Medano Pass in late June

[Gargoyle]

Hey guys, I'm looking at a trip down to Medano Pass (CO 4WD Trip Report (http://www.cosports.com/fwhldr/trails/medano.htm), MyCO Medano (http://www.mycolorado.org/images/medano/index.htm), CO Offroad Medano (http://www.coloradooffroad.org/medano_pass.htm)) the weekend of 24-25 June. I should just be getting back from a cruise to AK, but I need to get my Sand Dunes fix. Last year I organized a trip with a group of friends from work for the weekend after 4 July, and the pass was just fine. I suspect that two weeks earlier than last year should be easy as well (the river is down enough by then to not be an issue).
I will likely be taking my two boys (4 and 7 yrs) and my other friends will probably be doing the same, so a family oriented trip for sure. If you have never been, check out the sites noted above and the Sand Dunes (http://www.nps.gov/grsa/home.htm) site.
Let me know the interest level. I will take care of organizing the trip and can answer any questions you may have.

[DriftinCO]

Let's hope it's ready by the end of June! Weee! Camping on Saturday night right? Cool. I was thinking of running the Georgetown half-marathon that Saturday, but I just might have to pass on that to go wheeling and camping.

[tat2dguy01]

i'm in

[pimptoy]

i might be

[blown4runner]

I'll be getting back from Cabo the night before, so that would be doubtful... But, that's a pretty trail! :D

[spindleshanks]

I'm in! My folks live north of the dunes about 20 miles (as the crow flies) in Crestone. Hell, I'm taking the whole week off! lol. Post some more details as you get 'em gargoyle...good call.

[Gargoyle]

OK, so far that is:
2 - Yes
2 - Maybe
1 - Doubtful
I am looking at three or four of my friends w/ their families (sans a few wives) that are likely candidates (no other Tacos though). I will work on confirming with them and get a better count. Then I will start to schedule the drive, etc.

[tat2dguy01]

i have a couple of friends that may go as well. 1 other vehicle, 4 or 5 people total. i am familiar with medano pass and the camping area's. if u need anything, let me know.

[Mythica]

I was just checking out our "upcoming events" calendar

I see we have this listed for August, which may or may not be correct, but what I was wondering is I also see that we have it rated as an 8-9 trail. Is that correct? I find it hard to believe that this would be an 8 or 9, but I have never been there.


I am interested in trying to tag along on this trip, but not sure, if it is truly an 8 or 9?


http://www.4x4trails.net/db_view_trail.php?trailNum=92 it is listed as a 5 here.


Thanks for the info.

[Gargoyle]

Well all ratings are subjective. I have been over the pass four times: once in my stock '86 P-up, twice in my stock '95 4Runner, and last year in my new (stock) '05 Taco. I have heard that in early spring, the river can be quite high, but I would say that and the sand at the bottom are the ONLY things that would make this trail difficult for a stock vehicle. Again, read the list of my trucks I have taken there and you may not worry much. It is narrow at times, so if you don't like some tree tips wiping you vehicle, yes, it may be "difficult" to pass. There are a few places where you drive over rock, but it is very flat rock--it can be fun to drive over a bolder here-or-there if you like to make it more challenging. There are about a dozen river crossing on the West side of the pass with only one that may make you think twice. However, that was not up to my hubs last year (8-10 July) and it is maybe three truck-lengths wide. I have a few pictures, let me see if I can dig them up some time soon. The sand by the dunes may give you a second pause. I have crossed there many times and all I worried about was: after airing down, where to air back up--last year I didn't even air down (nor my buddy in his '96 4Runner). This year I expect to have my on-board-air system installed, so that should be a non-issue.
Let me know on your decision.

[Mythica]

Ok thank you, from how you have explained it, it sounds like no problem, other than possibly the water crossings. A dozen!!! :eek:

As of now I will plan on tagging along, just need to go extend all my breather tubes first.

[tat2dguy01]

i too have been there several times. the water crossings in spring will be the biggest challenge. i would say its more of a 3 as far as a difficulty rating goes. the camping there is awesome though!

