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Group Sites: Colorado > Great Sand Dunes National Park

Quick Facts

Pinyon Flats Trail

Difficulty:	Easy
Elevation:	8,200 Feet (2556.1 Meters)
Length, One-way:	.75 Miles (1.25 Kilometers)
Usage:	Moderate
USGS Maps:	Zapata Ranch, Liberty

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

Pinyon Flats Trail leaving from Main Dunes Parking Area - 10.98

The trail is on the right side of the Dunes Parking Area and heads north. If you go west, toward the dunes when you reach the junction, you will encounter Medano Creek. If going to the campground, you will cross Medano Pass Primitive Road just before you reach Loop 1.

From the campground, head west from Loop 1. When two trails junction, take the left one and head south. It is about 1/2 mile to the Dunes Parking Area.

Directions from Visitor Center: Park in the Dunes or Amphitheater parking area.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: Year-round (NOTE: Visitor Center open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Summer months; varying hours in the Winter.) .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Backpacking	Eight backcountry sites in the Monument; free permit from Visitor Center required.	No
	Family Camping	Pinyon Flats Campground	No
	Fishing	Medano Creek; Rio Grande National Forest	No
	Four-Wheel Driving	Medano Pass Primitive Road	No
	Group Camping	Pinyon Flats Campground	No
	Group Picnicking	South Ramada (reservations required) and North Ramada	No
	Guided Touring	Concessionaire conducts tours on Medano Pass Primitive Road in the summer.	No
	Hiking & Walking	Numerous other trails in the area as well	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Park at Amphitheater, Montville or Point of No Return; stay out of main public use areas	Yes
	Animal Identification	Look for tracks in the sand, especially in early morning.	Yes
	Firewood Gathering	Not permitted in the Monument; purchase from concessionaire in summer and from Visitor Center in winter.	No
	Viewing Interpretive Signs	Picture Point Trail, Montville Nature Trail	No
	Lodging	Alamosa, Monte Vista and Ft. Garland	No
	Mountain Biking	Only on Medano Pass Primitive Road; some difficult sandy stretches	No
	Mountain Climbing	Blanca Peak, Little Bear and the Crestones	No
	ATV Riding	Only on Medano Pass Primitive Road, if vehicle and driver are licensed.	No
	Motorcycle Riding	Only on Medano Pass Primitive Road, if vehicle and driver are licensed.	No
	General Information	Visitor Center	No
	Picnicking	Next to Dunes Parking Area, Sand Pit and Castle Creek sites	No
	Downhill Skiing	Trying skiing the dunes, even in summer.	No
	Attending Talks & Programs	Summer programs at amphitheater; programs in Visitor Center year-round	No

Related Activities

Amphitheater and Parking Area - The amphitheater is on the right, just before Piñon Flats Campground. Nightly campfire programs are offered from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A wheelchair platform is located in the center of the seating area.

Dunes Picnic Ground - The picnic area is located right next to the Dunes Parking Area which is at the edge of the dunes. Tables, grills (charcoal fires only please), water and restrooms are provided.

Great Sand Dunes National Monument Visitor Center - Before venturing out to the dunes, stop by the Visitor Center. Here you can pick up information on the dunes and other park features. The center is opened daily, except on federal holidays in the winter.

Little Medano Creek Trail - Meander through a variety of terrain when you head north from the campground. Travel through escape dunes until the trail crosses Medano Creek. The trail ends at an overlook just beyond Little Medano Creek.

Main Dune Mass Trail - A climb to the top of the tallest dune (not quite 750 feet from the base) takes about one hour. From the top you may gaze upon miles of picturesque topography.

Main Dunes Parking Area - This is the main parking area for the Great Sand Dunes and it is located only a few yards from the dunes. A picnic area for families and groups is located here and restrooms and water are available.

North Ramada Group Picnic Ground - Reservations are not required at this picnic area and the site can between 50-70 people. Busses should park in the main Dunes parking area. Groups can then walk to the site.

Pinyon Flats Campground - Piñon Flats Campground is open all year on a first-come, first serve basis. Each site has a picnic table and fire grate. Facilities include water fountains and spigots as well as restrooms with sinks and toilets.

Pinyon Flats Group Site - Some group sites are available in Piñon Flats Campground. It is extremely popular and reservations are required. Since these sites are in such high demand, call the Visitor Center any time after January 2nd.

South Ramada Group Picnic Ground - Reservations are required at this picnic area; they can be made by calling the Visitor Center. The site can between 50-70 people. Busses should park in the main Dunes parking area.