Safety/Accessibility

Policies

SAFETY:

DRIVING

When driving in the mountains, there are a lot of hazards. Weather and road conditions can change quickly, wildlife may be on the road or there could be rockfall onto the roadway. Be sure to drive the speed limit or slower on days when conditions warrant. For more safety tips, check out the Colorado Department of Transportation Safe Driving Tips Page.

HYDRATION

Hydrate! Be sure to drink plenty of water. You are more active than you may realize and dehydrate quicker at higher altitudes. Drinking water is the best way to avoid altitude sickness, which can affect anyone at any age. This means drink water before you are thirsty. Limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol on your trip. A little goes a long way up here.

SUN PROTECTION

UV rays are intense at high altitude, especially when reflecting off snow. Be sure to wear sunscreen, even on a cloudy day, and always wear eye protection for the same reason. The appropriate sunglasses will protect your eyes and improve your line of sight.

OUTERWEAR

You’ll be happier if you are dry. Waterproof and windproof jackets are highly recommended. Forgot yours? Top-of-the-line jackets are available for purchase at the Crest.

BASE LAYERS

Remember, weather conditions can change throughout the day in the mountains. You’ll want to dress in layers. This will allow you to add or remove layers as the conditions change. Avoid cotton. It does not insulate well when it gets wet. It will just make you colder. Choose wool and synthetics, especially for base layers and socks. They will keep you warm and dry despite wet conditions.

HIGH ALTITUDE

If you are experiencing headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness and/or shortness of breath it may be due to the high altitude. Take it easy and hydrate. It may be necessary for you to go to a lower elevation. The elevation at the Monarch Crest ranges from 11,312 feet at the pass all the way up to 12,012. Gunnison is at 7,703 and Salida is at 7,000′. If going lower does not help, seek medical attention.

THE COLD

Weather can change quickly at elevation in Colorado. With temperatures below freezing, be well prepared and stay warm. Frostnip or frostbite can occur, especially to fingers, nose, ears and toes, so don’t forget about these parts of your body. 30% of heat loss is from the head, so wear a hat. For cold related injuries, seek medical attention.

MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENT

  • Lightning and rapidly changing weather
  • High Altitude Uneven, icy and slick surfaces.
  • Frostnip or frostbite can occur, especially to fingers, nose, ears and toes.
  • Increased UV Exposure-Use Sunscreen and Eye Protection

HIKING/CYCLING

The Crest has numerous recreational opportunities. Hiking the CT or mountain biking the world-famous Crest Trail. If heading out on the trails here are a few tips. Ride or hike with a friend. Leave your planned outing and time of return with someone in town. Leave early and be down below tree line before the afternoon thunderstorms roll in. Pack extra food, water, and warm layers along with a waterproof jacket.

ACCESSIBILITY:

Monarch Mountain at the Crest is committed to meeting ADA requirements and aims to prohibit discrimination to individuals with a disability.
  • ADA parking is available near the Main Facility.
  • A Disabled Parking permit placard is required for vehicles using ADA parking.
  • Individuals with mobility disabilities may use wheelchairs and manually powered mobility aids in pedestrian areas outside and inside the main Crest Facility.
  • Monarch Mountain at the Crest supports the use of trained service animals.
  • Service Animals must be under control with a harness, leash or other tether unless it would interfere with the animal’s safe productive performance or unless the person is unable, because of a disability (such as a seizure alert animal), to use a harness, leash or other tether.
  • Service animals must be house broken; and be trained and utilized for a specific disability approved by ADA regulations.
  • If Monarch Mountain properly excludes a service animal under § 35.136(b), it shall give the individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the service, program, or activity without having the service animal on the premises.
  • Monarch Mountain at the Crest is not responsible for the care or supervision of a service animal.
  • Currently there is no ADA access to the Scenic Tramway.

POLICIES:

As a permittee on the San Isabel National Forest, Monarch works with the USFS to establish rules and guidelines for our permitted area based on a combination of operational, safety, and environmental concerns. Our operating plan defines these rules and guidelines. The plan also authorizes Monarch Mountain at the Crest to conduct activities and provide public services on National Forest System lands within the SUP boundaries in accordance with federal law, regulation, and USFS policy. Monarch Mountain at the Crest operates under a special use permit from the US Forest Service and is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider.

DRONES

The personal use of drones is PROHIBITED within the Monarch Mountain at the Crest SUP. Monarch Mountain may use Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in a limited capacity for Marketing and special events purposes.

CAMPING

Winter camping is ALLOWED within the Monarch Mountain at the Crest Special Use Permitted area. Camping by the public is allowed at Crest’s Parking area located within the Special Use Permitted area. Residing within the Crest’s permitted area is not allowed for employees or the public. Where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30-day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three (3) air miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60-day period. 36 C.F.R. / 261.58 (a). There are also several camping options nearby including paid sites with hook-ups and free dispersed camping on BLM and USFS lands.

DOGS

  1. Dogs are allowed in the parking lot. They should be leashed and attended to. They are not allowed inside the main Crest facility. They are allowed on the Tram.
  2. Service animals trained to perform a task for a person with a disability are allowed in the lot or in all facilities.
  3. Please clean up after your pet.
  4. Owners of dogs that are aggressive or cause a problem to other guests or staff will be asked to leave the premises.

PUBLIC SMOKING

Monarch Mountain at the Crest has established a NO SMOKING POLICY in any area within 25’ of a doorway or outdoor F&B seating area.

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