Pueblo CO to Montrose CO - Monarch Pass
Hey everybody! Long time reader, first time poster here. I am going to be traveling at the end of March from Pueblo CO to Montrose CO through Monarch Pass and was wondering your thoughts about the rou...
Forum Discussion
At 6.4%, Monarch is indeed about average for CO passes. (Link to list of CO passes, their elevation and grade). Plenty of passing zones on both sides so you won't hold up traffic too much.
Another option is to head south out of Poncha Springs, down to Sagauche, then west on CO 114 back to US 50. About 50 miles further, but I find to be an easier pass. There tends to be lsss snow in the Cochetopa Hills than the southern Sawatch Range where Monarch Pass is. Likewise, the CO 114 route crosses the Continental Divide at 1200' lower than Monarch.
As noted, one must keep an eye on the weather in late March and even through April. The good news is that late spring snow storms tend to be followed by lots of sunshine that helps melt the roads off quickly.
Another option is to head south out of Poncha Springs, down to Sagauche, then west on CO 114 back to US 50. About 50 miles further, but I find to be an easier pass. There tends to be lsss snow in the Cochetopa Hills than the southern Sawatch Range where Monarch Pass is. Likewise, the CO 114 route crosses the Continental Divide at 1200' lower than Monarch.
As noted, one must keep an eye on the weather in late March and even through April. The good news is that late spring snow storms tend to be followed by lots of sunshine that helps melt the roads off quickly.
