State: Colorado
Location: Great Sand Dunes National Monument
Length, One-Way: 4 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 9600 feet
Maximum Elevation: 11500 feet
Elevation Change: 1900 feet
Best Season: Summer
Difficulty: Most Difficult
Usage: Moderate
Trail Information
The trail to Medano Lake begins at 9600 feet and 0.5 miles west of Medano Pass in a stand of spruce and fir trees. The trail then climbs fairly gently as it follows Medano Creek to Medano Lake. This popular trail gradually rises through the forest with few views until you reach Medano Lake. The dunes can be seen by hiking to the ridge lines above the lake.
Summer and early fall are usually the best times for hiking at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. And snow may block the trail through June.
Directions
Access the trailhead from the Medano Primitive Road (four-wheel drive required), which begins near the entrance to Pinyon Flats Campground, or from the east via Highway 69 and Forest Road 559.
