Great Sand Dunes National Park

[Dirty Harry]

Has anyone driven that road during late May early June? The trail looks easy but I am curious of the depth of Medano Creek. I have not done much as far as water crossings. It appears to be fairly shallow but am wondering if I have anything to worry about. I'll call the park rangers and ask them but they are not always the most reliable when it comes to things like this. Any input is appreciated.

When I did the water crossings the bottom was very firm and none were very deep. I asked at the ranger station about when the pass would open and they said that it typically opens in late May, however they have had a lot of snow this year so it could potentially be later. I believe I have the number to call to find out if the pass is open, if you are interested I can dig through my notebook and find it.

 

[Dirty Harry]

Will you be back in Rapid City next Fall? I'm thinking about an Ocotober trip to the Black Hills. I could use some suggestions for the trails less traveled in the area. Or I might just sit on Ogallala Beach at Lake McConaughy in NE for a few days....

I am going back to Rapid on Memorial Day weekend and should be there off and on (more on than off) until Thanksgiving. If you come up definitely let me know and we can get together. I have done some wheeling/hiking/climbing/exploring in the Black Hills and hope to do more this summer.

 

[devinsixtyseven]

Bergger, the Pass is open now, water crossings are 2'-ish, the dunes should be a lot of fun for playing. We're planning on being down there the weekend after Memorial Day if you're still around.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Nice photos. Don't mean to jump on your thread but I plan on taking my daughter to the Sand Dunes the week after Memorial Day with my neighbor and his daughter. Kind of a Father Daughter camping thingy. We plan on camping for two nights. It's my first trip down there and we'll be going over Medano Pass, I assume it's open that time of year. Has anyone driven that road during late May early June? The trail looks easy but I am curious of the depth of Medano Creek. I have not done much as far as water crossings. It appears to be fairly shallow but am wondering if I have anything to worry about. I'll call the park rangers and ask them but they are not always the most reliable when it comes to things like this. Any input is appreciated.

That's funny, I'll be going down the weekend after (2-3 June.) Plan is to leave Englewood early Friday afternoon, make it to the Eastern side of the pass by nightfall, camp on the eastern side, then go up and over on Saturday morning, drop down into the Sand Dunes, then head over to the area around Lake City for some flyfishing, and come back in on Sunday up 285.

Maybe we'll see you there?

 

[Bergger]

Bergger, the Pass is open now, water crossings are 2'-ish, the dunes should be a lot of fun for playing. We're planning on being down there the weekend after Memorial Day if you're still around.

We'll be leaving Aurora on Sunday morning the 3rd and spending Sunday and Monday night camping along Medano Pass Rd. Not having done any river crossings before I hope it's not too deep. I'm not too concerned with my truck, I've got a couple of inches of lift, but my neighbors 06 4Runner is completly stock. If you're still down there I'll be in the silver double cab with the tent cot on the bed. Stop and say hello if you see us. I plan on doing the breather mod on my rear axle before I go. Anything else I should do to prep the truck for water?

 

[devinsixtyseven]

We'll be leaving Aurora on Sunday morning the 3rd and spending Sunday and Monday night camping along Medano Pass Rd. Not having done any river crossings before I hope it's not too deep. I'm not too concerned with my truck, I've got a couple of inches of lift, but my neighbors 06 4Runner is completly stock. If you're still down there I'll be in the silver double cab with the tent cot on the bed. Stop and say hello if you see us. I plan on doing the breather mod on my rear axle before I go. Anything else I should do to prep the truck for water?

We'll probably be up in the pass Sunday, haven't talked to Katie yet but there's a hike we're looking at to Medano Lake, then we're out Sunday evening probably. You might catch us somewhere Sunday, silver Tundra with an ARB bumper.

 

[Bergger]

We'll probably be up in the pass Sunday, haven't talked to Katie yet but there's a hike we're looking at to Medano Lake, then we're out Sunday evening probably. You might catch us somewhere Sunday, silver Tundra with an ARB bumper.

I'll keep an eye out for you. We'll be getting over the pass sometime Sunday and setting up camp. I just got back today from a three night trip, Breakneck Pass and Browns Pass, and have already started getting ready for this trip! :wings:

 

[kobe89]

Haven't been to the Great Sand Dunes lately but my latest trip was at the Grand Canyon. All I can say is "I'm the King of the World!"


__________________
Gerry
Go Westy Camper Products - The Go Westy Camper Catalog

 

[Bergger]

We'll probably be up in the pass Sunday, haven't talked to Katie yet but there's a hike we're looking at to Medano Lake, then we're out Sunday evening probably. You might catch us somewhere Sunday, silver Tundra with an ARB bumper.

Just got back today. I think I passed you Sunday. I was coming up the pass from east to west and I pulled over to let a Tundra go by. My buddy was behind me in a silver 4Runner. I hope you had a good time. We had a blast. I really enjoyed the water crossings. We also hike to the top of the dunes. I'll try to post some pics soon.