- Distance Instructions
- Distance 15 miles
- Time 0 s
- Speed 3 mph
- Min altitude 0 ft
- Peak 0 ft
- Climb 4035 ft
- Descent 6463 ft
Monarch Crest and Rainbow Trail
This GPX actually has two tracks. One is Monarch from point to point, and I added the runoff for Rainbow Trail as well. Rainbow continues on to Salida, but I cut it off at HWY 285. If you're feeling extra strong after Monarch Crest, you can ride Rainbow to the highway. For Monarch Crest, there are many shuttle services in the area that can take you to the trail head. Use one. You won't be disappointed.
Getting to Monarch Crest
- Take HWY 24 out of Colorado Springs to HWY 285.
- Go left on 285 to Salida. Stop in Salida for a shuttle service if desired...OR
- Go Right on HWY 50 and drive to the top of Monarch Pass. The parking area is on your left.There are many shuttle services in the area. It is recommended that you make reservations.
Getting to Rainbow Trail
- The section I have on the track starts off 285. Drive South on 285 to Marshall Pass Road. Drive 1/2 mile was the road to park. That is the trailhead.
- Ride up Marshall Pass and ride down Rainbow, or vise versa....or do an out and back.
Trail Description
Rainbow is a lot of up and down, but it is fun. Monarch Crest trail has everything. You have stream crossings, climbs above tree line, and bombing downhills. Don't be fooled into thinking there is no climbing. There will be a lot. Also pay attention to weather. This is not a place to be caught in hail, or lightening, or snow, or whatever mother nature has to offer. The trail begins with a climb up above tree line to over 12,000ft. You then head back toward Salida for sections of climbing and downhill. You also have the option of taking Rainbow Trail. This will add a few miles to your trek. All trails empty you out on the highway where you will head back to Salida.
1. Shuttle Pickup
2. Shuttle Stop
3. Start
4. End
Monarch Crest and Rainbow Trail
This GPX actually has two tracks. One is Monarch from point to point, and I added the runoff for Rainbow Trail as well. Rainbow continues on to Salida, but I cut it off at HWY 285. If you’re feeling extra strong after Monarch Crest, you can ride Rainbow to the highway. For Monarch Crest, there are many shuttle services in the area that can take you to the trail head. Use one. You won’t be disappointed.
Getting to Monarch Crest
- Take HWY 24 out of Colorado Springs to HWY 285.
- Go left on 285 to Salida. Stop in Salida for a shuttle service if desired…OR
- Go Right on HWY 50 and drive to the top of Monarch Pass. The parking area is on your left.There are many shuttle services in the area. It is recommended that you make reservations.
Getting to Rainbow Trail
- The section I have on the track starts off 285. Drive South on 285 to Marshall Pass Road. Drive 1/2 mile was the road to park. That is the trailhead.
- Ride up Marshall Pass and ride down Rainbow, or vise versa….or do an out and back.
Trail Description
Rainbow is a lot of up and down, but it is fun. Monarch Crest trail has everything. You have stream crossings, climbs above tree line, and bombing downhills. Don’t be fooled into thinking there is no climbing. There will be a lot. Also pay attention to weather. This is not a place to be caught in hail, or lightening, or snow, or whatever mother nature has to offer. The trail begins with a climb up above tree line to over 12,000ft. You then head back toward Salida for sections of climbing and downhill. You also have the option of taking Rainbow Trail. This will add a few miles to your trek. All trails empty you out on the highway where you will head back to Salida.