One of the reasons that we drove to Salida from Silverton via Highway 50 despite the road construction on Highway 50 east of Gunnison is that we wanted to ride the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway.
The Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway is located at Monarch Pass east of Gunnison but west of Salida.
The Monarch Crest Food and Gifts store and associated large parking are easy to find on Monarch Pass.
Tickets for the tram can be purchased in the store with credit card or in the small building at the bottom of the tram if paying with cash.
According to the tram's information page, the tram is open mid-May through mid-September.
The tram takes riders to the observatory at the top. There are some nice 360 degrees views at the top.
Although not as stunning as the natural scenery, it is interesting to see the towers and equipment up close.
It's also worth walking up the stairs in the building at the top of the tram. That upstairs area has 360 degrees of displays that describe the mountain peaks directly behind the display. It was interesting to be able to look at the actual peaks in the distance and then line them up with the display and read about each peak.
There is also a line painted across the floor with "Pacific" written on one side and "Atlantic" written on the other, marking the continental divide.
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