[Gargoyle]

OK,
Here are links to a few pictures I took last year:
This is along the public access road (http://home.adelphia.net/~mtstoehr/graphics/pix/GSD05-01.jpg) approaching the pass from the East side.
A little further up along the road (http://home.adelphia.net/~mtstoehr/graphics/pix/GSD05-02.jpg) (about the Nat. Forrest sign?).
A "difficult" rock formation (http://home.adelphia.net/~mtstoehr/graphics/pix/GSD05-03.jpg).
And another one (http://home.adelphia.net/~mtstoehr/graphics/pix/GSD05-04.jpg) nearing the top of the pass.
On the West side, this is the big water crossing (http://home.adelphia.net/~mtstoehr/graphics/pix/GSD05-05.jpg) (returning back East).
Some of these may seem difficult and if you truly are reluctant, please to not feel pressured to go on the run. For example, the rock pictures are taken on a steep incline that did require 4WD in order to get enough traction and of course the water can make many feel timid.

As I noted before, I am planning to head down on 24 June and return on the 25th.
Preliminary:
Meet somewhere in COS around 07:00. Jump on I-25 and head South for ~100 miles to Walsenburg. Jump off at exit 52, and head WNW on CO 69. Travel about 1/4 mile past MM 34 on CO 69 (~10 miles beyond Gardner) and turn left on County Rd 559. Procede 6.7 miles to the National Forrest sign (private property on both sides). Then run the pass.
I believe one of the web sites I noted earlier has GPS way points.
Let me know what you think of these plans.
I hope to have a CB installed in my truck by then, I'll likely bring my FRS radio, and I may bring my 2m HAM. If so, I will give channel info as we get closer to the trip.

[Mythica]

Thanks for the info.


Im in!!

[tat2dguy01]

i'm definately in, however i may take friday the 23rd off and get down there to camp!

[nbevsek22]

I just talked to Brian, the Colorado president, and he referred me to this trip. I make sure to go at least once a year since I have been there at least once every year of my life. I'll be there for sure with my girlfriend, and I'll probably have a few more vehicles (not sure of how many people) with me. We'll probably go up early Saturday and camp that night and Sunday night. Let me know any more details...

[nbevsek22]

After all, I might not be able to make it since I'm playing in a golf tournament that weekend. I might be able to make an afternoon run one of the days though depending on when the round ends since i'll be close to the backside entrance. Hopefully I can make it, if not, let me know of anything else happening in SoCo.

[DriftinCO]

Hey, a half-day is better than none!

[spindleshanks]

Whooooweeeee! I'm stoked about this one!

[Loren]

Just a suggestion,

Blanca peak is just a bit away from the sand dune. I've been told that its an interesting trail, with an absolutely outstanding mountain lake at the top. I've had buddies say its good for camping up there, and that there's plenty of fish in the lake.

I'm thinking about going a day earlier, or staying a day later and hitting Blanca Peak for an overnight. Anybody else care to think about this too?

Loren

[spindleshanks]

Loren;
I think a couple of us are gonna go a day early. I'm taking some time off to visit my family in Crestone when we get to the other side of the mountain. You've got an ambitious plan...Blanca has some of the toughest obstacles in the state (so I've read...never been). I think it warrants a trip of its own. But I may be convinced to extend the trip a bit...

[Gargoyle]

I have driven partially up Blanca in my old '86, then I hiked the rest of the way. One of my friends from work, who will be going (with his Jeep), has driven it the whole way. Yes--it is one of the most difficult 4WD trails in CO. I don't think I will be taking my '05 up there until I have a winch and larger tires.
Everyone is welcome to go their own way, just be sure you wheel with at least one other truck on that run.
I may be up for a partial drive up there again, but both of my boys are young and would not be able to hike the trail, so I may just be heading to the falls.

[tacotoy]

check in the trail runs section.... we have a combined trip of blanca and medano peak as well as a camping trip.... if youre going to plan it might as well plan it right

[spindleshanks]

Rich; have you been updating the trail run list lately? I haven't looked at it since you first posted it.

