Medano Pass

[Java]

I'm planning to go here this year and found a great page on the NPS site about it:

https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvis...-pass-road.htm

[Jim]

Sign me up!

[RockyMtRebel]

That looks like a fun trail, and I LOVE the Great Sand Dunes!!!

[open_circuit]

Medano is on my short list to do sometime soon, as well. I'm interested in joining if you're looking for company and the schedule works.

[Tom]

Ran it solo a few years ago. I let my son drive it. His first driving an off road trail. It was dry then.

[Java]

still figuring out when, but this is the route we'll take down there. It starts at Red Rocks and is mostly dirt roads, only goes on 285 for one exit and briefly on 24.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer...3000000001&z=8

[open_circuit]

Tom previously posted:

[Java]

That's it, you cross Medano Creek 9 times, twice where it can be too deep. The NPS page has a link to current flows, we'll watch that.

[JandDGreens]

Oh I hope my rig is ready! It's one I really would like to do.

[Jim]

Likely have empty seats if not.

[Getaklu]

This would be a good one to join in on for me as well. Once the runoff season peaks it should be easier to set a plan.

[Java]

the more the merrier. it will be interesting to see what the snowpack does to the creek, I'm guessing sometime June to October...

[Java]

[Swank1975]

I've done Medano in a 1999 Durango that was stock. Not hard when water is low but fun. It's been like 10 years. I definitely want to go do it again this year.

[Blackjeep]

Count me in too. I love that area.

[Java]

Still a way out, especially with all the snowpack. This is from the NPS site, about Medano Pass:

Current Road Conditions

Refresh this page for the latest update.
updated May 3, 2019

The road is now open up to the 4th Medano Creek crossing, 4.5 miles from the western entrance of the road. 10 campsites in Medano Canyon are now accessible by vehicle. Beyond the 4th crossing there are snowdrifts, so the road is gated at that location. On the east side of the range, the road is still closed at Muddy Creek.

[Chris]

Consider Hermit Pass then Medano for a great day.

[Java]

I considered it, that does seem to be a popular combination, but I'll have my trailer in tow and Hermit is not the ideal trail for that. Maybe next time, it does look nice.

[Java]

Medano Pass is fully open.

[Jim]

Hmmm...

Keeping an eye (don't plan around me at this time) as family is in for the summer and I'm thinking of a scenic, mountain trail to visit - this could be it.