Mosca Pass Trail
A mountain trail leaving from near the visitor centre, passing through aspen groves and creek valleys. Cool in summer and golden in autumn, it is a welcome change of pace from the dunes.
The Mosca Pass Trail starts from the Montville trailhead near the visitor centre and climbs about 5.6 km along Mosca Creek to Mosca Pass at roughly 2,950 m, gaining about 450 m. The round trip takes 3-4 hours. Along the way the vegetation shifts from dwarf pines and junipers to aspen groves, mule deer are common, and in autumn the aspens turn a sea of gold. This historic route was once used by Indigenous peoples and early settlers to cross the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. If you just want an easy stroll, the short Montville Nature Trail at the start (an loop of about 0.8 km) is enough. Free with park admission. Watch for altitude effects and afternoon thunderstorms.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Medano Creek
- Great Sand Dunes – High Dune & Star Dune
- Medano Pass Primitive Road
- Zapata Falls
- Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center
- Sand Dunes Recreation (Hot Springs Pool)
- Colorado Gators Reptile Park
- UFO Watchtower