Marshall Pass

Gravel Route near Salida, Colorado

If you’ve read a couple of our route suggestions, you’ll notice that we are partial to San Isabel and Gunnison national forests. It’s not a secret - Central Colorado is just really something else. In our opinion, no other place demonstrates so beautifully Colorado’s diversity like the area nestled between the Arkansas Headwaters and the Sawatch Mountain Range. 

Marshall Pass lies at the southern end of this region, just below Salida. The former Ute trail-stagecoach toll road-narrow gauge mainline-climbs at a casual grade over the Continental Divide on its way to Sargeants. Our route begins near Poncha Springs and follows 12 highly enjoyable gravel miles to the 10,821 foot summit.

this bike ride really exceeded expectations and cemented our belief in how special this area is. From high mountain desert, the gravel pass moves into one of the largest aspen forests we have ridden through. There also are incredible views of Mt. Ouray and the northern part of the Sangre De Cristo mountains. You could spend the whole weekend out here if you wanted to. O’Haver lake is a popular fishing spot and there were a decent amount of dispersed camping sites along Marshall Pass and FR 203. 

This route is great for cyclists of all levels.  Once you hit the summit, you can loop onto Poncha Springs OHV road (FR 203) or out n’ back it back down the pass. Forest road 203 is a rocky, gravel descent into the valley below Marshall Pass. If you’re okay with rock gardens and probable, short sections of walking, this is an excellent way to finish the route. The out n’ back is way more casual, lending itself to less experienced riders and anyone looking for a gravel ride that doesn’t take up the whole day. because this a relatively easy gravel ride, we think the out 'n’ back could be a neat adventure for families looking to ride together.