Four Wheel Driving Trips
4 Wheeling
From long, echoing highways, to ribbony canyon roads, to breathtaking mountain passes, our region’s highways, byways, and backroads captivate road travelers all across North America. Whether you’ve come with your 4×4 or RV in search of historic treasures, scenic vistas, or just a leisurely drive through the high-country, our scenic byways and mountain passes have something to inspire everyone. It’s a good idea to check road conditions before exploring, and remember to respect the backcountry by staying on established routesn Hayden Pass – Crosses the Sangre de Cristo range. Take US 50 to Coaldale, go up Hayden Creek road to the pass turn-off. The seven mile long road is narrow with a poor surface. Parts of the roadbed are unstable and in the spring is often clogged with winter avalanche debris. At the top of the pass, you will see and magnificent view of the Sangre de Cristo range and the San Luis Valley. The western end of the road is in Villa Grove.
Old Woman’s Creek and the Natural Arch
Scramble up to La Ventana (The Window) to see the 100-plus-year-old pinon pine and spectacular view the San Luis Valley. To get there: Drive north of Del Norte on Highway 112 and turn left on the first road past the Rio Grande bridge. Then take Forest Road 660 to Old Woman’s Creek. Turn left onto Forest Road 569 and drive 1.5 miles to the Natural Arch.
Rio Grande Reservoir
Taking off from Creede, take highway 149 continuing up river 20 miles to the fork of the Lake City and Rio Grande Reservoir roads. You have a choice.
Taking the left fork you travel by the two Road Canyon Lakes, popular for boating and fishing. Another 12 miles takes you through beautiful mountain scenery to the large Rio Grand Reservoir, while you can boat and fish in the reservoir, it is also a take-off point for backcountry wilderness adventures. If you are really adventuresome, four-wheel drive enthusiasts can continue on up the river and across the Continental Divide at Stony Pass and into Silverton. It might be a good idea to have someone along who knows the area – it will be a trip that you won’t forget.
Medano Pass Primitive Road
Access to the Medano Pass Primitive Road is through Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. It is a 4-wheel drive road that begins in the park and goes north to Medano Pass and the Rio Grande National Forest, while offering a spectacular view of the dunes. Primitive picnic areas (no water or restrooms) are located along the road. Soft sand may require reduced tire pressure. Air for tires is available near the campground. For more information and road conditions, stop in the visitor center at the Great Sand Dunes.
For more information on Medano Pass click here.
