Copyright: Jamiebea Hall-Interactive Outdoors, Inc. The beginning of Medano Pass Primitive Road - 10.98

A turnaround area and small parking area, aptly named Point of No Return, is provided for two-wheel drive vehicles and wide vehicles. It is important to heed the implied warning of Point of No Return. Losing a vehicle is no fun.

From the top of Medano Pass, high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles can continue northeast into the San Isabel National Forest. Eventually the road joins Highway 69.

A park concessioner operates tours on the Medano Pass road from May through September; stop by the Visitor Center for more information.

Horseback riding is permitted in the Monument, but riding is not permitted in the main public use area (off the dunes parking lot). Medano Pass Primitive Road is a pleasant place to ride. Vehicles and trailers must be parked at the amphitheater parking lot. Please clean up after your horses in the parking lot. If camping in the adjacent National Forest and leaving a vehicle in the Monument, a free backcountry permit is required which is available in the Visitor Center.

Directions from Visitor Center: Travel north from the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center. At the entrance to Pinyon Flats Campground the four-wheel drive road continues north.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: Memorial Day Weekend through Mid-October .

Castle Creek Picnic Ground - This picnic site is located on Medano Pass Primitive Road where Castle Creek joins Medano Creek. Either drive a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle or park at The Point of No Return and walk.

Castle Creek Trail - At Castle Creek, the dunes rise abruptly from the creekbed. Dune slipfaces avalanche as they near angles greater than 34 degrees. Steep slipfaces are challenging to climb; stay on the ridges and slide down the faces.

Dunes Overlook - The Dunes Overlook is a short side trail off Little Medano Creek Trail. It is about 1/2 mile in length and gives visitors a magnificent view of the Main Dune Mass.

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.

Medano Lake Trail - Medano Lake Trail begins just below Medano Pass. Starting in stand of spruce-fir, the trail rises moderately as it follows Medano Creek to Medano Lake. Medano Creek and Medano Lake offer the visitor good fishing possibilities.

Medano Pass Road Four-Wheel Drive Road - Medano Pass Road makes a wonderful day trip for licensed, high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles. It can include a stop in the Great Sand Dunes National Monument.

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.

Point of No Return Parking Area - This is a turnaround area and small parking area, aptly named Point of No Return. It is provided for two-wheel drive, wide and/or long vehicles.

Sand Pit Picnic Ground - This is a nice place to come for a picnic, whether you drive your car to The Point of No Return and walk a half mile or walk from the campground.

Sawmill Canyon Campground - For a unique backcountry experience, Sawmill Canyon Campsite offers excellent scenery and solitude. Less then 1 mile north on Medano Pass Road, the two car parking area can accommodate up to four wheelchairs.