[tacotoy]

took kelly flats out for the swapmeet. ill be posting up meeting times and places for the first run at the end of may. unfortunately i wont be able to do the camping trip thing but it sounds like we have enough people interested in going down that way late june anyways....

[nbevsek22]

The pass is no problem already, we'll be better than good in late June. I just drove it today and it's not even muddy. It started snowing a little but never stuck. The river crossings are never a problem (only once in the 21 years I've been there was one a problem, a beaver dammed it up), and they are very easy for a stock vehicle (there is actually only 8 crossings, they are numbered with trail markers and a number, although there are a few puddles and streams that can be mistaken for the river itself). By the way, if any of you fly fish, this is an excellent river for it, its just illegal to keep the type of species they introduced into the river system. Just put it in 4-Hi to take it easy on the vehicle. It does get pretty bumpy if you haul ass on the dunes side of the pass, but no problem if you take it slow. The sand can be a problem also, but stock tires (less aggressive tread) are actually better for the sand. A lot of signs say you should air down your tires, especially in soft sand areas, but I've never had to do this, as long as you keep your foot steady on the gas and don't stop in the wrong places. Hope this helps anyone and I hope to make it at least one day!

Peace, I'm outta here...

[nbevsek22]

check in the trail runs section.... we have a combined trip of blanca and medano peak as well as a camping trip.... if youre going to plan it might as well plan it right
I just wanted some details on this trip since I can't seem to find it. I'm definately requesting that off of work and I'll see you guys there. Fill me in please...

[spindleshanks]

Yeah, me too. I'm taking some time off work for this one!

[pimptoy]

Just a suggestion,

Blanca peak is just a bit away from the sand dune. I've been told that its an interesting trail, with an absolutely outstanding mountain lake at the top. I've had buddies say its good for camping up there, and that there's plenty of fish in the lake.

I'm thinking about going a day earlier, or staying a day later and hitting Blanca Peak for an overnight. Anybody else care to think about this too?

Loren


I'M DOWN!!!!!!

[Gargoyle]

OK guys, here is the list I currently have:

..............Fri..Sat..Sun..Mon..Notes
Gargoyle...........|------|.......Marty
[friend]...........|------|.......John
[coworker].........|------|.......PJ
[coworker].........|------|.......Mark
DriftinCO .........|------|.......? not sure
tat2dguy01....|-----------|.......
pimptoy...........................? sch
spindleshanks.<-----------|.......
blown4runner......................Not going
Mythica...........................? sch
nbevsek22.........................? not sure
Loren.........|----------------|..Blanca?

Please look over the "schedule" and let me know of changes or missing info.
My friend John is bringing his family down from Denver and he asked if we had room to take some others from the Colorado Springs area. Does anyone have some extra room in their rig and willing to take some passengers (Scott & Lora, Donovan, possibly Rob & Val)? John said they all had to be back for work on Monday.
As I noted, I will just be getting back from Alaska earlier in the week, so I will be incommnicado for some time just beforethe trip. To make sure everything is ready to go, check back here mid-week before we head out. I will post some more details on meeting places/times once I confirm everyone' schedule and whether we can squeeze in some of the others who are interested.
--Marty

[Lysmachia]

Yeah I nneed a passenger seat/ Noway I am gonna get my death wobble fixed before then too much $$$ and I just started my job. How long is the trail because I will walk most of it and be camera biatch!

[spindleshanks]

I hope to have my passenger seat filled w/ Emily, Molly, but if I don't, you're welcome to it. There's nobody else I'd rather have spotting me and directing me.

[Lysmachia]

The question is... didja fill Emily? LMAO Did you get my text that I got home safe last night??

[Lysmachia]

Well I *may* have solved the problem of death wobble. I tightened everything up and took her for a spinand could not reproduce the hell that Troy and I had last weekend. So that means I might bring my rig.

I farking hate Death Wobble. There are so many factors that cause mine and it has to be an exact combination of RPM's, Gear, Speed, Incline (that I am driving on) and PSI - in order to create the Harmonic Resonance that causes the Death Wobble. Grrrrrrr...

