Traveler III
US Rocky Mountain GSDNP Medano Pass
- Thread starter Zappe
- Start date
Enthusiast II
We’ll be there in two weeks. How are the skeeters this summer? They were terrible last year. I’m from Louisiana and it was far worse than here.
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Advocate III
Looks like fun! I've been wanting to go to this area for a while. Hopefully my schedule allows it!
Pathfinder III
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I agree they were terrible last year, until you got across the water into the dunes. Then there were no more mosquitoes.
The mountains above the dunes did not get a heavy snowpack this year, hopefully that will reduce the amount that are present.
Member III
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- Carter
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RedRunner87
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Enthusiast III
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What's your plan as far as Medano? Are you exiting the park that way or just making a trip up and back?
Traveler III
Darn, I didn’t think about it crossing over another area trip date. I’ve already got my campground reservation
I’m totally open about doing the trail out and back or out and exit to go around and explore other spots. A stop at Zapata Falls could be an option.
Member III
You might consider making a loop with Pass Creek Pass or Hayden Pass.
There's also a big free camping area at the far end of the Medano Pass road for those needing it. It would make route planning a bit more interesting, however.
Pathfinder III
Member III
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- Carter
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Are you talking about the east side of the pass? I did see some numbered spots and was not sure if they were first come?
@NoCo4Rnr @the_runn4r Be careful of Google maps if you are traveling from the north to the east side of Medano Pass, it's wrong! It will route you through an active ranch filled with Buffalo and not a happy rancher who has left very colorful signs for trespassers.
Member III
@JCarter, the numbered spots are actually on the west side of the pass, but east of the Dunes. They are indeed FCFS.
There are also dispersed spots east of the Pass, but still on the road. The large area, however, is actually east of the whole road:
ioverlander.com
There are also dispersed spots east of the Pass, but still on the road. The large area, however, is actually east of the whole road:
559 Just east of Medano Pass | Wild Camping | United States
Open area along 559 near the beginning of the Medano Pass 4wd Road. I often see camper trailers here and there is at least one fire ring in the edge of the woods. There are both open grassy areas and places to park and tent along the woods. Access from east via 2wd dirt road or 4wd Medano...
Traveler III
*UPDATE* this has been pushed out to September 18th-20th due to a separate conflict that I forgot to put on my calendar. The positive is that it might be a little bit cooler than The end of August would be.
RedRunner87
Rank V
Enthusiast III
I will have to check but I think I will be running Rimrocker Trail those dates.
Traveler III
It looks like Pinon Flats campground is full for these dates in September so if you don’t have a reservation, Zapata Falls campground is FC/FS on BLM land about 7 miles SW of the park, or a commercial campground could always be an option.
Advocate III
Jason, I’d love to join, can you let me know on the telegraph if a spot opens up or you are able to add a spot? Thanks, Jeff
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