Alamosa County Colorado Hiking Trails
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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
The 4.0 mile long Medano Lake Trail has an elevation gain of 1,900'. The
trail is moderately easy for first three miles; then very steep and rough.
The trail begins at 9600’ ½ mile west of Medano Pass in a stand of spruce
and fir trees, then rises as it follows Medano Creek to Medano Lake. Access
the trailhead from the Medano Primitive Road (4WD required), which begins
near the entrance to Pinyon Flats Campground or from the east via Highway 69
and USFS road #559.
Available for hiking and
horseback riding, Medano Lake 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; snow may block the
trail through June.
Directions:
Great Sand Dunes National Monument is located 35 miles northeast of
Alamosa, Colorado, reached by US Highway 160 and Colorado Highway 150 from
the south. or from Colorado Highway 17 and County Six Mile Lane from the
west.
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