This is a nice day drive that ends at the top of Mosca Pass. Magnificent rolling hills spread out to the east, to the west of the ridgeline is Mosca Pass Trail, which is actually part of Rio Grande National Forest. The trail ends in the Great Sand Dunes National Monument.

Mosca Pass is a wonderful place to have a picnic. There are also some dispersed camping sites as well as room for horses. Hunters can be found here, especially in the fall. There is no water available here, so be sure to haul in more than you think you'll need. Energetic hikers, with an early start, can spend a few hours on the dunes and then hike back up.

Ending elevation: 8,720 Feet

Directions: From Highway 69, Just north of Gardner turn left, toward Redwing. This is County Road 550. It is paved, but bumpy in places all the way to Redwing, about 9 miles. At Redwing, take County Road 580, heading west. In about 4 miles, turn west on on County Road 583, following May Creek. If you get to the Huerfano State Wildlife Area, you have gone too far. Mosca Pass is about 8 miles from the 580 junction.

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