Along the edges of gently flowing Mosca Creek, the Mosca Pass trail winds through evergreen forests and flowering meadows. The pass itself crosses over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a range within the famous Rocky Mountains. Traverse the trail for a moderate challenge on a round-trip walk of 4 to 6 hours, enjoying panoramic views on the way back down.
Learn about the history of the area. The Ute Indians created a footpath that ran between the mountains. Mosca Pass became a popular route for early settlers in the 1800s. As early as 1871, the trail functioned as a toll road for ranchers and homesteaders before a flash flood destroyed the popular thoroughfare. Though attempts to rebuild it continued until the 1950s, repeated flooding ensured that it’s now solely used by hikers.
Start at the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center to get a trail map and watch a video about the park. Signs offering information on area history, geology and wildlife lead the way to the nature trail. A steady climb through shady aspen and pine forests opens up to grassy meadows, with remnants of the historic toll road visible along the way.
Watch for wildlife, including bighorn sheep, deer and squirrels. In terms of plant life, prairie sagewort, Colorado rubberweed and bluebell bellflower rest among the meadows. Spend time admiring the lush landscape, before starting the hike back down. Have your camera ready for spectacular views of the sand dunes and the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is open daily and an entrance fee applies. While the Mosca Pass trail offers easy walking, stay alert for rocks and tree stumps. Take enough water to last for the round trip of about 7 miles (11 kilometers). Be prepared for high elevation.
The moderate temperatures and colors of spring and fall make these seasons ideal for hiking. Snow may fall at any time of year.
Camping is available within the park, while the nearby town of Alamosa offers plenty of options for hotel accommodations in the heart of nature and history.
