𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐎, Near Westcliffe, 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 + 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: September 1

 A GREAT work day with the National Parks Service at Music Pass Colorado. Thank you to everyone who came out to assist on their cutthroat trout Sand Creek trail. We were able to clear some of the Sand Creek trail (Amy's first work trip and first time using a silky saw!) for better access to the cutthroat area. We were also able to meet with the NPS back country ranger on his pack trip and talk about common goals and how our groups can further support back country programs.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: This is one of the most beautiful trails in Colorado. It starts at the Grape Creek Trailhead near Westcliffe at about 9200 feet. From there it heads up a few miles up the ATV road to the Music Pass TH. From there you climb over the pass to spectacular views of the valley surrounded by 13'ers. The elevation reaches about 11,400ft. You enter National Park land and descend into the large valley. From there you have several trail options. You can continue up to 2 high mountain lakes (lower and upper Sand Creek) or you can continue on Sand Creek trail all the way over to the Sand Dunes National Park.

If you continue all the way to the Sand Dunes, it will be approx 20 miles round trip. If you do an out and back to the first valley it will be approx 12 miles. If you go all the way up the lakes for an out and back it will be approx 15 miles. You can also branch off and take the rainbow trail instead which runs 150 miles up and down the Sangres Range and is directly accessible in both directions from the ATV road.

𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠: there are many beautiful dispersed camping spots along the creek and the whole area. Plenty of places to highline and pack in along the trail.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝: The parking at Grape Creek TH is a larger meadow which can easily accommodate any size rig. The road up to it is dirt and narrow and can have some washboard. The last part of the road right before the parking can be steep and twisty for large rigs. Doable, just put in low gear and keep going. We've seen plenty of large campers and 5th wheels up there in the meadow. Also all sizes of horse trailers. There is always more than enough room any day or weekend in the parking area. There are a few pull through areas for campspots as well. We do not recommend going past the pit-toilet with a trailer.

𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬: There is a free 14x14 corral, a highline and plenty of grass area for a hotline.

Obstacles: The trail can be rocky in places and shoes are recommended. This is a high altitude trail. The ATV road has 4wd vehicles but they are usually careful.