Overview
Medano Peak rises above Medano Lake, near Medano Pass and the Great Sand Dunes. It pairs naturally with Mount Herard, the only other 13er here.
A pleasant trail with good wildlife viewing leads 3.5 miles to the lake. From just below the outlet you climb a steep, flowery grass slope to the east ridge, then tundra and embedded rock to the top. It is Class 2.
The round trip is about 9 miles with 3,470 feet of gain. Adding Herard makes it about 11.1 miles and 4,320 feet.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be on the east ridge by 11 a.m.
The steep grass slope.
Moderate. The trail was rerouted and differs from most maps; watch for the creek crossings.
Medano Creek and the lake. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
Medano Lake
From Westcliffe, drive about 24.7 miles south on Colorado 69 (or about 9.4 miles northwest from Gardner) to the signed Medano Pass road, County Road 559, on the west side.
Head west past private Creager Reservoir. About 7.2 miles in, where several roads branch off (including Forest Road 412), stay left on Forest Road 559 for about 1.8 miles to Medano Pass. The last two miles need 4WD: steep in places, with berms and sharp switchbacks. There are camp spots near the junction and at the wooded pass.
Continue southwest through the park boundary gate for 0.6 mile, then turn right at a small sign to the trailhead, in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. There are a few campsites with fire rings and bear boxes but no facilities. The road on west to the park visitor center has sand and many creek crossings; check with the park before driving it.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Medano Lake. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →