OverlandTrax
Contributor
Just released a Medano Pass trip report and for looking for feedback from the community. Please leave comments and/or corrections on YouTube. Cheers!
It depends on weather and time of year, it constantly changes and isn't as predictable as a beach. That seemingly good surface could become a fine sand box if it doesn't rain for several weeks. OTOH unconsolidated powder can flush and firm up when the late summer storms start back up. My memory is that before it was a National Park and traffic increased it could get pretty soft. All that sand in the dunes is telltale for the possibility anyway. I also suspect that now more people attempt it in vehicles not suited, so even a little bit of sand in an AWD car with street tires could lead to a headache.Thank you another_mike! Totally agree about the sand, all the warning signs make you question how difficult it will be and then nothing...
Wasnt comparing it to beach sand, Ive actually never driven on beach sand... Its our inland sand is bad, we call it sugar sand for how fine it is. I can usually leave my motorcycle upright without a kickstand.It depends on weather and time of year, it constantly changes and isn't as predictable as a beach. That seemingly good surface could become a fine sand box if it doesn't rain for several weeks. OTOH unconsolidated powder can flush and firm up when the late summer storms start back up. My memory is that before it was a National Park and traffic increased it could get pretty soft. All that sand in the dunes is telltale for the possibility anyway. I also suspect that now more people attempt it in vehicles not suited, so even a little bit of sand in an AWD car with street tires could lead to a headache.
Powdered sugar is a great description! That's what the Kokopelli looked like this summer, about 6 inches of fine sugar. Not too bad to drive on since there's rock under but it would just sink and stop you on a bike. It just got churned and looser all summer. We went about 2 months without any rain.Wasnt comparing it to beach sand, Ive actually never driven on beach sand... Its our inland sand is bad, we call it sugar sand for how fine it is. I can usually leave my motorcycle upright without a kickstand.