My dad took me over Medano Pass when I was probably 7-8 years old in the late 1970's, He had a '76 Scout II and we travelled with a family friend who had a CJ-7. We camped on the east side of the pass, just below the summit, on day 1. On day 2 I got to ride in the Jeep with the top down; through the Medano creek water crossings and over the sand. It was such a fun adventure that I can still vividly remember the trip to this day. It was one of many that Dad took me on with that old Scout II.
It's a very pleasant surprise! And extra convenient if you are running the trail in the direction where you finish at the air station, no digging out your own hoses.
I've been over Medano at least a dozen times. There are a couple things people should know. If you run this trail in the spring, the water crossings will be at their deepest. And although I've never seen anyone actually have a problem with the crossings, there can also be big, deep mudholes near them and it's easy to get stuck. If the sand is dry, you will dig in. If it's rained recently, it'll be firm and you won't need to air down.
@@Trailsoffroad I don't think they ever get more than about 12-14" deep. By that point, they're overflowed the banks and the crossings just get wider, not deeper.
I've been driving that pass since the early 70s. A lot has changed. You used to be able to drive on the creek in front of the dunes. Dad used to pull me on a tube through there😊. The Sangre de Cristo wilderness had not been dedicated yet, and I used to ride my motorcycle up the trail. Don't know why there were so many restrictions placed there in the early 80s. My guess is Californians. 😉
Sadly this has been the trend across the country. There are many groups out there that want to stop the use of trails. And over the years they have picked away at this. We tell everyone to join groups like the blue ribbon collation, CORVA, and more that trying to keep trails open. But with that said, that sounded like an amazing time, if you have any photos from back then, please share then on our website. We would love to see them
We have them. We have a small fleet of people running all over the country to make the best content out there. Sometimes you see the white jeeps, sometimes the silver one, sometimes the blue and red.
The park rangers I have talked to at the national park do not pronounce it like he does. I think this pronunciation should be the Spanish pronunciation unlike the German settlers that named Buena Vista that spelled it Spanish but pronounced it differently so people could argue over the pronunciation in 2024 in social media.
Just looking at the word it’s natural to assume it’s meh-DAHN-o. But the original Spanish word has a written accent, which helps: médano. At least it’s not a Byoona Vista situation… 😅
![Best Kept Secret in Colorado? [Mosca Campground, Great Sand Dunes]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/JxcqNGuPBqU/mqdefault.jpg)
My dad took me over Medano Pass when I was probably 7-8 years old in the late 1970's, He had a '76 Scout II and we travelled with a family friend who had a CJ-7. We camped on the east side of the pass, just below the summit, on day 1. On day 2 I got to ride in the Jeep with the top down; through the Medano creek water crossings and over the sand. It was such a fun adventure that I can still vividly remember the trip to this day. It was one of many that Dad took me on with that old Scout II.
That sounds like an amazing trip! How fun would it be to re-create it with those same vehicles today :)
Blue two door looking great 👍
Thank you
❤ your Ap and Content.
Appreciate it so much! If you haven't left a review on the app store it sure would mean a lot.
The campsites 🏕️ are awesome especially at night with the stars ✨ due to being in pass and out away from light pollution. 😊
Yeah, we love those good far from any light locations. Nothing like a sky full of stars.
That's a fun one!
That it is... that it is...
Have been twice will definitely do again a great trail 😊. We like to start in the GSDNP then pop out where you all started in National Forest.
It's definitely a great trail no matter which direction you run it!
That's super cool they provide that air up station.
It's a very pleasant surprise! And extra convenient if you are running the trail in the direction where you finish at the air station, no digging out your own hoses.
@@Trailsoffroad I'm curious what normally are you and your group running for air up solutions?
We run ARB Dual Compressors and either just the single hose that comes with or a 4-tire inflation system. Thanks for watching!
Did this trail west to east few years ago in a leveled F150. Great trail.
It's always incredible how different the landscape is from one end of the trail to the other, makes for a great trip!
Great video!
I've been over Medano at least a dozen times. There are a couple things people should know.
If you run this trail in the spring, the water crossings will be at their deepest. And although I've never seen anyone actually have a problem with the crossings, there can also be big, deep mudholes near them and it's easy to get stuck.
If the sand is dry, you will dig in. If it's rained recently, it'll be firm and you won't need to air down.
How deep have you seen the water crossings?
@@Trailsoffroad I don't think they ever get more than about 12-14" deep. By that point, they're overflowed the banks and the crossings just get wider, not deeper.
I've been driving that pass since the early 70s. A lot has changed. You used to be able to drive on the creek in front of the dunes. Dad used to pull me on a tube through there😊. The Sangre de Cristo wilderness had not been dedicated yet, and I used to ride my motorcycle up the trail. Don't know why there were so many restrictions placed there in the early 80s. My guess is Californians. 😉
Sadly this has been the trend across the country. There are many groups out there that want to stop the use of trails. And over the years they have picked away at this. We tell everyone to join groups like the blue ribbon collation, CORVA, and more that trying to keep trails open.
But with that said, that sounded like an amazing time, if you have any photos from back then, please share then on our website. We would love to see them
@Trailsoffroad I would actually like to have some, too. I think they are probably in boxes at my parents' house. I'll try and take a look.
Really cool trail, we did it from the dunes side a few years back.
And where'd that random green Jeep come from? Lol.
Honestly it's a great trail no matter which direction you run it :) and it's always a popular one, green Jeep was just another person on the trail.
Very well done- love the 2 door , but where is your white Jeep with the top like Chris has :)
We have them. We have a small fleet of people running all over the country to make the best content out there. Sometimes you see the white jeeps, sometimes the silver one, sometimes the blue and red.
Just added to the list
Medano is a great way to spend a weekend, don't forget your bugspray!
Were you in 4-hi for most of the way up the pass?
Once we hit dirt, we will at least got to 4wd high. Reason for this is it gives us much better control in cornering and stopping.
😮😮😮 Beautiful jeep !!!! Can I get some info please
This is 'Dan' our 2023 Hydro Blue JL Rubicon with:
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AEV Conversions - JL 2.5" RT Dualsport Lift
Bilstein RT 5100 Shocks
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss 37x12.50R17
ProComp 7096 Series 17x9 Flat Black Wheels
APEX Designs Standard Rapid Precision Valve Stems
Warn Zeon 10-S Winch
Factor55 Ultrahook
Crawltek Aluminum Hawse Fairlead
ARB Twin Air Compressor
@@Trailsoffroad "Dan" 😂😂😂
@@Trailsoffroadthank you so much !!!
@@Trailsoffroad4:88 gears ⚙️ ?
Yep. 4.88 gears!
"Med-no"??? Have I been saying it wrong my whole life???
I'm pretty sure they are saying it incorrectly. Especially if we are wanting to pronounce it how it is in Spanish.
The park rangers I have talked to at the national park do not pronounce it like he does. I think this pronunciation should be the Spanish pronunciation unlike the German settlers that named Buena Vista that spelled it Spanish but pronounced it differently so people could argue over the pronunciation in 2024 in social media.
We love John, but the pronunciation of Medano might not be his strong suit haha
Just looking at the word it’s natural to assume it’s meh-DAHN-o. But the original Spanish word has a written accent, which helps: médano.
At least it’s not a Byoona Vista situation… 😅
@@Trailsoffroad I love John almost as much as John loves flowers. 😂