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A flat trail paralleling Medano Creek from the parking lot to the Campground connector trail.


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Map Key

0.6

Miles

0.9

KM

100%

Runnable

8,143' 2,482 m

High

8,063' 2,458 m

Low

80' 24 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

5%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Runner Notes

Be ready for soft, sandy footing. This is the only "challenge" you will face on this otherwise easy trail.

Description

This short trail is a great way to run along the base of the dunes without having to get your feet wet in Medano Creek. While the soil is still sandy, you are traversing along what is equivalent to the "bank"of the river and will be heading through stands of narrow-leaf cottonwoods and other sand sheet vegetation.

From this trail, there are a variety of access points to head out on the dunes and run along the creek or start running up the dunes themselves. Or if you would prefer to stay on firmer ground, you can connect to the Dunes Access from Campground Trail and climb back up to the foothills for a longer run.

Flora & Fauna

Mostly grasses, shrubs, and cacti such as rabbitbrush, prickly pear, and yucca. Depending on the time of year, you may see Prairie sunflowers which are common in late summer in the park's grasslands, and also grow on the dunes themselves.

Elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, rabbits, coyotes, kangaroo rats, bullsnakes, short-horned lizards, and a variety of birds such as hawks and vesper sparrows.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  2.5 from 2 votes

#44426

Overall
  2.5 from 2 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
50%
2 Star
50%
1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#3,237

in Colorado

#44,426

Overall
2 Views Last Month
112 Since Sep 29, 2015
Easy Easy

100%
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Photos

Beautiful flowers in the dunes.
Jan 9, 2016 near Crestone, CO
Super Maya jumping for joy at the Sand Dunes
Sep 29, 2015 near Crestone, CO
Colorado Great Sand Dunes NP
Apr 1, 2020 near Crestone, CO
A short cut out to the dunes.
Feb 17, 2016 near Crestone, CO
yellow sage
Apr 1, 2020 near Crestone, CO
Look for People on Dunes!
Apr 1, 2020 near Crestone, CO

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