Monarch Pass from the east is a classic road biking ascent on US Highway 50, taking you high into the Sawatch Range towards the Continental Divide. Starting around 8,100 feet, you'll climb approximately 11.3 to 11.5 miles, gaining about 3,000 feet to the 11,312-foot summit, with a moderate average gradient around 4.9-5.1% that ramps up slightly after the initial miles. You'll follow the Arkansas River valley and climb through forests, and while you're in the sun for much of this side, the panoramic views from the summit are truly spectacular. Be prepared for the altitude and moderate traffic on this well-traveled mountain highway.

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Details

Informations

Distance 18.3 km

Uphill 950 m

Downhill 30 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 17 December

0°C

-6°C

16 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 61.0 km/h

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Location: Garfield, Chaffee County, Colorado, United States

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