Medano Pass CO (anyone driven it?)

[CaptEditor]

I took a few days off and headed out to the Great Sand Dunes in Southern Colorado (very cool) and there is a primitive road called Medano Pass that heads north out of the park. I was wondering if anyone has driven it.

 

I drove up to the point of no return (not far from the campground) where the road turns to sand for about 5-6 miles but I did not go any further since I was not interested in getting stuck. Seems like a really fun road to try with a group of people. I was afraid my little 215's would be too narrow even when aired down and would slice right into the sand. :-P I suppose if it was damp after a little rain I wouldn't have worried so much.

 

The road was closed/impassable part way out anyways due to snow this time of year, but I'd like to go back some day and check it out.

 

It may be too rough for our subies (well mine at least :-P) but if I had a jeep I'd go for it in a heartbeat.

 

link: http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=53

 

Minimum wrecker fee was $400 when iw as there :-P

 

still looking for photos to see just how rough the climb up the pass is. It looks like most of the trail is not too bad except for water crossings that may be deep.

 

 

-Kevin

Edited March 24, 2009 by CaptEditor

[Pontiac6KSTEAWD]

The trail starts (or ends, depending on direction) about eight miles north of Gardner. The first several miles are county-maintained dirt road. The road does cross private property several times so respect the property of others and tread lightly. You'll also pass through National Forest land with primitive camp sites along the way. There is a "mud hole" to cross that can be deceiving. During the summer months there is plenty of traffic, so if you get stuck someone will eventually pass by to pull you out (hopefully). Creek crossing usually means climbing out over eroded banks that may give you a bit of a challenge but they're not usually too bad. There are a few spots that are tight for full-size vehicles with mirror-eating trees that want to get just a little too close. That's forgivable in autumn when you pass through a section of road that is completely enclosed in Aspens. The colors are magnificent during the fall color change.

 

On the other side, you'll be in the Great Sand Dunes National Monument where you'll have to pay an entrance fee to exit on Highway 150. It may be a good idea to air down your skinny tires once you hit the sand. There are air hoses to refill once you get to the RV campground area. We usually turn around and head back the way we came, but if you've had enough you can take Highway 150 south to Highway 160 and head east to Walsenburg.

 

Links

http://travel.webshots.com/album/31665008NHgydckIPd

Link with a funny story..

http://www.4x4trails.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=4979

 

 

Those holes in the road would have me worried!! But otherwise, will have to try it when I get my K6.

[CaptEditor]

Yeah some of those river crossings look rough. I suppose it depends on the time of year as well as the amount of traffic. I think most of the trail isn't bad but the river crossings can get really torn up. Entry angles may be a concern for subaru's, too.

[bigo1966]

Worst parts are the river crossings, they can get very deep.