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Thread: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass

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    Default Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Barb and I spent 5 days based in Canon City with our trailer. We ran Medano Pass from Westcliffe to the Great Sand Dunes which was a very nice day. I had the impression that it was more difficult than it is but it's very easy and scenic. Never needed low gear but the trail was quiet and a great day. Any day ending at the Dunes is a great day. We goofed off at the Royal Gorge since it just reopened and was nearly empty of people, despite the signs saying differently we "did believe our eyes" and weren't real impressed. Impressive was Hermit Pass which was great, very bumpy but great and tops out over 12K with fantastic views of the Sangre de Cristo's in every direction. Fall color was definitely at its peak which didn't hurt either.

    Photos after I unload the camera.

    Yeah, I know

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Medano is a very scenic pass with great access to the dunes. I like that. Like you said, not difficult, except for 1 stretch of sand near the dunes. Your rig should have the hp to just muscle right through it.

    I have never heard of Hermit pass. I will have to look it up. I look forward to some pics!

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Dang, I wish I had known this earlier. I live in Canon, and have always wanted to run Medano. My wife works at a place up by the Gorge (WhiteWater Bar and Grill, she does all the prep work). If you ever do this again, let me know.

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Patrolman previously posted:
    "Medano is a very scenic pass with great access to the dunes. I like that. Like you said, not difficult, except for 1 stretch of sand near the dunes. Your rig should have the hp to just muscle right through it.

    I have never heard of Hermit pass. I will have to look it up. I look forward to some pics!"

    http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=113

    Pics will have to wait until I find my camera cable, probably somewhere in my very dust-filled truck.

    BLOODBANE previously posted:
    "Dang, I wish I had known this earlier. I live in Canon, and have always wanted to run Medano. My wife works at a place up by the Gorge (WhiteWater Bar and Grill, she does all the prep work). If you ever do this again, let me know."

    I will Mark, sorry I didn't know you lived there!

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    I thought Medano easy as well. So easy in fact I let my son drive. His first time driving a 4x4.
    ___________
    Tom
    -.- . ----- .-- - -.-.

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Medano Pics
             

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    Jackie (September 29th, 2014),Tom (September 27th, 2014)

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    A Few More
            

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    Jackie (September 29th, 2014)

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Hermit Pass Pics
             

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    Jackie (September 29th, 2014)

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    More...
             

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    Jackie (September 29th, 2014)

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Last...
             

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    One thing that happened was unusual for us as we like to see wildlife and did on this trail. Sure, it was a common rabbit on the side of the road which is not unusual. As we got about 10 feet away a hawk swooped down and killed it taking about 5 seconds to do so before flying to a nearby tree. We left it to eat dinner.

    Barb's comment: "Wow, that was cool and disturbing to see!"

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    Brad (September 28th, 2014),Tom (September 27th, 2014)

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Cool pics Chris. Thanks! Anytime you want to see more rabbit dinner, there is plenty at our place.

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    We just have coyotes snacking on them here. Seeing hawk take one down was new for us!

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    No coyotes here. The most interesting thing to see once was the hawk that had something (probably rabbit) and the crows trying to steal it in mid flight. The crows almost became the main course. Not the first time the crows have challenged the hawk, but first time in flight.

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Very cool pics. I may have to plan a trip out once the Bronco is back up and ready for the trails.

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Wassup with the Bronco? I would like to make those trails too.

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Still questioning the transmission. Seems to be working properly now, but it is going to be put into that garage soon for some body work, paint, etc..., I hope.

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Make sure and let me know. I have yet to run this trail, and live fairly close to it.

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Will do Mark. Can I run those passes with a stock '00 f150 or Bronco. The F150 probably has better ground clearance and more aggressive tires. Done Saxon 3 times with the 150, don't know how they compare. Hopefully next year I'll have the '79 Bronco trail ready with at least 35s. Then I can drag Jerry over the obstacles. (without his Bronco) lol

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    Default Re: Medano Pass & Hermit Pass



    Chris - the views and the colors made the whole thing "painful"! I SOOOooo want to do that next year! Glad you and Barb had a good time.

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