I'm tentatively planning a roadtrip up through New Mexico and Colorado, and one of our stops might be Great Sand Dunes Nat'l Park in NM. On their web site they describe some of the trails/camping spots as accessible only by high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Here's a link:

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve - Medano Pass Primitive Road (U.S. National Park Service)

My Discovery is bone stock -- is it high-enough to be considered "high clearance", or is that title only for you guys with the OME upgrades? Also, from the description on the site is this a good place to get started learning about driving off-road, or am I at risk of getting stuck? I'll have my family with me...

Sigh, I know, I know... I need to take my truck off-road more... but that's why I'm asking this question

Thanks,
RedAustinIX (Ed)

 

Based on the description and my own experiences, I would think a stock Disco would do just fine.

 

I think you will be fine. But, be prepared with shovels, some kind of recovery tracks like the maxtrack and maybe a comealong to hand crank out. I have been amazed how well our 03 has done on really rough stuff , the kind of trails that still hang the rear bumper with the suspension aired and the front wheel off the ground. Remember to air down some for sand. So bring some kind of 12v compressor .

 

You'll be fine.
They just dont want people in Subaru's and and other "4x4's" trying to go up there.
Buy yourself a Hi-Lift jack and a recovery strap and learn how to use them.
There are lots of videos on youtube on how to use those things.
Bill Burke has a youtube channel, watch it.

 

You'll be more than fine. Most of the time even the Subaru's could make it up those "high cleaarance" roads....Bill Burke is the master

 

Air down to 18 front 20 rear and you can travel through nearly any kind of sand you are likely to encounter. No need for 4 low, or even CDL. I've driven to the tops of 100ft tall dunes and through moon dust, with no issues.

If you get stuck, air down to 15, dig out the tires and place carpet or whatever you can find under the tires.