Medano Pass Primitive Road

Medano Pass Primitive Road offers a scenic, backcountry driving experience over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Closed in the winter months, the road connects Westcliffe and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The road is not a short-cut, however. It can take upwards of three hours to travel 22 miles up and over the 10,040 foot pass. On its southern portion, it crosses Medano Creek nine times. A four wheel drive, high clearance vehicle is essential (required) for this journey! Click here for road conditions and creek levels.

Fun Fact: Zebulon Pike and his men followed this route in January 1807.

Above: A view of Medano Pass Primitive Road outside of Westcliffe, CO.