Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve guide · 2 min read
Driving Medano Pass Primitive Road by 4WD
The Medano Pass Primitive Road is a rough route of about 22 miles linking the sand dunes with the Wet Mountain Valley and Colorado State Highway 69.
It climbs to Medano Pass at roughly 10,000 feet, opening access to the national preserve. The road also passes good habitat for bighorn sheep. On average, the full drive takes two and a half to three hours.
Only high-clearance vehicles with four-wheel drive can make the trip. A true four-wheel-drive vehicle has a transfer case with a four low setting, which sends full engine power to both axles. All-wheel-drive vehicles, mini sport utility vehicles, and wagons are not permitted, because they tend to get stuck in deep sand or at creek crossings.
The route runs through deep sand, crosses Medano Creek nine times, and includes steep sections of loose rock. If the sand is dry and soft, lower your tire pressure to about 20 pounds per square inch. Pack your own air compressor to reinflate before the rocks in Medano Canyon. Cross creeks slowly so water does not flood the engine.
Roadside camping is limited to 21 numbered campsites, each marked with a brown post and a camping symbol. The sites are free and first come, first served, and every one has a fire ring and a bearproof box for food. Summer demand is high, and expect the sites to be taken on holiday weekends and on many other summer weekends too. Whether you can reach them depends on snow, creek, and road conditions.
Without a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can rent a Jeep or join a guided tour. Dunes 4x4, Mountain Master Off-Road Tours, and Pathfinders 4x4 run tours, and Pathfinders also rents vehicles. Custer County Jeep Rentals serves the east side of the Sangre de Cristo Range. Book rentals well ahead, or ride a fat tire bike along the route instead.
