Medano Pass 11-3-12
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smallfry
New member
Blanca Peak, on the 1-10 scale this one rates somewhere between a 7 and 8.
I wussed out on this one and rode along up to the first obstacle known as Jaws 1
Jaw 1, to the left theres a narrow area where you can go around the large rock slab in the middle. Take the wrong line however and down the side of the mountain you go. On the other side of the rock slab theres a good 2'-3' drop and to take the upper right hand side would put you in a off camber stituation.
Needless, to say we didn't try it since it was getting dark and no other vehicles where around to assist.
After this we parted ways both us headed back into the park to take the pass back over. I lagged behind and tried a few night shots.
I wussed out on this one and rode along up to the first obstacle known as Jaws 1
Jaw 1, to the left theres a narrow area where you can go around the large rock slab in the middle. Take the wrong line however and down the side of the mountain you go. On the other side of the rock slab theres a good 2'-3' drop and to take the upper right hand side would put you in a off camber stituation.
Needless, to say we didn't try it since it was getting dark and no other vehicles where around to assist.
After this we parted ways both us headed back into the park to take the pass back over. I lagged behind and tried a few night shots.
BigFishAllDay
New member
Very cool trip, Smallfry. Thanks for sharing the pics. That's around my neck of the woods... my family has a cabin on the other side of the San Luis valley up in the San Juans.
My Wife and I checked out Medano Pass & the Dunes last year, early in the season. That deeper water crossing right before you get to the dunes was DEEP and I didn't try it. The water was about 1.5 feet higher than it was in your pics and muddy so you couldn't see the bottom or judge depth.
Next time you're out that way, check out Zapata Falls. It's a short hike, but a cool sight to see.
My Wife and I checked out Medano Pass & the Dunes last year, early in the season. That deeper water crossing right before you get to the dunes was DEEP and I didn't try it. The water was about 1.5 feet higher than it was in your pics and muddy so you couldn't see the bottom or judge depth.
Next time you're out that way, check out Zapata Falls. It's a short hike, but a cool sight to see.
smallfry
New member
I saw the sign for the Falls and it's on the list to check out.
Did you do the hike up to Medano Lake when you guys where there?
BigFishAllDay
New member
No, we didn't make the hike to the lake. In fact we didn't even get close to the pass. We came in from the Dunes side and got stopped @ the deep water crossing, which as you know, is not very far up the trail from the Dunes.
Also, @ the time, there were signs indicating the pass was closed due to washouts from the fire they had up there a few years back.
Also, @ the time, there were signs indicating the pass was closed due to washouts from the fire they had up there a few years back.
T4rman
New member
Great photo :thumb3:
BURNINGAIR
New member
I do that run every year! Both trails. Blanca can be a little hairy but its not bad.. Jaws 1 is what seems to scare most people off but if you run up the top side then crank hard left and teeter-totter over the rock its easy.. However VERY scarrÿ! The rest is a sinch and the payoff at the top is awsome.
Medano is always a nice relaxed drive... Next time you go I highly suggest a natural hotspring place near Hartsel, cant remember the name but you'll see the sings. Also if you can just temper your panic and get over jaws 1, you'll love it! I don't think I'll ever try the left side.. Its just too loose and a LONG way down if you screw up.
Medano is always a nice relaxed drive... Next time you go I highly suggest a natural hotspring place near Hartsel, cant remember the name but you'll see the sings. Also if you can just temper your panic and get over jaws 1, you'll love it! I don't think I'll ever try the left side.. Its just too loose and a LONG way down if you screw up.
