Music Pass Trail

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There is limited natural water along this route, so plan on filling up in Sand Creek.

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.

Not much wildlife on the Westcliffe side, but on the Sand Creek side, you may see bighorn sheep, deer, elk, and even bear (late in the season). Sand Creek is loaded with hybrid cutthroat trout, so bring your fly rod!