[tat2dguy01]

ok all....i will definately be taking that friday (june 23rd) off of work to get out there early. i will try and take up as much space as i can so we can all camp in the same vicinity. jeremey, u still in for friday? anyone else that wants to go out friday, just let me know. i can meet up with the rest of the folks that r coming out on saturday morn or whatever, at the trailhead.

[Lysmachia]

I can come up friday but can't get out of work till 4:00 meaning I would not be to the springs till like 6:30/7:00 Not sure if that is too late??

[tat2dguy01]

its up to u...i have run that trail at night and its no big deal. i could meet u at the trailhead and guide u in if u want

[spindleshanks]

Hey, me too. Emily can't get off work in Ft. Collins till about 11:30, which means I could be in Springs about 2 or so. But we might just wait and go Saturday morning with some of the others.

[tat2dguy01]

jeremy, you wont need a spotter on this trail

[tat2dguy01]

let me know soon as i think my plans have changed...i may be headed out thursday night

[tat2dguy01]

i am definately headed out thursday night if anyone can make it. i will look for u guys between friday and saturday...check this out....looks like we may be able to have a camp fire in this area after all.

http://www.nps.gov/grsa/press%20releases/fire%20restric_joint2006.doc

[DriftinCO]

Um, yeah, my summer plans are changing almost by the hour right now...so I'm still a maybe

[spindleshanks]

So let me get this right: a large portion of the group is going up on Saturday right? Anybody going up Friday? I might just meet you at the bottom Friday Will. Then I'll camp Friday and maybe Saturday too.

[tat2dguy01]

saweeet

[tat2dguy01]

http://www.greatsanddunes.net/medano-creek.htm

[pimptoy]

would i even need 4x4?!!!hehe

[tat2dguy01]

not really...if u load up all ur gear in the rear end to weigh it down....its really just gonna be a minor wheeling trip but more for camping and evening activities. i've made it through w/out 4wheeldrive...there r several trails in that area i haven't explored yet though. could turn out to be interesting

[pimptoy]

yeah i got to talk to my girl and see......not sure if a 6 hour drive is what i want to do this weekend. thats a lot of money in gas= less money for beer

[tat2dguy01]

mmmmmmmmmm beeeeeeeeeer :xbeer3:

i need to know before thursday at 2 pm if i need to meet anyone at the trailhead. my number is 719-439-3284. i can meet anytime friday or saturday, just need to know what time. if i dont hear from anyone, i'll try to reserve the prime camping spots, but it's 1st come 1st serve.

[pimptoy]

put me next to the cooler and the women and be a happy camper

[Lysmachia]

I'm *still* trying to get out of this baby shower.... F*CK! Will I will let you know either way before Thursday....

You have directions as to where I would meet ya at the trailhead? Is spindle still going. When is he headed out??

[Lysmachia]

So let me get this right: a large portion of the group is going up on Saturday right? Anybody going up Friday? I might just meet you at the bottom Friday Will. Then I'll camp Friday and maybe Saturday too.

Spin, if I get out of the baby shower I'd go up on Friday but I can;t leave work till 4:00... I can follow you down (Since you are going on to San Luis Valley afterwards). Let me know

[spindleshanks]

Will, I'm gonna try to leave Ft. Collins at 11:30 precisely. I can be in Pueblo in less than 2.5 hours. Then another hour to the trailhead? So if I'm at the trailhead at 3PM could you meet us? How long is the ride to the campsites...I should have plenty of daylight. I'll def have plenty of cold jaeger ready for ya homey. And I've got a cooler the size of a Volkswagen that'll be full of beer and meat! Yeah buddy!!!

[Lysmachia]

Damn! Not a chance in hell I can be up in Peublo by 3:00 I can;t leave North Denver till 4:00 at the earliest... I might just shoot for saturday morning...

[spindleshanks]

That's cool Molly, I'll see you there!

