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Music Pass
A high alpine valley with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
Plan Around Music Pass
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Music Pass Details
Music Pass was given its name because some claim to hear music when the wind blows over the pass -- so who wouldn't want to venture up here? Music Pass is the location of Upper and Lower Sand Creek Lakes, and is an awesome destination if you want to journey into the park's high country. Years ago, it was possible to drive a vehicle from the Grape Creek trailhead to the summit of Music Pass, but now you can only drive the first 2.9 miles or so (in a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle), as the last section of road has been blocked off and converted to a hiking trail. Without a 4WD vehicle? Just leave your car at the Grape Creek Trailhead and either hitch or walk to the beginning of the trail. The trail that climbs up to the pass is the same one that reaches Upper and Lower Sand Creek Lakes. Climb through the conifer forest before reaching views of the Wet Mountain Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Range. You'll pass a sign notifying hikers that they've entered the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, which also marks the eastern boundary of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. The top of the pass has vistas of Tijeras Peak (13,604 feet), Music Mountain (13,356 feet), and Milwaukee Peak (13,522 feet).
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
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Nearby Parks Around Music Pass
Compare nearby parks around Music Pass when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Music Pass
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Music Pass while the map context is still fresh.
1.1 mi away
Music Pass Trail
Visit a picturesque lake in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve.
1.1 mi away
Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail
A trail to a high alpine lake beneath the summit of Tijeras Peak.
1.1 mi away
Music Pass Trailhead
The trailhead for Music Pass is a 2.5-hour drive from the park visitor center.
1.1 mi away
Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail
A .7 mile hike from Lower Sand Creek Lake.
2.8 mi away
Milwaukee Peak
A non-technical but strenuous hike can take you to the summit of Milwaukee Peak, a short distance away from the Sand Creek Lakes.
