Bike Monarch Pass: 37 Miles Roundtrip From Poncha Springs to Monarch Pass Summit
August 7, 2005
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I started in the Poncha Springs Visitor Center parking lot and the round trip was 37 miles. Heading west on Highway 50! |
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LEFT: I just love the Chaffee County slogan: Now this is Colorado! It's very fitting!
RIGHT: Hey! I was offended by this sign. What's up with C-DOT calling me "heavy side road traffic?!" I've lost 20 pounds this year and my fat stomach is gone! Geez! :( |
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A few miles more into the canyon, I found this bend in the road scenic.
The West Arkansas River runs through the canyon. |
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You'll reach an area formerly known as Garfield. There's a picturesque-looking garage and the Wolf Creek Ski Lodge. It looks like a very recreational area, and I just might return back soon to hike the Boss Lake Trail. The Monarch ski slopes are near the summit, and if you're looking for lodging, this might be a good place. Also, there is plenty of motels in Poncha Springs and Salida. |
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Continuing to bike uphill! ... Just look at these aspen groves! Wow! Now I *really* think I need to head back here in the fall! Some of my best aspen & fall foliage pictorails:
Wilkerson Pass Aspens, Fall Colors '04, Bonanza, CO
Cottonwood Pass, Roadtrip to Aspen |
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To the south, you'll note a mountain range ravaged from mining. It's kind of sad yet scenic in its own unique way. At this point, the uphill gets steep and you'll appreciate any scenery to keep your mind occupied. ;) |
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At the Monarch Ski area, it's probably just another one mile up! |
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Just up from the Monarch ski area, I turned back to get a view of the mountains looking downhill.
Here are all of my photos of the Chaffee County region:
Mt. Princeton Hike, Biking in Buena Vista & Salida
St. Elmo, Buena Vista, Cottonwood Hot Springs |
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The summit has a gift shop & snack shop with restrooms. It was very helpful considering it began raining pretty hard for about 20 minutes when I arrived. ;) |
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To celebrate my arrival to the summit, I bought a package of sunflower seeds and ...
Ha ha ha ha ha!
I think this is becoming a tradition from my CS to Salida ride. :) |
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I rode down very quickly and didn't stop to take photos, except for this one at the top. Oooooooooh! 10 miles at a 6% grade! ;) |
