Monarch Pass Summit starts in downtown Salida and heads west to climb a long Colorado classic – Monarch Pass. From Salida, the ride crosses the relatively flat valley floor to Poncha Springs. From Poncha, US 50 heads west up Monarch Pass, a long climb all the way to the Continental Divide. It’s a sublime Colorado pass that follows the contours of the mountainsides and climbs steadily the whole way up through thick pine forests. It’s a big challenge, but the views are huge and the way down is fast, really fast.

Options: Wine Tasting Instead of Mountain Climbing – detour at mile 10.3 by turning left on CR 220. Ride 100 yards and take another sharp left to Mountain Spirits Winery. Instead of riding the whole pass, choose a shorter ride of 20.6 miles and spend the afternoon tasting locally-made wines. Call first to make sure they’re open. Mountain Spirits Winery 719-539-1175.

Trailhead Access: Downtown Salida. Park at the AHRA headquarters at the corner of Sackett and G Streets or in the public lot immediately west of Safeway at the corner of 3^rd and H Streets. The ride starts from the corner of Sackett and G Streets.

Location: Salida
Distance: 45.8 Miles – Out and Back
Riding Time: 5 Hours or More
Riding Surface: Good Pavement
Shoulder: Narrow to Nonexistent = Can be dangerous.
Traffic: Medium to Heavy
Aerobic Level: Difficult
Elevation in Feet: Low 7,031; High 11,312; Climbs/Descends 4,258

Notes: Due to the traffic and lack of a good shoulder on this pass, this ride should only be done by advanced road riders with excellent bike handling skills. Wear bright clothing and stay as close as possible to the edge of the road. Toilets and food can be found at the summit.