The Continental Divide Trail runs 8 miles from Monarch Pass to Boss Lake, passing through Monarch Mountain ski resort and past Hunt Lake along the way. This section of trail is rarely traveled, and especially little-used by mountain bikes, despite being bike-legal. Consequently the trail can be extremely narrow, faint, rocky, and exposed, making for very challenging riding and plenty of hike-a-bike. However, the absolute solitude (I rode on a Saturday and didn't see another soul) and the miles and miles of breathtaking views (you'll be above treeline for about 6 miles, topping out at 12,560 feet) more than make up for the slow speed riding!
Finally, be prepared for a ridiculously steep, tight, technical, and at points barely rideable descent off the top of the Crest. This isn't a ripping high speed descent like you'd get on the other side of the highway, but will instead challenge your technical skills in a totally different way.
This is by far the most scenic mountain bike trail, for the longest period of time, that I've ever ridden. The above treeline crest sections stretches for miles and miles with jaw-dropping views all around, and even when you start going down you pass all kinds of lakes, streams, and other great views. However, the riding isn't great on some sections, with a lot of hike-a-bike and ridiculously nutty tech sections that are more akin to a field of boulders than a trail. Consequently, I can only give this 4 stars.
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