HWY 50 from Royal Gorge to Grand Junction Co

RedRocket204 wrote:

Thom02099 wrote:
Monarch Pass is considered one of the most beautiful passes in Colorado, tops out ~11,300 feet. At the top, there's an aerial tram that goes to the top of Monarch Ridge at ~12,000 feet. Spectacular vistas from up top there, highly recommended for some real Colorado photo ops.

And also the beginning of the Monarch Crest MTB Trail, a classic IMBA Epic 100, 35 miles mountain bike trail ride. Yes, the ride starts at 11,300 feet elevation. It's a real lung burner.

Sorry, couldn't resist :B

Do it right and ride up Monarch Pass before you get on the trail. Riding the loop is much more of an accomplishment than taking the shuttle. ;)

Never actually done it that way, but we have ridden up Marshall Pass and completed the loop down the Rainbow Trail/Silver Creek Trail. Only get up to 10,800', but you've definitely earned your turns coming back down.