| About San Isabel National Forest |
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| Mosca Pass Trail |
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Length, One-way:
3.5 Miles
USGS Maps:
Zapata Ranch, Mosca Pass
Trail Number:
883
Elevation Gain:
1,470 Feet
Difficulty:
Easy to Moderate
Beginning Elevation:
9,720 Feet
Ending Elevation:
8,250 Feet
Usage:
Heavy
Reservation:
No
From Alamosa, Colorado, Drive east on U.S. Highway 160 14 miles to State Road 150. Turn north on 150, 17 miles to the Great Sand Dunes National Monument and the Montville Trailhead. Mosca Pass Trail takes off the Montville Trail approximately 1/4 mile from the beginning. There is a fee for entrance to the Great Sand Dunes National Monument.
Location Information
This side of Mosca Pass Trail begins at the top of Mosca Pass and follows Mosca Creek down to the Montville Trail, a self-guided interpretive trail in the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. A toll road was built over this pass in the late 1800's. A flash flood in 1911 destroyed the road and it was abandoned as a passageway over the mountains. The trail starts amidst open, lush and grassy slopes and descends moderately fast into piqon-juniper, aspen and spruce-fir forests. The trail ends in a steep, walled canyon next to the Great Sand Dunes. Watch for wildlife; each year, visitors report bear sightings. Beautiful views of the Sand Dunes and the San Luis Valley can be seen on the way down the trail. An adequate number of undeveloped campsites exist along the way. This is an excellent day hike, but a heavily used trail. For those wishing to camp at the dunes, be aware that a fee is charged. If you plan to begin your hike at the dunes, there is an entrance fee as well.
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