Last updated: October 27, 2020
Thing to Do
Hike Sand Creek Lakes
NPS/Kris Illenberger
Sand Creek Lakes are part of the alpine watershed of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. A longer drive and hike is required to reach these lakes, 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
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
Details
Duration
10-15 Hours
Plan a long day to drive to the trailhead, do the round trip hike at high elevation, and have time for lunch, photos, and exploration.
Activity
Backcountry Hiking
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
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
Age(s)
10-75
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are permitted in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, on leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Lower Sand Creek Lake
Lower Sand Creek Lake is one of the alpine lakes in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, the watershed of the dunes.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer, Fall
The area is open year round, but unless you have snowshoes and avalanche gear, plan to access the lakes only in summer or fall. In an average snow year, there are still some snowdrifts on the trail through June. Mid-summer is the prettiest time of year to visit the lakes, when flowers are blooming, grass is green, and snowfields still lace the mountains.
Time of Day
Any Time
Many people backpack into the lakes, camping at marked sites back away from the lakes. No reservations are needed to camp in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve.
Accessibility Information
High clearance 4WD vehicles can make it to Music Pass Trailhead. After that point, the trail is steep and rocky, unsuitable for wheelchairs.
NPS/Patrick Myers
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.