--- title: "Sangre de Cristo Mountains EV Trip Pack — EV Backroads" description: "Choose from eight routes in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Start on an easy pass. Add loose climbs, sand, water, and technical rock in separate stages." canonical_url: "https://www.evbackroads.com/adventures/old-red-river-pass-mountain-practice" last_updated: "2026-08-09" --- ![Old Red River Pass in New Mexico](/media/photos-ai/45-old-red-river-pass.webp?v=20260808) ![Sangre de Cristo Mountains route collection](/media/map/adventure-regions/sangre-de-cristo.svg) ADVENTURE ROUTE COLLECTION · NEW MEXICO + COLORADO # Sangre de Cristo: High-Country Progression Choose from eight routes in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Start on an easy pass. Add loose climbs, sand, water, and technical rock in separate stages. QUICK READ Route stages 8 Plan length 6–10 days High point 12,185 ft Typical season Check each route Base area 36.6857, -105.3792 Save trip pack offline Print trip plan Mark plan ready SANGRE DE CRISTO COLLECTION 8 stages, in order - [01 La Veta Pass easy](#stage-1) - [02 Old Red River Pass moderate](#stage-2) - [03 Pioneer Creek moderate](#stage-3) - [04 Greenie Peak moderate](#stage-4) - [05 Medano Pass moderate](#stage-5) - [06 Goose Lake difficult](#stage-6) - [07 4th of July Canyon difficult](#stage-7) - [08 Blanca Peak expert](#stage-8) WHY IT FITS ## Why this progression can fit your trip. The Red River routes form a local practice set. La Veta and Medano add longer Colorado drives. Blanca Peak is the expert final stage. WHAT CAN CHANGE THE ANSWER The routes are in separate parts of the mountain range. Snow, runoff, sand, closures, and rockfall can change the plan. Do not treat the stages as one connected trail. ROUTE PROGRESSION ## Add one skill at a time. Drive only the stages that fit your vehicle, experience, weather, and current access. A later stage is not a required finish. 01 easy ### La Veta Pass Route distance 5.4 mi Allow 2–3 hours Start on a short Colorado pass. Check tire pressure, braking, and energy use before the rougher routes. SKILL ADDED Build a simple high-country baseline. Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=37.58863&lng=-105.18973&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/colorado/trails/3482-la-veta-pass) ![Topographic route map for La Veta Pass](/media/adventures/regions/maps/la-veta-pass.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### La Veta Pass, from start to finish Climb +347 ft Descent −681 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. ![Old Red River Pass in New Mexico](/media/photos-ai/45-old-red-river-pass.webp?v=20260808) ROUTE VIEW · AI-ASSISTED EV PLACEHOLDER WHERE NOTED 02 moderate ### Old Red River Pass Route distance 3.2 mi Allow 2–3 hours Use this short New Mexico pass to practice loose climbs, switchbacks, and a deliberate turnaround. SKILL ADDED Add mountain line choice without a full alpine day. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=36.68570&lng=-105.37920&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/new-mexico/trails/1585-old-red-river-pass) ![Topographic route map for Old Red River Pass](/media/maps/45-old-red-river-pass.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Old Red River Pass, from start to finish Climb +73 ft Descent −1,094 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 03 moderate ### Pioneer Creek Route distance 3.2 mi Allow 2–3 hours Add a second Red River route with rougher ground. Walk loose climbs before you commit the vehicle. SKILL ADDED Add tire placement and traction judgment near the same base area. Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=36.69166&lng=-105.42313&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/new-mexico/trails/1589-pioneer-creek) ![Topographic route map for Pioneer Creek](/media/adventures/regions/maps/pioneer-creek.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Pioneer Creek, from start to finish Climb +1,451 ft Descent −35 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 04 moderate ### Greenie Peak Route distance 5.9 mi Allow Half day Climb higher above Red River. Watch the weather and keep enough energy for the full descent and return. SKILL ADDED Add elevation, exposure, and a longer climb. Access note: Source snapshot: Partially Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=36.74979&lng=-105.40825&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/new-mexico/trails/1587-greenie-peak) ![Topographic route map for Greenie Peak](/media/adventures/regions/maps/greenie-peak.