The Monarch Crest is one of top mountain biking trails in the country
Consistently ranked as one of top mountain biking trails in the country, the full Monarch Crest Mountain Biking Trail connects several trails to combine for over 35 miles of predominately descending, over 6,000 feet of descent in total. The trail starts with a shuttle drive to 11,312 feet at the top of Monarch Crest and spends the first few miles traversing along an alpine ridge with exceptional views of the Sawatch, San Juan, Elk, and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. After riding up and down through this above treeline section, it connects to the Silver Creek and Rainbow trails for thousands of feet of descending all the way back to the Arkansas River Valley. Not sure that you’re ready for the full ride? It can easily be made easier using a different descent trail, or ridden as an out-and-back trail along the scenic and fun alpine section from Monarch Pass.
Full Day
6-8 hrs.
$550
$150
5:1
Inclusions
- Shuttle to the top of Monarch Pass
- Professional & knowledgeable mountain bike guide
- Bike repair kit
- A detailed packing list will be provided upon reservation
Photographer Add-on
Let us capture your memories so you can focus on your adventure! A photographer is $675 per trip and based on availability. Please let the Irwin Guide’s office know 48hrs before your trip if you would like to add this to your reservation.
Tour Details
What to Bring
Bike rentals are available from our local bike shops: The Alpineer, Big Als, Elevate Bike Rental, Peak Sports, and Crested Butte Sports. We suggest bringing a backpack, food, water, layers (rain jacket), and stiff closed toe shoes
Full Ride
Starts with a shuttle from Poncha Springs to Monarch Pass, then we’ll ride all 3 trails back to where we started. ~35 miles, 6,000′ descent
- The Monarch Crest Trail 14 mi
- Silver Creek Trail 4.5 mi
- Rainbow Trail 10 mi
Out and Back
Starts from the top of Monarch Pass and ridden as 10-20 miles total, along the beautiful alpine section of the Monarch Crest Mountain Biking Trail
