Another Colorado Route Question

[Murph]

I want to briefly visit Great Sand Dunes National Park. What are the conditions of the roads out of Gardner to Red Wing? Microsoft S&T shows the following as a route from Gardner to the park:

CR-550

CR-580

CR-581

CR-583

Montville Nature Trail (Mosca Pass Trail)

Left onto SR-150

Are these roads open, passable, and doable on an overloaded FJR?

 

[DaveT]

I want to briefly visit Great Sand Dunes National Park. What are the conditions of the roads out of Gardner to Red Wing? Microsoft S&T shows the following as a route from Gardner to the park:CR-550

CR-580

CR-581

CR-583

Montville Nature Trail (Mosca Pass Trail)

Left onto SR-150

Are these roads open, passable, and doable on an overloaded FJR?

I've never been on them, but knowing that area, that would be a BIG NO!!! All of the roads across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Poncha Pass (US-285) and LaVeta Pass (US-160) are pretty much 4x4 roads.

 

[Murph]

I was afraid of that. Thanks for the info!!

 

[beemerdons]

Hi Murph: If I have got your question straight, DaveT has given you excellent advice. In 1998 I rode your route in the opposite direction on my 1996 BMW R1100GS "Mi Mexico Mule." Here is what I rode: 150 North from 160 to the Visitors Center; Mosca Pass Trail to 583 and on to Red Wing and eventually Gardner on 160. Ball buster on the GS, murder on FJR!!

If you attempt it, remember that Mosca Pass Summit sits at 9,737 feet in elevation. By October 1 - may have muddy roads!!!

 

[Murph]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate your insight.

I'm leaving for the Colorado trip on in less than 36 hours and, although I set up the preliminary routes in Microsoft S&T weeks ago, just tonight I noticed the issue with this section. Had I not double-checked those roads, it sounds like I would have had quite the interesting trip report to share later.

I routed around that pass and will attempt that route in the dual-sport bike that I hope to get someday!

 

[TriggerT]

Have a great trip Murph. WE expect a detailed ride report, with lots of pictures when you get back.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Have a great trip murph!! :clapping: :clapping: