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BIKES: The Monarch Crest Trail

  • Writer: Anna Sitton
    Anna Sitton
  • Aug 3
  • 3 min read

Updated: Aug 4

Exploring and adventure is rooted deep in our lives, days, and the construction of the building that houses The Buena Viking and The Even Keel Lodge. We like to call the whole thing a ship (and you can see where we’re coming from with a few angles from down below). We’re constantly trying to keep our vibe at an Even Keel, and gain inspiration from the Viking traditions of long ago (without the murder and aggression)....


To the seafaring people of medieval Scandinavia, the word “Viking” was treated as a verb - it was treated as an occupation, an activity, a life choice. It could be said that you were “going a-viking” when you embarked on adventures. THIS IS WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT! 


This month we’re featuring a classic bike ride, one that gives you the MOST bang for your buck, and is also a beautiful hike - The Monarch Crest. 





The Monarch Crest trail is a world-renowned 25-26 mile high alpine mountain bike trail near Salida, CO, which is about a 45 minute drive from the lodge! This “views for days” ride begins at the top of Monarch Pass, which is 11,312 feet and you start with a fun little 2,000 feet of climbing. Max elevation for this climb reaches nearly 12,000 feet, with a net descent of 6,500ish feet and short climbing sections totaling around 2,000 feet to 2,660 feet. The climbing part of this trail takes you on dirt roads, single track, and after the last big push, a ridge ride that traverses the Continental Divide with panoramic views of multiple major mountain ranges. 


There are multiple ways off of the ridge, depending on how much skill, energy, and time you have. 


  1.  Marshall Pass: This is a road ride down to HWY 50 and into Poncha Springs.

  2. Silver Creek or Green’s Creek: Drop off the spine onto a fast singletrack on to Silver Creek (fast and flowy!) or Greens Creek (steep and technical).

  3. The Rainbow Trail: A narrow, rolling, singletrack finale weaving through pine and aspen trees before heading down toward the highway.

  4. Fooses Creek Trail: This is the first option off of the ridge, and shortest singletrack descent. This option takes you off the crest earlier than the others, but is a good option if you have less time!


This ride is best done with a shuttle to save time! There are two companies out of Salida that offer shuttle options:


  1.  High Valley Bike Shuttle: Operates out of the High Valley Center in Poncha Springs. They depart daily at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, dropping riders directly at the top of Monarch Pass. The rate is $39 per person (including bike transportation). Free day parking is provided for shuttle guests in the gravel lot east of the nearby Rocky Mountain Motel. You can book online via the High Valley Shuttle Site or call (719) 581-2702


  1. Absolute Bikes: Located in downtown Salida at 330 W Sackett Ave. They run seasonal Crest shuttles on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8:00 AM (with mid-week departures available for private groups of 4 or more). The rate is $39 per rider. They also accommodate e-bikes depending on your chosen descent route. Reservations can be managed directly on the Absolute Bikes Shuttle Hub. 


  1. If you have time, and two cars, a car drop works just fine for this ride!





One thing we love about the Continental Divide Trail is all the people you can run into hiking the whole thing! These through hikers often have really amazing stories. We were lucky enough to run into Larry the Log! Shawn Mahoney hikes with Larry the Log on incredibly long hikes for different causes he believes in. This man hikes with a large log over his shoulder! Check him out @larry.the.log on Instagram or listen to his story for some inspiration!


There are a few things to think about when considering this ride in the Colorado high country. WEATHER! You are up there with the planes and the birds and the lightning. Start early and triple check the weather forecast. Knowing your skill and your abilities. An easier way to do the Crest is to take the Marshall Pass ride out, but it is a dusty road…If you want an easy ride or even hike, getting up to Fooses Creek gives you plenty of views and bang for your buck. 


Feel free to email evenkeelbv@gmail with any questions about this adventure! We look forward to being a place you can put your feet up after this adventure, or any path you choose.




 
 
 

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