Monarch Pass
Monarch Pass
4.4
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.4
113 reviews
Excellent
68
Very good
33
Average
7
Poor
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Terrible
4
SneakinDeacon
Christiansburg, VA1,661 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Traveling from the Royal Gorge Bridge to Montrose on Highway 50 we crossed Monarch Pass. When we left the Bridge, it was 84 degrees. When we stopped at the visitors center about 1 p.m. it was 58 degrees and windy. Keep in mind you are over 11,000 feet high, and the weather can change quickly. There is a large parking area with plenty of room for the largest motor home, tractor-trailer, as well as cars. The main attraction of the pass is the views of the snow-capped peaks. There is also a restaurant/gift shop/hiking store on top of the pass. The restaurant serves hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, soft drinks, coffee, and other snacks. Monarch Pass is a popular stop for hikers on the Continental Divide Trail and the store is well stocked with food and equipment hikers need. During my brief visit there were two CDT Thru Hikers hanging out trying get a ride into town where they were going to take a couple of days off before continuing their hike toward Canada. Myself and a couple of others in my group treated them to some real “food and drinks.” They were most appreciative. There is a gondola ride here but on the day that we were there it was not operating. Our group enjoyed the stop and ended up spending just about an hour here at Monarch Pass before continuing our journey toward Montrose.
Written August 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
doublemdoublet
Clifton, VA1,405 contributions
May 2022
Exciting. Enlightening. Awesomeness. Travelers TIP: This is the ONLY Gondola in Colorado open in the Spring! Every other gondola is open for Winter skiing and Summer biking/hiking (All after Memorial Day - and most much later in June). Monarch happily opens in early May on a weather dependent day. In 2022 it started runs on May 14 and "officially" opened on May 15. Check the website if this is your intent.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Busylady21
West Allis, WI160 contributions
Oct 2022
The day we were at the pass we saw dozens of people unload, gear up and take off on their bikes. Watching them go up the trails was exciting. The visitor center was packed with a variety of items to choose from including homemade fudge. Worth the stop.
Written November 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernard W
Dallas, TX1,946 contributions
Jul 2021
Monarch Crest Gondola goes up to over 12,000’ to an observation area with signs and great views of Monarch Ridge, area mountains, and ski slopes. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 kids. Fun. Also lots of Columbine flower, Colorado’s state flower. We had a 10% off coupon from the Salina Chamber of Commerce that was good at the gift shop and the gondola.
Sharing the same parking lot and I think ownership is the Monarch Crest Gift Shop at Continental Divide: 11,312 elevation. Huge, varied selection with, to my surprise, reasonable prices. Bathrooms and nice people.
Sharing the same parking lot and I think ownership is the Monarch Crest Gift Shop at Continental Divide: 11,312 elevation. Huge, varied selection with, to my surprise, reasonable prices. Bathrooms and nice people.
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hillystitcher
Russellville, AR31 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Don't waste your time stopping here for family souvenirs. This store doesn't cater to families, only to their own interests. This used to be a fun stop for touristy souvenirs; decent priced t-shirts, inexpensive souvenirs for the kids to pick out, souvenirs for family and friends, the restrooms and plenty of parking. Now it is a stop for lattes, burgers, restrooms, lots of parking (because they weren't busy) select, limited high end, overpriced brands of clothing, hiking, ski, climbing equipment if you forgot something before you left home. Also, Colorado now charges shopping bag taxes (which I was told, only the state gov gets not, the store who paid for the bags) (I don't mind bringing my own bags). Maybe time to pick and spend our money in a different vacation state...
Written September 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia K
Westville, IN4,513 contributions
Oct 2020
We drove east from Montrose. Loved Hwy 50!
We stopped at Monarch Pass for a bit. There's a HUGE parking lot. The gift shop was fun tourist junk, mixed with more expensive things. They have a bathroom. There's some snacky type food also.
I wish the tram was open, but we were there in October, so out of luck. It was $10 per adult, which I would have totally paid!
We stopped at Monarch Pass for a bit. There's a HUGE parking lot. The gift shop was fun tourist junk, mixed with more expensive things. They have a bathroom. There's some snacky type food also.
I wish the tram was open, but we were there in October, so out of luck. It was $10 per adult, which I would have totally paid!
