Traveling through the rugged and scenic Medano Pass in Colorado is no small feat, especially when towing a trailer. This remote, high-clearance 4x4 trail offers stunning views, challenging switchbacks, and steep climbs, demanding a capable rig. The SasquatchXC Highland 60 trailer proves itself as the perfect companion for such an adventure.
The Ultimate Adventure Trailer
The Highland 60 by SasquatchXC isn’t just a trailer; it’s your ticket to adventure. Built for the most demanding explorers, this rugged off-road trailer excels in tough terrains and remote destinations like Medano Pass. The newly released REDARC Premium Electronics Build Package, finished in striking Lizard Skin, enhances the Highland 60 with features that make off-grid living a breeze. From the onboard air compressor to the dual-zone fridge, every detail is designed to keep you comfortable no matter where the trail leads.
Powering Your Adventure
One of the most impressive aspects of the Highland 60 is its advanced electrical system, designed to keep you off-grid longer. Power is managed by the REDARC TVMS Rogue Redvision System system, optimizing the distribution between solar panels, batteries, and the tow vehicle.
The trailer is equipped with two 120W portable solar panels stored below the roof rack for use at camp, with 20-foot extension leads allowing flexible placement for maximum sun exposure. A 200W rooftop-mounted panel provides continuous charging, even while on the move. The system feeds into four REDARC Alpha 150 batteries, ensuring a reliable power supply throughout the journey.
For appliances, the trailer features a 2000W REDARC inverter, providing ample power for the onboard Zero Breeze AC, Solaire grill, and ICECO fridge. Two RedVision displays—one in the kitchen and one in the cabin—offer easy monitoring and control of all the trailer's electrical systems. The addition of an Anderson plug allows for full 30A charging from the tow vehicle, ensuring the batteries stay topped up while driving. An extra molle panel in the electronics bay offers additional storage for essentials like flashlights and first aid kits.
Tackling the Medano Pass
Medano Pass, a 22-mile stretch linking Colorado State Highway 69 with the stunning Great Sand Dunes National Park, offers a true off-road adventure. This 4WD-only road is essential due to soft, sandy sections impassable for standard vehicles. The pass typically opens from mid-to-late May through late November, depending on weather, which can change rapidly in this mountainous region.
Medano Pass delivers more than just a challenging drive; it offers breathtaking scenery and a sense of solitude as you ascend through dense forests and alpine meadows. The journey is not for the faint-hearted, with tight switchbacks, steep inclines, and ever-changing terrain. Towed by a stock Jeep Gladiator Rubicon outfitted with a Tow-Pro Trail Electric Brake Controller, the Highland 60 trailer proved its mettle on this trail. Despite a few instances where the Rubicon bottomed out, the Highland 60’s impressive 22-inch ground clearance allowed it to glide over obstacles unscathed.
Navigating the sandy portions of the trail required reducing tire pressure in both the Jeep and the trailer, a necessary step to avoid getting stuck. Thankfully, the onboard ARB air compressor made it easy to refill the tires once past these challenging sections.
The entire journey through Medano Pass typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on conditions, but it’s time well spent in one of Southern Colorado’s most remote and beautiful areas. Along the way, travelers can expect to encounter creek crossings, wildlife sightings, and, of course, the towering dunes of the Great Sand Dunes National Park—the tallest in North America. This rugged route is a testament to the capabilities of both driver and vehicle, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of Colorado’s wild landscapes.
Built for the Wild
At the heart of the Highland 60’s capabilities is its in-house designed independent suspension system with coil-overs. This system, combined with the trailer's rugged build, allows it to tackle high-clearance 4x4 trails that would leave lesser trailers behind. In fact, the Highland 60 is often only limited by the capabilities of the tow vehicle itself.
Whether you’re navigating the tight switchbacks of Medano Pass, exploring the backroads of Nevada, or camping under the stars in Moab, the SasquatchXC Highland 60 trailer with the Pro-Premiere Build Package is the ultimate companion for those who crave adventure without compromise.
