Facility · Colorado ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Gunnison National Forest (NF) · Open Access
Monarch Pass is between Gunnison and Poncha Springs along Colorado’s Highway 50, which crosses the Continental Divide at 11,312 feet, offering sweeping vistas of central Colorado’s Sawatch Range. A large parking area, gift shop, and gondola make this a popular rest stop. It also serves as the trailhead for the Continental Divide National ScenicTrail, known locally as the Monarch Crest Trail.
38.49616, -106.32509 · 38°29'46.2"N 106°19'30.3"W
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 2.8 | 2.6 | 2.8 | 3.1 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 2.4 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
Comments