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Greenie Peak, from start to finish Climb +2,363 ft Descent −135 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 05 moderate ### Medano Pass Route distance 20 mi Allow Full day Add sand, water crossings, and a long point-to-point drive. Check Great Sand Dunes access rules before you go. SKILL ADDED Add distance and changing surfaces without the final rock difficulty. Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=37.82988&lng=-105.44895&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/colorado/trails/371-medano-pass) ![Topographic route map for Medano Pass](/media/adventures/regions/maps/medano-pass.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Medano Pass, from start to finish Climb +2,359 ft Descent −1,802 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 06 difficult ### Goose Lake Route distance 7.4 mi Allow Half day Use Goose Lake only after the shorter routes feel controlled. Protect the road surface and turn back before wheelspin is necessary. SKILL ADDED Add larger rock, water, and a longer mountain climb. Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=36.67330&lng=-105.42656&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/new-mexico/trails/1588-goose-lake) ![Topographic route map for Goose Lake](/media/adventures/regions/maps/goose-lake.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Goose Lake, from start to finish Climb +3,038 ft Descent −106 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 07 difficult ### 4th of July Canyon Route distance 3.6 mi Allow Half day Add rough rock and a steeper Red River climb. Walk uncertain sections and stop before traction damages the trail. SKILL ADDED Add technical line choice before the expert final stage. Access note: Source snapshot: Seasonal Closure. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=36.66174&lng=-105.36230&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/new-mexico/trails/2593-4th-of-july-canyon) ![Topographic route map for 4th of July Canyon](/media/adventures/regions/maps/fourth-of-july-canyon.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### 4th of July Canyon, from start to finish Climb +966 ft Descent −322 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 08 expert ### Blanca Peak Route distance 8.3 mi Allow Full day Use this route only with a suitable vehicle, technical experience, and a complete recovery plan. Turn around before the terrain exceeds the plan. SKILL ADDED Combine high altitude, large rock, and serious consequence. Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=37.57000&lng=-105.53147&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/colorado/trails/224-blanca-peak) ![Topographic route map for Blanca Peak](/media/adventures/regions/maps/blanca-peak.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Blanca Peak, from start to finish Climb +4,527 ft Descent −0 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. ROUTE READINESS ## Do seven checks before you leave pavement. 01 ### surface Loose mountain road, shelf sections, rock, and steep descents 02 ### clearance Extra clearance and strong tires; later stages need technical clearance 03 ### remoteness Mountain towns are near, but recovery can be slow and costly 04 ### charging Verify the closest valley charger before each climb and plan every transfer 05 ### cell Coverage Download routes and closure notices before the pass 06 ### weather Avoid thunderstorms, active runoff, snow, and freeze-thaw damage 07 ### turnaround Turn around before the next section removes a safe reverse or exit BEFORE YOU GO ## Make these decisions while you have a signal. - Check the current pass report for every route - Acclimate before the highest stages - Set a no-argument weather and battery limit TURN AROUND WHEN ## Follow the limits that you set. - Water or loose rock is moving across the road - Wheelspin is needed to continue - Cloud or fatigue removes the safe margin CARRY ## Prepare for common problems. - Tire repair and recovery equipment - Warm layers, food, and water - Offline maps and satellite communication ![Topographic route plate for Sangre de Cristo: High-Country Progression](/media/maps/45-old-red-river-pass.webp) FEATURED ROUTE MAP Use the full trail path for orientation. Confirm current access with the land manager. OPEN THE LIVE MAP ## Check the drive home. See the route with open chargers and road-distance charging gaps. Planned stations do not change current coverage. [Build this trip plan](/plan?pack=old-red-river-pass-mountain-practice)[Open near this trail](/map?lat=36.68570&lng=-105.37920&z=9&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/new-mexico/trails/1585-old-red-river-pass)[Browse all adventure collections and trip packs](/adventures)[Share what changed after your trip](/guides/trail-commons?kind=trail&sourceAdventure=old-red-river-pass-mountain-practice) ## Sitemap See the full [EV Backroads sitemap](/sitemap.md) for every published page.