Since we want to check out the Great Sand Dunes National Monument we also take the scenic drive up the Medano Pass. It starts in the monument and continues through the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve and into San Isabel National Forest. The trail is easy but offers some incredible scenery.

We cruise along the sand dunes through partially deep sand and come to the first of many creek crossings which are up to three feet deep. Supposedly, this trail might be unpassable in spring due to very deep creek conditiones. Well, we are lucky and so we push on up the mountain through a dense forest (and through the creek again, and again). The road is rocky in some portions but stays easy enough to be driven with any stock SUV. Once we reach the National Forest we have the choice of going down the other side of the mountain and driving to State Highway 69, or going left up to the peak of this mountain. We journey uphill to about 10,500 feet and enjoy the awesome view. Since the day comes to an end we descend back down towards the dunes and find a (designated) campsite along the way to settle for the night.

This is a gorgeous drive but you shouldn't expect too much 4-wheeling. Especially in spring it is a good idea to walk through the creek before crossing it. You don't want to take a chance of flooding your engine, and it is a very refreshing experience.

Check out the 4x4 gallery

Directions: From Highway 160 go north on Route 150 into the Great sand Dunes National Monument and before you get to the campground the Medano Road forks off to the left