Planning for Modano Pass off-roading/camping

[Ironiguana]

Planning a trip to Colorado in August. Part of the trip will include the Great Sand Dunes NP. The Modano Pass looks like an interesting off-road trail. Anyone on here have any experience with the trail? Favorite camp sites, trail description, etc. Thanks in advance.

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[RC Bronco]

I’d monitor TrailsOffroad for updates on the status of the trail

It’s open right now, but there’s a nasty sloppy mudhole that’s been swallowing vehicles up, particularly those going up from the NP side

 

[Ironiguana]

I’d monitor TrailsOffroad for updates on the status of the trail

It’s open right now, but there’s a nasty sloppy mudhole that’s been swallowing vehicles up, particularly those going up from the NP side

We will also be camping in the San Isabel area East of the trail. Is it better coming from the East side? I could do either.

 

[IDyeti]

Do it. Medano can be a nice escape from the heat.

Camped here some 15 years ago. Below that, sand dunes side, there's designated dispersed spots.
37° 51.3684' N, 105° 25.9672' W

 

[RC Bronco]

We will also be camping in the San Isabel area East of the trail. Is it better coming from the East side? I could do either.

I can’t attest to it personally, but it does sound like it’s better going east to west, at least right now. Hopefully it clears up by the time you’re there so you get to pick either way

It was still closed when I went through that area about a month ago

I’ll DM you some additional info

 

[ColoradoBadsquatch2044]

Medano Pass is a great trail. There are a bunch of water crossings. I’d definitely recommend going east to west. Unless your trip has you going further east into Colorado from there then you’re stuck going west to east. If you haven’t already, I’d download the Trails Offroad App. The paid version is worth its weight and will keep you up to date on trail conditions. Medano Pass has plenty of campsites to choose from. Some allow for the use of an RTT others force you to park on one side of a barrier and then you have to off load your camping gear and walk to the site. I went last year and I highly recommend the trail. It’s very underrated in my opinion. Feel free to DM me with questions.

 

[dcaero]

Awesome trail! Just did it east to west a couple weeks ago. The water crossings are great. And yes there is one nasty muddy section. I had to winch out. I'd think by August that would spot would be pretty well dried up.

We camped north on Hermit Pass. That road is brutal. Super easy but rocky as all heck and just bounces you around. Very few redeeming qualities. But there are a few good dispersed camp sites on it.

 

[Wilbur's son]

The website Bushducks.com is another good resource that lists current Colorado passes and other 4wd road conditions as people report.

Traildamage.com is also a good resource for trail conditions. But it is a paid member subscription service.

 

[BroncRider]

I ran it in October last year and it was easy. Light snow and no challenge for the bronco.
I recommend it and it’s a fun way to get to the park.

 

[Austrim]

Nice! I'm going to do this mid October this year. Going East to West!

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