Medano Pass

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Mendano Pass is a pass through the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. The trail runs from the Grate Sand Dunes to 559 RD which connects to Hwy 69. It is apprixately 12mi long. You can drive the trail either way many recommend starting on the west end because of the view you get of the sand dunes when you get to them. We started from the dunes because we were on that side. I would rate the trail moderate. With it being almost easy during times of low

Map of Medano Pass Trail

water & difficult in the spring when the 10 water crossing are deeper. Basically in early August of 03 it was just hard enough that I wish the CJ7 would have been running. I'd like to have used it instead of my good vehicle. The 1st mile is used by cars to get to a parking lot. At this point there is a "Point of No Return" & you are encouraged to air down your tires for the sandy few miles ahead. We were in a 2 door Yukon with 245/275R16s & we did ok without airing down. The rest of the trail gradually goes from sandy to steep & rocky. There are places that are tight for full size vehicles. The entire trail is doted with primitive camp sites & there is even a lake you can hike to. For more info on sites & distances see The Map It was to late for us to go back down the trail so we took hwy 69 to Rd 555 West. It turns south & connects to Rd 572 south through Pass Creek Pass to Hwy 160 & went back to Alamosa.