Where is Old Monarch Pass?
Usa, north-america
17.05 km
3,473 m
hard
Year-round
Craving a killer Colorado adventure? Then Old Monarch Pass needs to be on your radar! Nestled high in the Rockies, right on the Gunnison/Chaffee County line, this unpaved beauty offers views for days.
Originally a toll road from 1880, it opened to cars in 1921 and now County Road 237 takes you on a 10.6-mile journey from County Road 888 to US-50. Don't let the "county road" status fool you – this route is STEEP, with gradients hitting 8%!
Passenger cars can usually handle it during summer and early fall, but be warned: it's switchback city up there. Expect hairpin turns, cliff edges, and a distinct lack of guardrails. But the reward? On a clear day, you can see the ENTIRE Rockies spread out before you from its 11,394-foot summit! Located in the San Isabel National Forest, the pass is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July. Keep an eye on the weather too – summer storms and strong winds are common, and heavy rain can sometimes wash out the eastern entrance. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Just prepare for a wild, scenic ride.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17.05 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,473 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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