Star Dune Trail
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Table of contents
Hiking the Star Dune Trail is an other-worldly experience. Adventure through the Great Sand Dunes National Park up to one of the highest sand dunes in North America. If you don’t mind doing some off-roading, then you will love the Star Dune Trail.
Route Description for Star Dune Trail
Immerse yourself in the sandy terrain along the Star Dune Trail. This epic adventure exhibits the beauty and diversity of Colorado’s topographies as you wander through the dune field that runs parallel to the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. Note climbing through the dunes presents inherent challenges and dangers. Summit before noon to mitigate the chances of getting caught in an afternoon storm and the unbearably hot afternoons. Pack plenty of water and wear sun protection too! Though this is a popular hike, the wind gusts often erase the worn path, so we suggest using the trail GPS. Note that the National Park charges an entrance fee of $25USD for 1-6 passenger vehicles.
Setting out from the High Dune Trailhead, head southwest along Medano Creek. Notice those enjoying the refreshing alpine waters as you wander along the base of the sandhills. Soon, you will be diverted north up the wind-sculpted ridges of the dunes. Climbing up the soft terrain is taxing, but we find taking big steps helps! Eventually, you will reach the summit of Star Dune, in the inferior dune field.
From atop the dune, the enormity of the sandhills becomes explicit. Revel in the surreal terrain that sits in the foreground of the snow-capped Colorado Rockies. After admiring the panoramas, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.
Getting to the Star Dune Trail Trailhead
The Star Dune Trail departs from the High Dune Trailhead off Highway 150.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Dispersed Backcountry Camping. Note a permit is required from the Visitors Center.
When to do:
Year-round
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Poor
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Star Dune Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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