Hike Montville Nature Trail or Mosca Pass Trail

These two trails offer the quickest escape from the surreal sand sea into actual forest — a transition that feels almost disorienting. The Montville Nature Trail is a short, wheelchair-accessible loop through pinon and ponderosa pine, with interpretive signs that explain the surprising ecology hiding just uphill from all that sand. If you want more, Mosca Pass Trail continues deeper into the Sangre de Cristo foothills, climbing through aspen groves and dense conifers along Mosca Creek. The forest canopy provides welcome shade after the exposed dunefield, and the soundtrack shifts from wind-on-sand to birdsong and running water. In autumn, the aspen corridor turns electric gold — one of the most underrated fall color walks in southern Colorado. This pairing is perfect for families, anyone needing a break from the dunes' relentless sun, or hikers who want to see the park's other personality.