Monarch Pass, Colorado

Monarch Pass is located on the Continental Divide in Colorado along the county border between Gunnison and Chaffee counties. The Pass can be found by traveling along US Highway 50 about twenty five miles west of the town of Salida, Colorado. At a height of 11,312 feet, this high mountain pass offers a great opportunity to view the many 14,000 feet high mountain peaks in the surrounding area.

Monarch Pass can be found at the southern end of the Sawatch Range of Mountains on US Highway 50 in Colorado. Just west of Salida, Colorado, this paved, well maintained highway is a great scenic route to take. Monarch Pass is easily traversable by all vehicles under most conditions and is generally open year-round. It does get heavy winter snowfall however, and is often temporarily closed in heavy winter storms.

Considered by many to be one of the most scenic passes in Colorado, this pass offers a fantastic view of the southern end of the Sawatch Mountain Range. At the summit, you will find a gift shop and a small restaurant. During the summer, an aerial tram from the parking lot at the summit lets visitors ascend to the top of Monarch Ridge above the pass (at an elevation of approximately 12,000 feet) allowing a wider view of the surrounding peaks. In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Monarch Ski Area.