Alamosa County Colorado ATV Trails
|
Great Sand Dunes National Park &
Preserve 4WD Trails
|
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Available for 4WD vehicles is the primitive road to Medano Pass, 11 miles
from the Visitor Center. For non-hikers, this is the best way to access the
Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. The drive is most spectacular during
fall when the aspens paint the mountainsides with gold, but is lovely any
time of year. The Medano Pass Road is most difficult on the west side
(dunes' side) where the sand entraps a vehicle on occasion. Use 4-wheel
drive 'low' and keep steady pressure on the gas pedal to avoid bogging down
in sandy areas; vehicles must have high clearance to maneuver this road.
This route is not recommended for small sport utility vehicles.
Creek crossings can be
hazardous in spring, and the road is closed by winter conditions from
approximately December through April. Elevation at the Pass is 10,000
feet above sea level. Don't expect to be anywhere fast; driving is
generally in the 5-10 mph range.
Directions:
Great Sand Dunes National Monument is located 35 miles northeast of
Alamosa, Colorado, reached by US Highway 160 and Colorado Highway 150 from
the south. or from Colorado Highway 17 and County Six Mile Lane from the
west.
|
