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.