Old Monarch Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Monarch Pass |
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|---|---|
| Elevation | 11,365 ft (3,464 m) |
| Traversed by | Forest Road 237 |
| Location | Gunnison and Chaffee counties, Colorado, United States |
| Range | Sawatch Range |
| Coordinates | 38°29′48″N 106°20′17″W / 38.4966634°N 106.3380805°W |
Old Monarch Pass is a mountain pass located in the Sawatch Range of Colorado. It sits high up at about 11,365 feet (3,464 meters) above sea level. This pass is found right on the border between Gunnison and Chaffee counties.
It is also part of the Continental Divide. This means it helps separate the rivers that flow to the Pacific Ocean from those that flow to the Atlantic Ocean. The pass is a little bit northwest of the main Monarch Pass that U.S. Route 50 uses today. The name "Monarch" comes from a nearby ridge and a small community.
Contents
The Story of Old Monarch Pass
How the Pass Changed Over Time
The area around Old Monarch Pass has been important for travel for a long time. People needed a way to cross the mountains.
The First Road (1880)
Back in 1880, the very first road was built across what was then called the Original Monarch Pass. This road was super important. It was used by wagons and stagecoaches. It connected the town of South Arkansas (now called Salida) on the east side. On the west side, it linked to mining camps and the city of Gunnison.
Improvements and Reroutes (1922)
By 1922, cars were becoming more common. So, the road was made better and moved a bit. This new road crossed the mountains at a slightly lower spot. This second crossing is what we now call Old Monarch Pass. It was still a very important way to cross the Continental Divide. However, it was not paved, meaning it was a gravel road.
The Current Monarch Pass (1939)
Old Monarch Pass remained a key route until 1939. That year, the highway was moved again. It went even further southeast to a third spot. This third crossing is the one we use today. It is where U.S. Route 50 now crosses the mountains.
Old Monarch Pass Today
Today, Old Monarch Pass is part of Forest Road 237. It is still a gravel road. You can drive on it during the summer months.
In the winter, the road is not cleared of snow. But it is still a popular spot for outdoor fun. Skiers and snowmobilers often use the pass for winter adventures.
