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Natural Monuments

Dunes Trailhead, Great Sand Dunes National Park

Natural Monuments

Dunes Trailhead, Great Sand Dunes National Park

Highlight • Parking

Dunes Trailhead, Great Sand Dunes National Park

Name: Dunes Trailhead, Great Sand Dunes National Park
Rating: 2

Recommended by 29 hikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Great Sand Dunes National Park

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Location: Alamosa County, Colorado, United States

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Best Hikes to Dunes Trailhead, Great Sand Dunes National Park

5.0

(3)

hikers

1. Wellington Ditch and Overlook Trails – Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

8.52km

02:21

150m

140m

Mountain foothills trail with desert plants leading to panoramic overlook of Colorado's towering sand dunes.

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Moderate

5.0

(1)

hikers

2. Medano Creek – High Dune loop from Hooper

4.02km

01:14

130m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

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3. Medano Creek loop from Hooper

3.37km

01:00

90m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Tips

Caro "Bandit"

October 23, 2023

The large parking lot is the starting point into the massiv dune field of Great Sand Dunes National Park. There are showers (to rinse off the sand), restrooms and information boards that you can visit before you enter the sandy area at the base of the majestic Sangre de Christo Mountains.

A popular hike from here is to summit the High Dune which is one of the tallest sand dunes in North America. Be prepared for different weather conditions as it may be very hot in the summer months with absolutely no shade and the sand reflecting the heat. Strong winds are also possible, so bring appropriate clothing or gear to cover your face and skin. On your hike towards the dunes, you will cross Medano Creek which is a flowing river until early summer and a vast flat space during the rest of the year.

If you want to spend more time in the dune field, you can obtain a backcountry permit and stay overnight in the sandy wilderness: recreation.gov/permits/4675316.

Vincent Reboul

May 2, 2022

The great Sand Dune National Park & preserve is a unique natural site in Colorado, that offers a lot of landscape variety.

The biodiversity is very rich due to different ecosystems within the Park. There are gigantic sandunes, prairies, mountains and a river. A real immersion in a unique wonderland.

It's an all season destination as well for nature lovers.

Uwe H.

September 7, 2023

A great experience hiking over the dunes.
I can now empathize a little with Kara Ben Nemsi, the hero of my childhood.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 2,460 m

Weather

Sunday 21 December

13°C

-4°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: -- km/h

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See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Alamosa County, Colorado, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Dunes Overlook

Mosca Pass Trail

Zapata Falls Trailhead

Medano Creek

Zapata Falls

Point of No Return trailhead

Overlook/Sand Ramp Trail

Buck Creek backcountry campsite

Dunes Overlook

Wellington Ditch Trail

Buck Creek Campsites

Sand Pit Picnic Area

Dunes Trailhead, Great Sand Dunes National Park

1. Wellington Ditch and Overlook Trails – Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

2. Medano Creek – High Dune loop from Hooper

3. Medano Creek loop from Hooper

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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