Mosca Pass Trail
It was a beautiful summer day which meant it was a perfect day for an adventure!
This adventure was to the Great Sand Dunes National Park’s amazing Mosca Pass Trail. Before we get started, I would like to share a bit of history about this trail.
The Mosca Pass Trail is named after Luis de Moscoso Alvarado. This Spanish explorer was known to possibly lead scouting parties through this pass. If you would like to know more about the history of this trailhead, please click on this link. Mosca Pass Wiki
This trail is 7 miles out and back with the most beautiful views of the Sand Dunes and the San Luis Valley. Another cool thing is that the trailhead is just a quarter mile away from the National Park’s visitor’s center.
The best time of year to check this trail out would be from March through October. But, of course the park is open all year around. My beautiful dog Izzy got to join us, just as long as I kept her on her leash. Mountain Biking is also aloud on this trail for all of you daredevils out there.
Elevation
Start: 8176 ft.
Max: 9718 ft.
Gain: 1542 ft.
It did take us most of our day because we stopped to eat lunch and explore up the mountain a little bit about half way through. My mother and I don’t get a lot of time together because we both have very busy lives. So as soon as we have a day to go on an adventure, we take it!
The hike felt very refreshing. Like any hike up a mountain, when you reach the top and you can see all of the land below. It is a true feeling of being on top of the world and that is what I chase in every adventure.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely! It was a fairly long hike, so it was the perfect day trip for my mom, Izzy and I. The forest was so lush and breathtaking. My soul craves it anytime I think about it. Izzy was having a blast. I don’t get to take her hiking a lot which is kind of bittersweet because then, when we do go, she has the time of her life.
The Mosca Pass trail had good vibes and I would love to visit the historical sight again. If you have had the opportunity to check out this trail, comment and let me know how it went! What was your favorite part of the adventure?