Monarch Pass to Cottonwood Pass

This 40-mile point-to-point trek along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) from Monarch Pass to Cottonwood Pass is a high-elevation journey through Colorado’s Sawatch Range. Hugging the Continental Divide nearly the entire way, this route offers big views, open ridgelines, wildflower meadows, and solitude. With consistent elevation between 11,000 and 12,500 feet, it’s a great option for seasoned hikers looking to spend multiple days in the alpine without major elevation loss or bushwhacking.

Start your hike at Monarch Pass, where there’s a large paved parking area off Highway 50. From here, head north on the CDT. The trail immediately offers sweeping views, sticking close to the ridgeline and climbing gently through spruce-fir forest and open alpine meadows.

Early on, you’ll pass through Fooses Creek drainage, with intermittent views of the Arkansas River Valley to the east and remote wilderness to the west. The tread is mostly smooth singletrack with occasional rocky sections, and the grade remains moderate throughout.

This section of the CDT is known for its wide-open alpine travel. Expect miles of above-treeline ridgeline walking, with 360-degree views of the Collegiate Peaks, San Juans, and Elk Mountains on a clear day. Wildlife sightings may include pikas, marmots, elk, mountain goats, and the occasional black bear.

Water sources are scattered but reliable until late summer, most creeks and streams drain from lingering snowfields or alpine tarns. Keep your filter handy, and don't pass up a refill opportunity when you see one.

Continue north, gradually gaining elevation as you traverse open slopes and krummholz-dotted ridges. Wildflowers bloom thick in mid-summer, look for lupine, paintbrush, alpine avens, and elephant’s head lining the trail.

The route ends at Cottonwood Pass, where you’ll find a large paved parking lot and restrooms. Note that this is a popular area for day hikers.

You'll hike through classic Colorado alpine and subalpine ecosystems: dense spruce-fir forests, high tundra, krummholz stands, and summer wildflower meadows. Wildlife sightings may include marmots, pikas, elk, deer, and possibly mountain goats or black bears. Birders should watch for Clark’s nutcrackers, ptarmigans, and mountain bluebirds.

PERMITS & ACCESS

• No permits are required for this section of the CDT, and dispersed camping is allowed along the route.

• Shuttling is required between trailheads (~1.5–2 hr drive). Trail is typically snow-free mid-July to early October.

SAFETY & CONSIDERATIONS

• Weather: Afternoon storms roll in fast, start early and be off exposed ridges by early afternoon.

• Exposure: Most of this route is above 11,000 ft with minimal tree cover, bring sun protection and warm layers.

• Navigation: The CDT is well-marked but bring a GPS and map. Cell service is spotty.

Altitude: Acclimatize if coming from sea level, this hike stays high the whole way.