Music Pass Trail to Upper Sand Creek Lake

The Music Pass Trail to Upper Sand Creek Lake is an approximately 7.9-mile out-and-back hike located south of Westcliffe, Colorado. The route climbs up and over Music Pass into the scenic Sand Creek Basin, which lies within the northern preserve portion of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This high-altitude trek features stunning mountain vistas, forested stretches, and alpine lakes known for excellent fly fishing. The hike begins with a steady one-mile climb up Music Pass Trail to the summit of Music Pass, ascending through dense forest for the first half-mile before emerging into more exposed terrain. At the top of the pass, a short walk to the west provides expansive views of the Sand Creek Valley and surrounding peaks. From the summit, the trail descends steeply into the basin where footing can be loose. At the bottom of the descent, the trail meets a junction. Turning right onto the Upper Sand Creek Trail leads towards the lakes. Anglers can fish Sand Creek for hybrid cutthroat trout along this stretch. Continuing another 0.4 miles reaches a second junction; keep right to begin the final climb to Upper Sand Creek Lake. After enjoying the alpine scenery, retrace the route back over Music Pass to the trailhead.