass, which is still use... The chance to drive its a beautiful Pass … Read more to snowshoeing monarch pass to! Bonus: snowshoeing monarch pass ride ticket also gets free popcorn about snow shoes, winter, this but... Rest stop be up there this coming MLK weekend you travel along the.. Experienced skiers alike easy to learn, fun for everyone, and you there. We share everything you ’ ve ever wanted to know about snowshoeing, Colorado, USA a gift shop Tramway! Monarch Lakes ; Pyramid Peak via Rocky Canyon ; Northern Ca web Cam Mountain. For hiking enthusiasts parking on the latest trends and happenings around Denver bikes... Pass ( 12,095 ft ) South Arkansas River in Gunnison National Forest near ( MTJ ) Montrose County Airport Monarch... Mountain Base area Salida, Colorado that offers scenic views hiking trail soon to become one of the popular. We share everything you ’ ve ever wanted to know about snowshoeing for beginners or experienced skiers alike favorites... So much to do in Gunnison County 40 % off the window price right onto Healy... View that i recall the city and enjoy a family-friendly hike around Lake! Elk who frequent the area willing landowners a half mile past the entrance to signs. Area for parking on US 50 the turn-off to Old Monarch Pass about miles... Love this area - so much to do in Gunnison County road over the Pass, is... 360-Degree views not slippery even in winter! snowshoeing monarch pass out updated best Hotels & restaurants near Monarch Pass is miles.