Pros & cons
PROS
- Big alpine views over the Sand Creek basin and distant dunes
- Gateway to Lower/Upper Sand Creek Lakes and longer alpine routes
CONS
- Rough, high‑clearance 4WD road for the last ~2.5 miles
- Alpine weather and altitude can make this feel tougher than it looks
Overview
This is the upper Music Pass Trailhead on the Wet Mountain Valley side, not Music Pass itself. It provides eastern access to the pass and the Sand Creek Lakes backcountry.
Hiking
Follow Music Pass Trail uphill for views into the Sand Creek basin. The Parkwolf route lists about 3.8 miles round trip to its mapped turnaround. Continuing to the lakes is a separate, longer hike; NPS lists about 8 miles round trip from the upper trailhead to either Lower or Upper Sand Creek Lake.
Road access
The final 2.5 miles of approach road require a suitable high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Visitors parking at the lower Rainbow Trail crossing add those road miles each way. This access is a long drive from the main dunes visitor area.
Planning
Prepare for remote mountain travel, lingering snow, afternoon storms, and limited services. Confirm road and trail conditions with the land manager before leaving.
Where it is
37.9245, -105.4875Tips for Music Pass Trailhead
- 01High-clearance 4WD is ideal; without it, park at the Rainbow Trail crossing and walk the final road section.
- 02Start before 9 am to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and stronger ridge winds.
- 03Take the short spur paths to rock outcrops just before the pass for the best views.
- 04If backpacking into the Preserve and leaving a vehicle in the park, pick up the free parking/camping permit at the visitor center.
- 05Dogs are allowed on leash; bring extra water and protect paws on rocky sections.
Amenities
Near Music Pass Trailhead
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayMusic Pass TrailSteady climb to sweeping alpine views above the Sand Creek BasinModerate · 3.8 mi · 2.5 hr
2.5 mi awaySand Creek LakesHigh-alpine lakes via Music Pass with big Sangre views
2.5 mi awayLower Sand Creek LakeAlpine lake payoff beyond Music Pass in the Sand Creek BasinScenic Viewpoint
3.1 mi awayUpper Sand Creek LakeHigh-country alpine lake via a tough but rewarding Music Pass hike
4.7 mi awayMedano LakeRemote alpine lake reached via a rugged 4x4 roadTrailhead · Parking
5.7 mi awayMount HerardBig alpine summit above the dunes, windy and wonderfully quietChallenging · 9 mi · 10 hr
5.7 mi awayMedano Lake TrailRemote alpine lake with rare views of the dunes from high aboveChallenging · 7 mi · 4.8 hr
6.2 mi awaySand Creek TrailRemote point-to-point climb from lower Sand Creek to the Upper Sand Creek Lake area.Challenging · 10 mi · 8 hr
