Sand Creek Basin

View from Marble Mountain into Sand Creek Basin; Upper Sand Creek Lake is visible at left.

NPS/Patrick Myers

Quick Facts

Location:

Sand Creek Basin

Significance:

Part of the alpine watershed of Great Sand Dunes

Designation:

National Preserve and Wilderness Area

Sand Creek Basin is part of the alpine watershed of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. A longer drive and hike is required to reach these lakes and peaks, but the mountain scenery is worth the effort. Check with a ranger for conditions before travel. Snow may block these trails from November into June. 

Music Pass Trailhead is accessed from Highway 69 on the east side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, 4.5 miles south of Westcliffe. Turn off Highway 69 to the west at the sign for Music Pass and South Colony Lakes Trailhead. At the "T" junction, turn left onto South Colony Road. At the end of the ranch fence on the right, you'll see another sign for Music Pass.

2WD vehicles should park where the Rainbow Trail crosses Music Pass Road. This lower trailhead will add 2.5 miles (4 km) each way to the hike.

4WD vehicles may continue another 2.5 miles to Music Pass Trailhead at the end of the road. From here, it is a steep 1 mile (1.6 km) hike to the pass at treeline, with a great view of Upper Sand Creek basin. From the pass, hike farther to the alpine lakes, or to any one of the 13,000' peaks above the basin.

Round Trip Hiking Mileages From Music Pass Trailhead
Lower Sand Creek Lake: 8 miles (12.8 km), 2000 feet (610 m) elevation gain
Upper Sand Creek Lake: 9 miles (14.4 km), 2000 feet (610 m) elevation gain

Hiking Marble Mountain

From Music Pass (see directions above), there is also an option to hike to the summit of Marble Mountain, 13,266 feet (4,043 m). From Music Pass Trailhead, hike 1 mile (1.6 km) to Music Pass, then turn north and follow the tundra ridge 3 miles (4.8 km) to the summit of Marble Mountain. Of the six peaks over 13,000 feet (4,000 m) in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, Marble Mountain has the easiest access, but it is still a strenuous hike at very high elevation. Always plan your time above treeline for morning hours to avoid afternoon thunderstorms with lightning.