Date Hiked: December 29, 2022

Distance: 0.5 mi (RT)

Elevation Gain: 100 ft

Elevation: 8,350 ft

Trailhead Lat/Long: 37.73428, -105.50850

Managing Agency: National Park Service

Fee: Yes

Directions:

From the Park entrance, drive past the turnoff for the Visitor Center and continue for 1,000 ft to the Mosca Pass Trailhead, there is a small parking lot that fills quickly during the busier seasons.

Hike Description:

The Montville Natural Trail is a short, half a mile, loop that takes you into the forested hills of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve for a brief visit. The trail is also the beginning of two longer hikes, the Mosca Pass Trail and the Wellington Ditch Trail.  If you only have the time or ability for a shorter loop, the Montville Trail is a great option.  

From the Mosca Pass Trailhead the trail heads into the aspen forest and crosses Mosca Creek before turning around and climbing a gentle slope to a nice rocky outcrop with a nice view of the dune field.  The hike then descends back to the trailhead. 

You also have the option of hiking this trail from the Visitor Center along the 1,300ft, and appropriately named, “Mosca Pass from Visitor Center Trail.”