Medano Pass
The Great Sand Dunes are one of the coolest things to see in Colorado. While driving to the trailhead you can see a grassy plain, huge sand dunes, and rocky Sangre de Cristo mountains all at the same time. We stopped at the Visitor's Center to walk out on the sand for a bit while Bob R. buried himself up to his ankles in the wet sand. We took our tourist pictures and got back in the Jeeps to do the trail.
It starts off as a sandy road and soon we got to a parking area where everyone decided to air down and disconnect sway bars. Then we continued on the smooth sand, around corners and over small hills. We got very close to the sand dunes and watched people climb up and down them.
We were passing some hikers when they asked us for a ride. We packed them and their packs into the Jeeps and drove them a little way to where they were meeting some people.
Unfortunately the sandy trail soon turns to a rocky dirt trail as you leave the proximity of the dunes and start to head up to the pass in the mountains. While you're there you cross Medano Creek multiple times. The creek was never very deep and we had fun splashing through it.
We started to climb to the top, passing some awesome camp sites and a few other vehicles on the way. No one was camping, which was surprising. The sites are all far from each other and some are large enough for a group of our usual size, so we might camp the next time we are out in that area.
When we got to the pass there were a few people on horses. The pass is marked with the sign at the border of the Great Sand Dunes park. It's still in the trees.
We drove a little way down the other side looking for a better view but the trees are pretty thick. We stopped at a wide, flat area for lunch in the sun and talked more about our trip to Blanca Peak the day before.
The trail on the way out is mellow and we all enjoyed the quiet as we drove out to the highway. We aired up and Bob S. and Monica headed off to do Hermit Pass while Ladd and Bob R. headed for home. It was a nice, relaxing trip.
Reports from Other Days: 3
Use the arrows or dots to flip through the previews of the other reports for Medano Pass. Click one of them to read more and see all of the photos from that day.
