Monarch Pass Spring, Sargents, Colorado

## Overview Monarch Pass Spring is a roadside public drinking spring located along U.S. Highway 50 on the western approach to Monarch Pass in Gunnison County, Colorado. Situated at approximately 9,800 feet in elevation near the small community of Sargents, this spring delivers cold, clear water straight from hard rock — a refreshing stop for travelers crossing one of Colorado's most scenic mountain passes. The water emerges through pipes set into the rock face and has long been a favorite refill point for locals and road-trippers alike. Visitors have consistently reported that the water tastes clean, cold, and delicious. A small amount of lichen or moss may occasionally grow around the pipe openings, which is common for natural mountain springs and generally indicates a healthy, flowing water source. While no formal water quality test results are currently available, the spring has been used as a drinking water source by travelers for many years without reported issues. Monarch Pass itself sits at 11,312 feet and serves as a major crossing of the Continental Divide between the towns of Gunnison and Salida. The surrounding terrain is rugged, forested, and rich in mining history — the pass was named after the nearby Monarch mining district, which saw significant silver and gold activity in the late 1800s. The spring is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making it a reliable water stop in any season. ## Directions The spring is located along a long highway turnout on the north side of U.S. Highway 50, near the address **71420 Hwy 50, Sargents, CO 81248**. GPS coordinates: **38.441720, -106.363167**. **Coming from Gunnison (heading east):** 1. Take U.S. Highway 50 east from Gunnison toward Monarch Pass. 2. Watch for the Runaway Truck Ramp on the right (south) side of the highway. 3. About half a mile *before* you reach the Runaway Truck Ramp, look for a long gravel turnout on your left (north side of the highway). 4. Pull into the turnout. The spring is located at the lower (eastern) end of the pullout area. 5. If you don't see the turnout, use the Runaway Truck Ramp as your landmark — turn around and head back west about half a mile. **Coming from Salida (heading west):** 1. Take U.S. Highway 50 west from Salida and cross over Monarch Pass. 2. On the descent, watch for the Runaway Truck Ramp on the west side of the pass. 3. Continue about half a mile past the ramp. The long turnout will be on your right (north side of the highway). 4. Pull in and find the spring at the lower end of the turnout. 5. If you reach the town of Sargents, you've gone too far — turn around and head back east. ## What to Expect Monarch Pass Spring is an easy, drive-up roadside spring — no hiking required. The long gravel turnout provides ample space to park, and the spring itself flows from pipes set into the rock face at the lower end of the pullout. The water runs cold year-round, fed by snowmelt and underground sources filtering through the hard rock of the Sawatch Range. The setting is classic high-altitude Colorado: dense conifer forests, steep mountain terrain, and sweeping views along the Highway 50 corridor. It's an ideal spot to stretch your legs, fill up water containers, and take in the mountain air during the long climb or descent over Monarch Pass. Because the spring sits at nearly 10,000 feet in elevation, temperatures can be cool even in summer, and winter conditions may include snow and ice around the turnout. The spring flows year-round, but ice buildup near the pipes is possible during the coldest months. There are no restroom facilities or other amenities at the pullout — it's simply a natural spring and a place to stop.