A pleasant gravel road in summers to Old Monarch Pass in Colorado
Usa, north-america
17.05 km
3,473 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Old Monarch Pass in Colorado! This hidden gem straddles Gunnison and Chaffee counties, just a hop away from the "new" Monarch Pass.
Picture this: a 10.6-mile dirt road (County Road 237) snaking its way up to 11,394 feet! Built way back in 1880, this old toll road opened to cars in 1921.
Don't let the "well-graded" part fool you—this climb is no joke. Expect an 8% gradient, a flurry of switchbacks and hairpin turns clinging to the mountainside. And who needs guardrails anyway, right? (Insert nervous laughter).
But oh, the views! At the summit, you're rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Rockies, stretching from Pikes Peak all the way to the San Juans. Seriously epic.
Nestled in the San Isabel National Forest, at the southern end of the Sawatch Range, this road is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July. Plus, keep an eye on the weather forecast. Heavy rains can wash out the eastern entrance, and the area is known for its severe storms and crazy winds.
If you're in the area during the summer or early fall, take this scenic drive — you won't regret it!
Where is it?
A pleasant gravel road in summers to Old Monarch Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.5433, -98.6320
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17.05 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,473 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 38.5433, -98.6320
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