Near Music Pass Trail
Music Pass looking west
Near Music Pass Trail
Music Pass looking north
Near Music Pass Trail
On top of Music Pass looking down on Sand Creek basin.
Near Music Pass Trail
Big Horn in the Valley, June 2014.
Near Music Pass Trail
Mushrooms along the trail to Music Pass.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Music Pass Trail

3.7 (6 Ratings)
This trail has amazing views of the Sand Creek watershed from its summit.
2.1
mi
Distance
854
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
ViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.08mi
Distance
854ft
Elevation Gain
569ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
11,420ft
High Point
10,597ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Be warned that the Music Pass Road to this trailhead is a decently challenging 4x4 road. I got my Volvo XC90 up it, but not without a couple of nervous moments! From the trailhead, you'll climb through the woods for about half a mile before emerging into a more exposed area on the way to the summit of Music Pass. At the top of the pass, take a few moments and head to the West, through the trees, and climb up the small hill that overlooks the Sand Creek valley to the West. Spectacular views all around. The descent into the Sand Creek basin is relatively steep, with some loose footing. Once you make it to the trail junction at the base of the hill, make a right if you want to go up to Upper Sand Creek Lake, or the Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail. You can also go straight downhill if you want to head to the Sand Ramp Trail. Or stop to fish Sand Creek itself, which has outstanding fly fishing for hybrid cutthroat trout.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Great trail to Great Lakes! Beautiful views all around. I took a stock Subaru crosstrek from grape creek trail almost all the way to music pass trailhead. If you’re confident, you can do it. Lots of pull outs if you run out of confidence! View from music pass to the west was beautiful, lake was calm and serene. Only saw 8 total people in the 2 days we were there.
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Music Pass Trail to Upper Sand Creek Lake

Hike Route

Music Pass Trail to Upper Sand Creek Lake

Fall Colors
strenuous
7.87 mi
+1,965 ft
Humboldt Peak

Hike Route

Humboldt Peak

Birding
strenuous
11.03 mi
+4,324 ft
Humbolt Peak: West Ridge

Hike Route

Humbolt Peak: West Ridge

Dogs Allowed
extreme
16.21 mi
+5,524 ft
North Crestone Trail

Hike Route

North Crestone Trail

Lake
extreme
11.21 mi
+3,526 ft
Kit Carson and Challenger

Hike Route

Kit Carson and Challenger

Fall Colors
strenuous
13.04 mi
+6,658 ft
Venable - Comanche Loop

Hike Route

Venable - Comanche Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
11.51 mi
+4,017 ft
Contributors
Andrew Todd