Medano Lake Trail

Route Description for Medano Lake Trail

Hiking the Lake Medano Trail is an incredible experience. This trail travels high into the Sangre de Cristo summits, a welcome diversion from the National Parks typical sand dune expeditions. It is important to be acclimatized to the area’s altitude before your trek when travelling into high elevations. Additionally, we recommend heading out at dawn to reach the lake’s shore before noon, mitigating the chances of getting caught in an afternoon storm! We also suggest wearing layers as the conditions will likely be cooler along the exposed shores of the lake. Finally, keep in mind that the Great Sand Dunes National Park charges a $25USD entrance fee for 1-6 passenger vehicles, granting access to all the trails and attractions within the park.

Your exciting adventure along the Lake Medano Trail begins atop Medano Pass's trailhead. From here, head southwest along the Medano Pass Primitive Road. Shortly after you depart from the trailhead, you’ll confront an intersection, stay right here, and you will be diverted onto the Medano Lake Trail. Setting out from the junction, the path will track northwest through the forested valley of Medano Creek.

Enjoy the shade of the lush pines and aspens as you wander along the babbling waters of the alpine creek. Eventually, the route will open to an exposed basin where Medano Lake sits. From the shores of the charming alpine lake, you will be astounded by the grandeur of the sheer cliffs of Mount Herard that surround you. Revel in the incredible alpine scenery, and when you are ready, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.