[Gargoyle]

I am back and all I can say about Alaska is WOW!
OK, so I did not see anyone who would be able to squeeze in another passenger... is there no free seats in the load of folks heading down for Sat-Sun?
Please let me know ASAP: it looks like we just need one or two places for a butt or a pair of butts to ride on down.
More details to follow tomorrow on the meeting location and time. Hope to see you all there! And for you fellas, running down on Friday: have fun and I (we) will bump into you at the dunes!

[tat2dguy01]

once u get into Westcliffe, ( i assume u will take 96 from Pueblo), take 69 south. **I am actually taking 115 south to florence and then getting to westcliffe that way** If my memory serves me correct, there is a Texaco on the east side of 69. Stop there and fill up, get ice, whatever, cause thats the last store for 2 or 3 days, depending on how long ur gonna camp. once u leave that Texaco, its about 20 miles south on 69. The best i can describe the entry to the trailhead is that it is a dirt road that is right after the HUGE bison ranch(off to the west). what i can do is just meet u at that Texaco. We r actually camping in the forest behind the sand dunes so i like to take the trails to the camp sites vs. going through the sand dunes park. Jeremy, I will meet u at 3pm on friday at that Texaco off 69. i will have my cell on but i get lousy service out that way. also i'll be on cb channel 3. if u get there by 3, u should have plenty of daylight left to set up. this offer is open to anyone that can show up on friday. Gargoyle...looking forward to meeting ya and we'll see u out there. Molly, gimme a timeframe of when u can be in westcliffe and we can meet u as well.

[17Taco95]

Looks like this trip is going to be sweet. Wish I could make it but I got to go up to Meeker until the 25th so I'll miss it. Anyonoe know of any wheeling up in that area of Meeker? If you don't know where meeker is, it is about 30 mins NE of grand junction.

[pimptoy]

Looks like this trip is going to be sweet. Wish I could make it but I got to go up to Meeker until the 25th so I'll miss it. Anyonoe know of any wheeling up in that area of Meeker? If you don't know where meeker is, it is about 30 mins NE of grand junction.


oh good ol meeker there is a little stuff there but most of it is in GJ but i know there are the dunes up there and a few trails going up to the bookcliffs. not sure on the exact location but they are there

[tat2dguy01]

news flash......hwy160 from walsenberg to westcliffe is closed due to fires....if ur coming from anywhere north of the springs, i would suggest taking hwy115 to westcliffe

[Lysmachia]

once u get into Westcliffe, ( i assume u will take 96 from Pueblo), take 69 south. **I am actually taking 115 south to florence and then getting to westcliffe that way** If my memory serves me correct, there is a Texaco on the east side of 69. Stop there and fill up, get ice, whatever, cause thats the last store for 2 or 3 days, depending on how long ur gonna camp. once u leave that Texaco, its about 20 miles south on 69. The best i can describe the entry to the trailhead is that it is a dirt road that is right after the HUGE bison ranch(off to the west). what i can do is just meet u at that Texaco. We r actually camping in the forest behind the sand dunes so i like to take the trails to the camp sites vs. going through the sand dunes park. Jeremy, I will meet u at 3pm on friday at that Texaco off 69. i will have my cell on but i get lousy service out that way. also i'll be on cb channel 3. if u get there by 3, u should have plenty of daylight left to set up. this offer is open to anyone that can show up on friday. Gargoyle...looking forward to meeting ya and we'll see u out there. Molly, gimme a timeframe of when u can be in westcliffe and we can meet u as well.

OK so I do the above directions except take hwy115 to westcliffe. How do I get to HWY 115. From 1-25 (Meaning where do I get off - Colo Springs, or Pueblo??) I don't have a map in front of me (I'll try and check tonight). So Will I am not sure how long it will take me to get there. 3 hours maybe? If that is the case where should I park the beemer. At the Texaco or Should I head the 20 miles south on 69 Till I get to the dirt road right after the huge Bison ranch. How about we plan for me to get to the Bison ranch at 3:00 Saturday afternoon. I realize that It's kinda late Saturday but at least I would get to party with you guys one night...

:D I'll call you later K? -Mols

[Lysmachia]

K I got the map out. I think I can be to the texaco by Noon and to the dirt road near the bison ranch by 12:30 (On saturday) This is not the previosly reported 3:00!