Written November 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RaNell S
Eagle Mountain, UT44 contributions
Jun 2020
Monarch pass is a beautiful drive! I haven't been over the pass in years and was a little worried about taking or small RV over it. However the roads have been up dated sense my last trip over and it was a good drive not sure if i would want to tow or drive a large RV over it. But if you get the chance to drive its a beautiful pass
Written June 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
romanpiekosz
Chicago, IL8,983 contributions
Jul 2020
Nice place with few opportunities for hiking. There is an attraction: Scenic Rides. Unfortunately because of the Covid-19, this place was closed on July 2020.
There is a gift shop and the restaurant, so it's good place to take a break and rest a little bit. And off course...it's Continental Divide. There are nice views of surrounding mountains covered with little bit of snow.
I recommend this place.
RomanP
There is a gift shop and the restaurant, so it's good place to take a break and rest a little bit. And off course...it's Continental Divide. There are nice views of surrounding mountains covered with little bit of snow.
I recommend this place.
RomanP
Written July 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa J
Plant City, FL959 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Riding through and stoped to take pictures. Lots of parking, even for large rigs. There is a restaurant and store with lots of ski and hiking gear. They have a gondola ride year round. Worth the stop, absolutely beautiful.
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JSTrip_77
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina1,215 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Even in winter, this is an awesome road. But, in winter, do take care. We found the roads to be safe and not slippery even in the snow. But, do stay within your comfort zone. At the peak, there is a small cafe and shop.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How will the pass be to travel over end of July in afternoon?
Written July 1, 2019
Snow on side of road in May, but road itself was clear
Written July 1, 2019
Abbi W
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
I would like to know how difficult it is to go over Monarch pass in a 38ft motor home
Written May 22, 2017
I can answer this question with complete accuracy because I have driven over Monarch Pass dozens of times, as I have a home in Gunnison, Colorado, about 50 miles west of Monarch.
Driving Monarch Pass should not be approached casually. Those who do so may well be spending their last day of life. The approaches to the summit are quite long, roughly 6 miles on the west and 10 miles on the east side. The WEST Grade is the more dangerous because of no shoulder and fatal drop offs. Grades are steep, posted as being 6% in many sections on both sides. Each side has one or two ‘pull off’ places that allow a vehicle to get out of the traffic. Each side has 1 ‘runaway truck’ inclined ramp. Posted speeds (in DRY weather) are 45mph and in places 35mph. Most drivers exceed posted speeds which is pure stupidity as there are sections with NO guardrails, and where you’ll fall HUNDREDS of feet before you hit bottom (Think ‘driving off the top of a 50 story building’). The road is only TWO LANE with three lane short sections in places. My technique is to downshift into second gear at the very top of Monarch Pass and let engine braking help control your downhill speed. ALSO when going downhill put on your ‘slow moving vehicle’ flashers as I have found this is the most effective way to keep speeding vehicles from trying to ‘push’ you down the mountain at their dangerous speeds. If driving a motor home or pulling a trailer try to plan your crossing to be done in early morning when the air temperature is lower, if crossing during summer months, as radiator overheating is a significant concern. From about June through October the general store at the summit will be open, with clean rest rooms, food and many available mementos.
My very first encounter with the danger of driving Monarch Pass was one night during the mid 1980s when a driver, having just crossed Monarch, told of a companion vehicle having that night gone over the edge and into the canyon, killing all occupants.
My own last crossing was late October 2018.
Written January 3, 2019
Abbi W
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Is it difficult to travel this pass in a 38ft motorhome?
Written May 22, 2017
We were in a suburban, however, I just googled to see if others have done it, and they have! Sounds like the biggest issue is being wise with speed and using breaks, there was some overheating as well...do you have a diesel pusher?
I didn't see any signs that said no RV's like at Glacier National Park. So I am assuming it's possible to do it.. Maybe call the visitors center. Good Luck!!
My dad and his wife Own Zack's BBQ in Hotchkiss, Co. if you make it through there you should stop by! They are closed on Mondays.
Written May 22, 2017
Is this a good place to ski and snowboard over the Christmas holidays?
Written October 4, 2016
There is a ski area on Monarch Mountain. website is skimonarch
Lodging is mostly in Salida or surrounding small towns. I'm not aware of an onsite resort. I'd recommend considering Crested Butte. I was impressed with their set up.
Written October 4, 2016
How long does it take to get over the monarch pass?
Written April 28, 2016
First trip up Monarch Pass with a pop-up any tips coming in from Salida
Written March 9, 2016
First time driving up the pass with a pop-up...very nervous any tips...driving up from Salida
Written March 4, 2016
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