Hayden Pass (10,709′), Sangre de Cristo Range
Hayden Pass road crosses the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Villa Grove in the west, and Coaldale to the east. The road is most challenging and scenic when started from Villa Grove, on the southwest side. With grades up to 20%, great views of the San Luis valley below can be seen.
This is one of only two vehicle passes over the Sangre de Cristo range. The other vehicle pass being Medano Pass, on the southern tip of the range. This pass travels through the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Trail Stats
- Trail: Forest Road 6 Coaldale to the east or Villa Grove on the west
- One-Way: 16 miles / 26 km
- Elevation: 7,986′ – 10,709′ / 2,434 m – 3,264 m
- County: Saguache
- Agency: U.S. Forest Service
- Nat’l Forest: San Isabel
Trail Pictures
The road is narrow but better than the west side
The road is narrow but better than the west side
Heading down the eastern side of the pass
Heading down the eastern side of the pass
Hayden Pass 10,709′
Hayden Pass 10,709′
The trail entered thick forests as it climbed to the pass
The trail entered thick forests as it climbed to the pass
View north
View north
The road conditions deteriorated at this point and required 4×4
The road conditions deteriorated at this point and required 4×4
View back west of the road
View back west of the road
View of the San Luis Valley
View of the San Luis Valley
The road is rocky but fairly easy at this point
The road is rocky but fairly easy at this point
The Sangre de Cristo Range stretching south
The Sangre de Cristo Range stretching south
Looking back west shortly after the trail starts climbing
Looking back west shortly after the trail starts climbing
Hayden Pass Road near Villa Grove on the west side
Hayden Pass Road near Villa Grove on the west side
The scar from the Hayden fire on the east side
The scar from the Hayden fire on the east side
The mountain drops away providing great views
The mountain drops away providing great views
A patch of snow over the road created a barrier
A patch of snow over the road created a barrier
Thanks to local Matthew Celommi, who was riding his dirt bike, and offered to help
Thanks to local Matthew Celommi, who was riding his dirt bike, and offered to help
In serious jeopardy of having the driver side back wheel slide into the ravine. Time to winch.
In serious jeopardy of having the driver side back wheel slide into the ravine. Time to winch.
GPS Route with Elevation
Video Tour
Route Directions
Start by accessing Hayden Pass RD (FR 6) from Coaldale on the east side of the Sangre de Cristo mountains or from Villa Grove on the west side.
The pass is more difficult if started on the west side (Villa Grove) because you are climbing on a very rocky trail.
Hayden Pass summit is a large flat area after a continuous climb. The views from the road here are blocked by thick forest.
The road on the east side of the pass is better maintained and not as rocky.
Trailhead Directions