Monarch Pass Trailhead — Attraction in Poncha Springs

This is a much deserved popular Continental Divide Trail access point on Highway 50, a main east-west route from Pueblo through Salida, Gunnison, Montrose and eventually Grand Juncton. Because of high volumne, its better to do on weekdays. Cyclists make up most of the users, who ride the 10 miles to Marshall Pass, slighty lower at 10, 800 ft. Motorcycle riders are also allowed, which is unusual for those from the Front Range, but there aren’t too many. It is a very senic hike, following Chaffee/Gunnison county line, and the beautiful Agate Creek valley stretches the entire way to Marshall Pass. The star attraction is Mount Ouray 13,971 and Chipeta Peak, almost 13k. I went about 6 miles one way which brings you to a high ridge with the best views of the two mountains. From here, the trail decsends to a low drainage, then runs along the base of Ouray and 4 miles to the Pass. Also impressive is Antora Mountain to the south at 13k. This is the last mountain before Poncha Pass (285) dips into the San...

Stop up there on the way home. Not many people there. A couple for whatever reason didn't want to go up on the trim they gave us their tickets and we went up and it was absolutely beautiful and gorgeous. Yet the wind was blowing and it said only 21° on mine with the wind chill factor but it felt more like - 21 degrees with the wind chill. It was freezing up there I got some good pictures. The two people controlling the tram up in the top and the bottom for great people I applaud them for their freezing work as she stood under a heat lamp LOL and the guy at the top was in his office with...

This is the sky of the continent,off of the most dangerous road in the U.S.A., Very treacherous this month !! There were large rocks all in the roads , large chunks of ice falling from the cliffs and trees as well . Wild area ...We are talking a wild back country cross country skier with a dog was the only other human being I saw .I Barely left the pavement , he was prepared and went all over . I snapped some photos ,dodged some ice ,moved some rocks out of the road ,waved ,and drove home . Still some of the most beautiful views you could possibly...