Mosca Pass Trail
A 3.5-mile climb up a wooded valley in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that's best for wildlife viewing, as vistas are restricted.
Plan Around Mosca Pass Trail
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Mosca Pass Trail Details
The Mosca Pass Trail begins along the side of the dunes and climbs around 1,500 feet to a low point in the crest of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. It will take you between 4.5 and 5 hours to complete the 7 mile roundtrip hike. You won't get spectacular views of the dunes on this trail, as you'll be hiking through a drainage with steep;y sloped sides. You'll hike through dry meadows, moist meadows, woodlands, and exposed slopes with plenty of species of cacti and yucca. If visiting in the late summer, expect to see tons of wildflowers: over 50 species line the Mosca Pass Trail. Begin at the Montville Nature Trail trailhead, located about 1/4 mile from the visitor center. The Mosca Pass Trail branches off about a third of the way around the half-mile loop, just after a small creek crossing.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
7 miles
Estimated time
4.75 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Mosca Pass Trail
Compare nearby parks around Mosca Pass Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Mosca Pass Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Mosca Pass Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Montville Nature Trail
A short trail if you're looking for a change of scenery from the dunes.
0.0 mi away
Montville/Mosca Pass Trailhead
A parking area with access to both the Montville Nature Trail and Mosca Pass Trail.
0.2 mi away
Wellington Ditch Trail
A short trail that connects the Montville Nature Trail to the Pinon Flats Campground.
0.2 mi away
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Sand sledding is certainly the most unique activity available at Great Sand Dunes National Park, but far from the only thing to do on a visit to the tallest sand dunes in North America.
0.2 mi away
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Sand sledding is certainly the most unique activity available at Great Sand Dunes National Park, but far from the only thing to do on a visit to the tallest sand dunes in North America.
