Location: Monarch Pass
Distance: 6.4 Miles – Out & Back
Travel Time: 3 – 4 Hours
Type of Trail: Road & Singletrack
Aerobic Level: Strenuous – Altitude
Technical Difficulty: Skis – Advanced; Snowshoes – Intermediate
Avalanche Danger: Minimal – except for last 0.7 mile during high hazard periods.
Elevation in Feet: Low Point 10,878; High Point 12,128; Climbs/Descends 1,388
Land Status: USFS
Maps: Trails Illustrated #130; USGS Garfield
Notes: This trail is usually snowmobile packed. Snow conditions vary wildly. This, combined with steep hills make for challenging skiing- especially on the way down. For this reason, we recommend snowshoes unless you are a strong intermediate or advanced skier.

Advanced Option: For a full day in the mountains, shuttle a car to Saint Elmo and ski from US 50 in Garfield, over Chalk Creek Pass to Saint Elmo. Create your own hut to hut tour by staying in the Lost Wonder Hut and the bed and breakfast in Saint Elmo. Have fun, be fit and be aware of avalanche danger.

0.0 From the hut (38º34.31N, 106º19.77W) go north up the road.

0.6 At the CDT sign, stay left on the main road – probably the only broken trail.

1.1 Come to a large clearing and another CDT sign (38º35.04N, 106º20.27W). Go right up the CDT summer trail or left up the valley bottom, closer to the creek. Both ways lead up the valley towards the pass.

1.2 When you reach this clearing, go across the meadow on the valley floor. There will probably be a snowmobile trail.

1.7 At the north end of a clearing (38º35.47N, 106º20.43W), head north into the trees and work your way up valley on the path of least resistance. You can see the pass from here.

2.0 At the north end of the next clearing, stay right on the summer trail.

2.2 Pass a large stone cairn and continue up the valley. It’s tempting to hug the right side of the valley, but this leads onto benches above the trail. It’s better to stay lower here.

2.4 The pass is close and you should see it. This is a good place to stop and turn around if avalanche conditions or visibility are bad. If conditions are prime, switchback your way up the last snow slopes.

2.5 Pass another stone cairn with a pole in the middle (38º35.98N, 106º20.85W). The final bit to the top may be blown clear of snow, so drop your snowshoes or skis (but not your trousers) where you want to start your descent or pick your way to the top.

3.2 You’re at the top of the pass (38º36.38N, 106º21.05W). Put on your wind shell and enjoy the views. To the north is the Chalk Creek drainage and Saint Elmo. To the south lies Antora Peak and Marshall Pass. If on skis, be careful on the way down. The trail will probably be narrow and icy, so take it slow and stay in control. There’s no shame in walking steeper, thinner or icy sections. Nice going – few people make it up here in the winter.