Need CT advice, please!

[Nova11]

Hey guys -

I am planning a 3-4 day trip on the CT in August.  Looking for a good section to ride from anyone who has experience on the trail.

Does anyone know if the CT intersects with the Monarch Crest single track?  From the maps it looks like it does intersects just about where the shuttle run drops you off...   I was thinking it would be fun to spend the last day on the Monarch Crest trail and end in Poncha Springs. I have never been on the monarch crest trail either and don't know how hard it is.  Would it be too much loaded with gear?

Any advice helps, guys. Thanks!

[aphoto]

Monarch Crest is completely doable with gear. Nothing too technical and the big climb(s) are at the start.

[joeydurango]

The whole of the CT from Waterton Canyon TH in Denver to Silver Creek (traditional leave-the-Divide trail from Monarch Crest) is pretty sweet for riding.  Past Silver Creek things get hairy until Silverton (lots of walking).  Depending on how many miles you plan on per day, you could ride from Denver to Poncha in four days, or ride from Copper to Poncha, or Leadville to Poncha, or even BV to Poncha.

You miss some of the Crest trail if you stick to the CT, as it comes in between Monarch and Marshall Passes (up Fooses Creek, a major hike-a-bike).  You could head west on HWY 50 when you intersect from the CT and catch the entire Crest from the Pass to Silver Creek.  If you're not worried about missing several tough hiking miles that's a fun way to do it.

Also, Molas Pass outside of Silverton to Durango is a great section for riding.  No fun way to make it three or four days long, though.  One or two!  The two sections pre-Silverton are full of great views but are pretty primitive - I like it up there, but it depends on what you think constitutes good riding.

Whatever you do, have fun out there!