The pass is traversed by State Highway 17 and the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.

It is rarely closed in winter and does not normally cause problems for vehicles, since the road is not a major through highway.

Some of the structures at the pass, including the station building, were demolished when the highway was realigned.

Regular passenger service was provided by the San Juan Express, running from Alamosa to Durango, which was discontinued in 1951, although numerous rail-fan specials operated over the line until September 1967.

Cumbres Trestle SNOTEL is a weather station near the summit of Monarch Pass.