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Monarch Crest Trail


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Trail Review(s)
Rider - Eric
We had wanted to ride this trail for awhile.  As we left Boulder, it was raining hard.  The weather in Salida was supposed to be better (not much).  We decided to float the Arkansas River in the rain and hope the sun came out the next morning for our ride.  It did, but not for long.  We got up early and hit everything from rain, fog and snow.  There were a few breaks in the clouds and we did not have thunder until we were safely off the ridges.  The next time I do this trail I would love to have the full views from the ridges.  They must have been spectacular. Good trail that is not over once you drop off the ridge.  The rainbow section requires a surprisingly high amount of work.  Make sure you bring enough food and water.
Would you ride again?
YES
Any suggestions?
Be ready to ride when the weather is right.  Early mornings are probably safer than afternoons.  You are exposed on a ridge for a good portion of this ride.

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Trail Photos Slideshow
Trail Statistics
My Rating
10 of 10
Ride Type
Shuttle
Trail Type
ST & DT
Road Type
Gravel & Jeep
Miles
29.4
Average Grade
7
Vertical Gain
4126
Vertical Loss
6943
Max. Elevation
11981
Min. Elevation
8488

Trail Fees
Parking / Use
Free, Plenty
Camping
BLM near Salida


Trail Location
Regional City
Buena Vista, CO
Closest City
Salida, CO
Start (Lat./Lon.)
N38° 29.778'
W106° 19.509'
End (Lat./Lon.)
N38° 26.711'
W106° 6.322'

Trails Ridden
Monarch Crest Trail
Nearby Trails
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ċ
500-Salida,CO-MonarchCrest.gpx
(64k)
Eric Meyer,
Mar 6, 2010, 7:23 PM
Ċ
Eric Meyer,
Mar 6, 2010, 7:23 PM