Medano Lake Trailhead - Trail # 887

The road to the trail is very difficult and should only be attempted by four wheel drive vehicles or hiking. You must access the area through the Great Sand Dunes National Park and obtain a permit at the visitor center, call 719-378-6399 for details.

Medano Lake Trail begins just below Medano Pass. Starting in a stand of spruce-fir, the trail rises moderately as it follows Medano Creek to Medano Lake. A short hike to the ridge above Medano Lake provides the visitor with magnificent views of the Sand Dunes.

Fishing is available in the creek and the lake. Dispersed camping is allowed in the area, camp at least 150 feet from any water, and practice Leave No Trace ethics. Trail is available for hiking and horse riding.

General Information

You must access the area through the Great Sand Dunes National Park and obtain a permit at the visitor center, call 719-378-6399 for details.

Getting There

Elevation

11500

Directions

From Alamosa travel east on Highway 160, 14 miles to State Highway 150, travel north about 18 miles to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, after obtaining your permit, proceed about 8 miles on the four wheel drive road to the trail head.

Alternately: from Alamosa travel 13 north on State Highway 17 to six mile lane, turn east and travel 16 miles to State Highway 150, travel north about 5.5 miles to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. after obtaining your permit, proceed about 8 miles on the four wheel drive road to the trail head.

Alternately: from Walsenburg, take State Highway 69 west, 36 miles to Forest Road 406, continue on FR 406, 9 miles to the trailhead.