Monarch Crest Ride 8-8-08

Monarch Pass

Steiner near treeline

At about 8000 ft (2400 m) in elevation along Silver Creek

Descending the Rainbow Trail

Last summer I rode the Monarch Crest with my friend Steiner and his friend Chris. We shuttled up to the start at Monarch Pass, 11,300 ft (3500 m),. This classic route climbs to about 12,000 ft (3700 m) before it starts descending. Instead of just one trail, the Monarch Crest ride is actually several trails and jeep roads tied together to create this 38 mile offroad route. It was a good ride. Certainly more challenging than I expected. My Litespeed performed flawlessly.

BTW, last time I was on Monarch Pass on a bicycle was in 1981 on my way to Canada from Mexico.