Now just to make sure I go the right direction on 69 out of westcliff, I well head towards Gardner out of westcliff - is this correct??

Will does this mean someone can plan on meeting me around 12:30(ish) at the dirt road and bison ranch? Is there a better time for me to be there since other peeps are coming up on Saturday?

[spindleshanks]

I don't know of any wheeling, but if you're in Meeker, go to McGuire's Auto Parts (CARQUEST) and say HI to Cassie for me. Tell her Jeremy from CARQUEST Filters said hello, she'll know who you're talking about....enjoy

Looks like this trip is going to be sweet. Wish I could make it but I got to go up to Meeker until the 25th so I'll miss it. Anyonoe know of any wheeling up in that area of Meeker? If you don't know where meeker is, it is about 30 mins NE of grand junction.

[tat2dguy01]

molly, sorry i missed ur call. will call u later. my plans have changed once again. i am leaving tomorrow morning around 730. i can still meet folks that r coming in on friday. couldn't get outta the baby shower eh? :eek:

[Lysmachia]

Yeah Still have baby shower duties but I am still trying to make medano for at least saturday night! So yeah call me K? (303) 817-3143

Werd!

[Gargoyle]

Medano Pass Run:
I am planning to meet folks at the the Denny's on South Circle and I-25 (Harrison Road, just West of I-25) at 07:00 on Saturday morning. Breakfast and then leaving around 08:00. I will have my cell phone (PM me for the number). I will be on channel 8 on FRS, and I will try to have my buddy on channel 3 on the CB (I was not able to get my rig running yet). If anyone has a 2m, I will bring that along too--let me know. We will be making our way to Medano Pass as described earlier.
Hope to see you at Denny's or down in the pass if you're leaving tomorrow!
--Marty

[Gargoyle]

Well the pass was fun!
Did not actually bump into any of ya COTTORA guys--did see one white Taco w/ a tube rear bumper zip by the camp site and a silver Taco in another site (no body home). Hope it was some of you folk having fun.
No water at the dunes :( But the kids were able to find some fun regardless. I will try to post a few pictures on my web site this coming weekend.

[spindleshanks]

Well, Tat2dguy and I were there man! I arrived at the camp areas about 2PM saturday. I saw a red double cab heading eastward down from the trailhead and a silver stock Tacoma with kids and dogs in the back who was not part of our club. But I never saw you Gargoyle.
We had a great time, cooking good food, wheeling, drinking cold beer.
I caught some serious air on the sand slalom down to the park. Some asshole in a Jeep heading up the sandy part of the trail didn't air down his tires and overheated his CJ, so he parked it right in the middle of the trail to let it cool, and almost caused a wreck. I almost got stuck in the process of trying to maneuver around him. I'd like to have whoooped his ass in front of his whole family.
When I was done at the Dunes Sunday I visited family and friends in Crestone down in the San Luis Valley. Awesome trip.

[tat2dguy01]

we were there man!!.....what camp site were u at?

[Gargoyle]

Well I am sorry we did not hook up. We were in camp site 1.8 with a white Jeep Liberty, my truck and a red 4Runner. Two of the guys there have their pictures up on the web already (I'm a little slow these days):
http://penguin.uccs.edu/photoalbum/2006-06-24_Sand_Dunes/index.html
http://enterprise.uccs.edu/_employee/jgalouze/public/sand06/sand0606.htm

[spindleshanks]

There sure were a few Jeep Liberties at Medano, huh? I thought I was at the mall! Jk...lol.

[tat2dguy01]

we were at 2.2.....cant believe we were so close and didnt see each other!

[spindleshanks]

Will,I saw 'em, we passed 'em a number of times. They had a large campsite, and I remember thinking that the red SUV through the trees may have been a 4Runner. I never did see the 05 Tacoma though.

[Gargoyle]

I have my photos up at:
http://home.adelphia.net/~mtstoehr/WPC/GSD06/GSD06.htm

[DriftinCO]

Those pics are awesome!