Question about Medano Pass

[johngraves2]

So my girlfriend and I are looking to go down to the sand dunes sometime between 3/23 - 3/29 (not sure when yet). I was looking at going over Medano Pass to either go there or come home. it says the pass is just under 10,000 so I am thinking snow could be a factor...

Any one know what it would be like around then?

Also any one is more than welcome to come with us and hang out. I think we are just going to drive there, camp the first night, hike the next day and drive around, camp next night, then head home.

Thanks

[bogof]

Call the park, and ask. The weather has been pretty warm here for the past few weeks so it might be clear. I might be down for a run since it's in my back yard.

[OdiN]

oooh...I'm interested. I've been wanting to get down to the dunes to do some photos.

[concept-customs]

Medano Pass is a great place to go.. I have gone there a few times a little early in the year, and there is usually snow in many places until Memorial Day.. I had my Blazer very well buried on Mem. Day last year.. about 2 feet of snow. If you have freinds to pull you out, it's great fun! I could also send you a pic of the first water crossing in the Dunes from Mem Day 2 years ago.. I have a full size Chev Blazer (4" lift on 33's), the water comes up to almost the bottom headlight... definately the bottom of the door.. but again, it's good fun!

[Alpine Spirit]

Call the Visitor Center at 719-378-6399 for the latest closure information.

The dunes are on our schedule this year, awesome pics, awesome scenery and some fun spots.

Most years its about memorial day when it opens.

[bogof]

For photos you should also check out Zapata falls too. If it's cold enough they might still be frozen. If not they are still nice looking falls.

http://greatsanddunes.net/zapata-falls5.jpg

http://stevegarufi.com/rainbowfalls23.jpg

[l1r]

If not snow, water crossings might be be challenging this time of year. We didn't get nearly as much snow this season as we did last year, but now with warm weather and all, everything will be melting off.
Trail is a ton on fun! lots of camping along the way, 8 or 9 water crossings, not very challenging if shallow, but definitely very different from CO rocky and bumpy trails. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

[Alpine Spirit]

The front range may be down on snow but most of the state is at or above average for snow.

ftp://ftp.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/data/water/wcs/gis/maps/co_swepctnormal.pdf

[OdiN]

Yeah it sucks....I want to get dumped on down here, but I don't think it'll happen this winter.

[Sully4x4]

Andrew, it's March 5th. March is our snowiest month, and we've had a couple huge blizzards in March that shut the city down for at least 4 days. Don't be so down yet ;)

[OdiN]

Oh I know, and the farmers almanac is saying over average precipitation for March.

I want a couple feet lol. Go find people to yank out.

[bogof]

I just called the park, and Medano pass is closed two miles into the trail. They are checking it every week, but they don't think it will open till May.

Two miles in is still in the sand pit area. The rocks are about 5 miles in.

[johngraves2]

Sweet thanks for checking into that!