I'd like to go backpacking in Sangre de Cristo Mountains, near Westcliffe. When I map the route (mapquest) from Los Alamos to Westcliffe, it shows that the fastest way is through Salida (270 miles, 5.5 hrs). I am hoping that there is a faster way, on roads not in mapquest. I think there is a road that crosses the mountains between Great Sand Dunes and HWY 69. I wonder how long that takes. Also, I am hoping that there is a road between HWY 160 (near La Veta pass) and HWY 69.
If anyone knows of a shortcut (timewise), I would really like to know. Thanks.
Momo-
One of the most fun roads in the Sangre De Cristos is Medano Pass road. Out of the Dunes, it lets you off on the other side just about at Westcliffe.
If you have a 4WD with high clearance, that would be the best way for you to go, and you might find your ideal backpacking spots up there, too. Look for Mt. Herard; there are some great spots around there.
In a regular car, the fastest way is 160 (out of Alamosa) to 69.
Rich-
I think most of the Medano Pass road would be passable with a stock 4WD truck. I was driving a Chevy 4x4 with a camper shell (scrape scrape) but with very high clearance. There are several stream crossings. The road is not extremely rocky or steep, but there are a few tight turns in the forest. It's a really fun drive.
Yes that is a fun drive over Medano Pass. I've never done it from the west side but I believe you would have to pay the entrance fee to the National Park. Also if you want the fastest route, I would recomment the Pass Creek Pass road from just west of La Veta Pass, north to 69. The Medano Pass road, at least on the west side of the pass is pretty slow going, unless you dont mind tearing up your toyota. Have a great time.
Medano can be slow going, but it's only 10 miles from the Dunes to Bradford, and only 3 or 4 miles of anything rough. The trip can be made in around 3 hours, but the fun part is at the top.
How about Pass Creek Pass; I haven't been through there. Are there photogenic locations?
On Medano, very near the summit, there is a forest road that turns north and leads to some really superb views. Sorry, but I don't recall which road number, but it is directly east of Mt. Herard so it should be easy to find on a map.
The hairiest road I found in the Sangres is the east side of Hayden Pass, southwest of Coaldale. But that one also yielded some fantastic views, and some great camping spots.
Discussion
6 repliesIf anyone knows of a shortcut (timewise), I would really like to know. Thanks.
One of the most fun roads in the Sangre De Cristos is Medano Pass road. Out of the Dunes, it lets you off on the other side just about at Westcliffe.
If you have a 4WD with high clearance, that would be the best way for you to go, and you might find your ideal backpacking spots up there, too. Look for Mt. Herard; there are some great spots around there.
In a regular car, the fastest way is 160 (out of Alamosa) to 69.
Have fun!!
How hard is the drive on the Medano Pass. I have never driven it. Is it OK with a stock 4WD truck?
RichieV
I think most of the Medano Pass road would be passable with a stock 4WD truck. I was driving a Chevy 4x4 with a camper shell (scrape scrape) but with very high clearance. There are several stream crossings. The road is not extremely rocky or steep, but there are a few tight turns in the forest. It's a really fun drive.
How about Pass Creek Pass; I haven't been through there. Are there photogenic locations?
On Medano, very near the summit, there is a forest road that turns north and leads to some really superb views. Sorry, but I don't recall which road number, but it is directly east of Mt. Herard so it should be easy to find on a map.
The hairiest road I found in the Sangres is the east side of Hayden Pass, southwest of Coaldale. But that one also yielded some fantastic views, and some great camping spots.