Originally Posted by
cyccommute
You aren't really "well east of Monarch Pass" when in Alamosa. You are on the eastern side of Monarch Pass. Poncha Springs is only 18 miles from the top of the pass. If you go the CO114 route, you are 37 miles from the top of Monarch Pass.
Yep. Just wanted to make sure Mike was aware that Monarch Pass was a side trip if he chooses the suggested direct route Taos to TransAm, be it 18 miles up and back or one of the longer alternate loops.
Back when I was a young 40 something I rode from Gothic Campground above Crested Butte to Sand Dunes NP near Alamosa via Slumgullion Pass in 4-5 days. Probably take twice as long now! I likely camped at Sapinero, Lake City, Creede, Monte Vista and finally Sand Dunes... fairly short days.
I stand corrected. I've edited my post above to remove the word "well"!