🔵/⚫ Trails & Ale at Monarch Crest

🔵/⚫ Join experienced BMA Ride Guides for a co-ed day at shuttling Monarch Crest in Salida.

This is a shuttle ride starting at the top of Monarch Pass and ending in Poncha Springs. The easiest shuttle option is to take a commercial shuttle such as High Valley Bike Shuttle. We will plan around the 10am shuttle, in other words starting the ride at approx. 10:30am at the top of Monarch Pass. They recommend arriving at High Valley Center in Poncha Springs by 9:30 for the 10am shuttle. Or arrive earlier if you want to buy something for breakfast before the ride. The shuttle cost is $39 per person. I recommend booking your shuttle now because they do occasionally fill up.

This is a high alpine ride crossing through some remote areas. All riders should have a means to navigate (e.g. Trailforks or similar app with offline maps downloaded), basic bike repair items, clothing for a variety of weather conditions, and sufficient food and water for a long ride. We will plan to stick together as a group, but different rider paces might cause us to spread out. There is very limited cell phone service for the entire ride. We will be riding for 10 miles above 11,000 feet before starting the long descent back to Poncha Springs. Be prepared for intense sun, rapidly changing weather conditions, and a long day. Depending on our pace and how much we stop, the ride could take around 6 hours.

We plan to follow the Monarch Crest - The Classic ride on Trailforks. Mile 18.9 is a decision point where we can either take Rainbow Trail (which has a bunch of additional steep short climbs) or cruise down the dirt road. There are also a few earlier bail out options if anyone isn't feeling good or if an unexpected thunderstorm pops up.

We will head to a brewery (TBD) in Poncha Springs after the ride for some much needed food and drinks.

• Aerobic Difficulty: 9/10, Technical Difficulty: 6/10
• We will climb 2,600 feet and descend 6,500 feet. 35 miles total.
• 🚫 e-Bikes are not permitted on this ride per USFS regulations.

Carpool options may be available, please post in the group if you are interested in carpooling

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT THE RIDE

• Riders must sign a liability waiver once during the season. By signing up for this ride, you agree to our Waiver
• All riders MUST wear a helmet (you are HIGHLY encouraged to wear or rent a full face helmet), wear or rent full pads (at a minimum elbow and knee pads), bring water, and have a trail-ready bike.
• All riders ride at their own risk, group leaders take no responsibility for rider safety/injury.
• Riders should also carry basic tools: a spare tube in your correct tire size, a pump, tire lever, a chain tool and basic Allen wrenches. Snacks are recommended.
• Rides launch on time. Ride will roll at 10:30. Please arrive early enough to get ready and shuttle yourself to the start.
• If the weather is iffy make sure to check this page the day before the ride for updated info. If you signed up for the ride you should also receive an email in the event of a cancellation. If necessary, we will cancel the ride by 8pm the night before.
• For permitting and planning purposes, you must sign up on Meetup if you plan to join us.

The Boulder Mountainbike Alliance is a volunteer-run, membership-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. BMA's mission is to serve as a positive voice for mountain biking in the greater Boulder Colorado area by improving the trail experience for all users through skill clinics, social rides, events, advocacy, and trail building. Learn more about BMA.
Send us an email if you have any questions - bma@bouldermountainbike.org