Lunch: The Bounty in Salida, Tony’s Restaurant in Poncha Springs or Monarch Crest Gift Shop at Monarch Pass

Finish: Colorado Mountain Brewery, 600 S 21st St #180, Colorado Springs, CO 80904.

Distance: 261 miles (alternate route: 283 miles)

This ride will be a little longer than our usual rides.  We’ll start on the north end of Colorado Springs for those joining us from the north (Castle Rock, Denver, and beyond).  From there, we’ll head south to Hwy 115 and to Hwy 50.  We’ll take a quick stop in Canon City after an hour or so of riding.  We’ll make another quick stop either in Salida or just outside Poncha Springs before we head up in elevation and to the top of Monarch Pass.  We can have lunch in Salida at The Bounty (American menu), Tony’s Restaurant in Poncha Springs (Mexican food; most reviews were good, some not), or the Monarch Crest at Monarch Pass (“hot dogs, chili, sandwiches, and lots of snack foods”).

The plan at Monarch Pass is to take the Scenic Tramway to the top of Monarch Ridge South (elevation just shy of 12,000 ft.) for some, hopefully, awesome pictures of the Fall colors.  Cost for the tram is Adults - $10, Kids (3-11) - $5, and Seniors (55+) - $8.

After reveling in the Fall colors, we’ll head down the mountain to Poncha Springs for some gas.  From there, depending on the route, we can:

1. Take Hwy 285 north to Hwy 24, then east on Hwy 24 towards Hartsel for another possible stop.  From there we’ll continue east to Colorado Springs and the Colorado Mountain Brewery.  We can decide in Hartsel if anyone wants to stop at Wilkerson Pass for additional pictures of the fall colors.  Or;
2. As an alternate route, after coming down from Monarch Pass, we can continue east along Hwy 50 until Hwy 9, then head north.  We can stop in Guffey for a quick stop, then ride through the back hills and connect back with Hwy 24.  From there, it’s on to the Colorado Mountain Brewery.  This route is a few miles longer (~20 miles), but it’s an alternative for those that really don’t like Hwy 24.

We can decide on the route on the day of the ride.

Original Route

Alternate Route

NOTE: If you have not ridden with us before, please fill out and bring the Motorcycle Ride Release.