ガニソン郡の峠・トップ17

Beautiful views on this easy trail. If you descend to Lost Lake, which is a stunning turquoise blue, you can make a lovely loop back to Cottonwool Pass.

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.

The Monarch Pass climb from the west, starting in Sargents is a classic and scenic road biking ascent on US Highway 50. Over approximately 10 to 11.5 miles, you'll climb around 2,750 to 2,850 feet at a consistent average gradient between 5% and 6%, winding your way up into the Sawatch Range. As the road is often cut into the mountainside, you'll ride through forested areas with glimpses down to Agate Creek below, and the scenery becomes increasingly open with expansive mountain views as you near the 11,312-foot summit. Be aware that while the road is good, it can have moderate traffic, and you'll be dealing with significant altitude as you climb higher.

Climbing Cottonwood Pass westwards from Buena Vista is a journey to extreme altitudes on the Continental Divide. Prepare for approximately 20-25 miles where you'll gain over 4,100ft to reach the stunning 12,126ft paved summit. This notoriously steady climb averaging only around 3-4% with ramps around 6-8%. You'll enjoy beautiful scenery as you climb through extensive aspen groves which are spectacular in fall. The road over the pass is seasonally closed so be sure to check it's open before attempting this climb.

This section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail leads from the Cottonwoods Pass into a southern direction. Along this beautiful hike, you will pass nice creeks and can enjoy amazing views of the Gunnison National Forest. The trail can be shortened or extended as desired.

At an elevation of 11,312 feet, Monarch Pass features a gift shop, parking, restrooms, and acts as a trailhead for a number of trails. Mountain bikes frequent the trails from the pass, but they are also great trails for running and hiking.

Cumberland Pass Road also known as Forest Road 765 is a well-maintained dirt road that ventures into the heart of the Rockies. This ultra-high mountain pass weaves through the captivating Sawatch Range in the Gunnison National Forest. This pass has been connecting the old mining towns of Pitkin and Tincup since 1882 when it was constructed to enable wagon travel. Along the way, you'll encounter the remnants of old mining houses and artifacts.

McClure Pass is a high mountain pass in western Colorado, along the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. It's located between the towns of Redstone and Somerset, not far from Carbondale and Paonia. You can enjoy amazing views of Colorado's wild landscapes here, and it's a great spot to stop for a break!