Creek crossings, soft sand sections, and rocky switchbacks make Medano Pass Primitive Road one of the more demanding drive-in camping routes in Colorado. The road runs through Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, climbing from the dunes toward Medano Pass, with numbered dispersed campsites spread across roughly 12 miles of primitive terrain. Campers need a free backcountry permit, available at the visitor center, and signs along the road remind visitors of this requirement before they get far in. No pets are allowed.
A true 4x4 with high clearance is not optional here. Subarus and other all-wheel-drive vehicles have turned back on this road, and trailers are a firm no. The sand in the first several miles runs deep enough to warrant airing down tires significantly, while the upper section near the pass transitions to exposed rock and steeper grades. Bear boxes are provided at marked sites within the preserve, and reviewers note that bear encounters happen often enough to take the storage requirement seriously.
The numbered sites are well-spaced and sit near Medano Creek, with sightlines opening toward the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as the road gains elevation. Campers approaching from Route 559 to the north will find additional established sites before the pass, though those lack bear storage. For a nearby day hike, Medano Lake Backpackers Camp serves as a trailhead for the lake, which multiple reviewers flag as worth the extra effort. Those wanting a less technical base can browse campgrounds around Great Sand Dunes National Preserve for alternatives with easier access.
Description
Roadside camping is permitted at 21 campsites in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve beginning 5.2 miles from where the road begins near Pi__on Flats Campground. These designated sites are free of charge and first-come, first-served. All 21 sites fill on summer weekends. Passable only in the warmer months and only with high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles. This road crosses areas of deep sand, traverses Medano Creek nine times, and passes through excellent habitat for bighorn sheep.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMedano Pass Primitive Road is located in Colorado near Crestone
Directions
The south entrance to Medano Pass Road begins just below Pinon Flats Campground, one mile north of the visitor center. The road's north access is in the Wet Mountain Valley, on Highway 69 south of Westcliffe.
Coordinates
37.803519 N
105.495654 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/29/26- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/29/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 27 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 6 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 3 hrs 58 min from Denver, CO
- 5 hrs 23 min from Santa Fe, NM
