サウォッチ山脈の峠・トップ20

Close to the trailhead, there are some nice campsites nestled into pine trees. Beware that these are also car accessible. Marshall Pass is therefore a good spot to get on or off the Continental Divide Trail/ Colorado Trail. The area around Marshall Pass is also a great spot for rockhounding. The volcanic landscape bears geodes, agates and other interesting specimen, if you are willing to carry rocks. :)

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.

Climbing Independence Pass eastwards from Aspen is a bucket-list journey to the Continental Divide, reaching an extreme altitude of 12,095ft, making it one of North America's highest paved passes. Prepare for a very long 18-20 mile and challenging climb gaining over 4000ft; while the average grade is moderate at 4-5%, expect long, sustained climbing sections particularly above the tree line, likely averaging 6-8% in parts, amplified significantly by the thin air. Along the route you'll see the stunning transition through beautiful aspen groves to breathtaking alpine tundra vistas. Be aware that services are non-existent between Aspen and Twin Lakes so be self-sufficient and check the road status before attempting the climb.

Poncha Pass stands at 9,010 feet and is a beautiful wide, open summit that marks the boundaries between Chaffee County and Saguache Counties, as well as the entrance to the San Luis Valley. This is a great place to admire the views, sip some water, and snap some photos before continuing on your ride.

Poncha Pass stands at 9,010 feet and is a beautiful wide, open summit that marks the boundaries between Chaffee County and Saguache Counties, as well as the entrance to the San Luis Valley. This is a great place to admire the views, sip some water, and snap some photos before continuing on your ride.

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.