Suggested Ways to Plan Your Time
2-3 Hours
• Explore the dunefeld from the main Dunes Parking Area, splash in Medano Creek (seasonal during spring), or sand sled/sandboard
• Hike to High Dune on First Ridge for a view of the entire dunefeld
• Hike Montville Nature Trail for shade, a small creek, and history of the town of Montville
• Drive your high-clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle on Medano Pass Primitive Road (seasonal during summer and fall)
3-5 Hours, you can also...
• Explore the east side of the dunefeld, starting from Point of No Return, Sand Pit, or Castle Creek Picnic Areas
• Hike to Zapata Falls, south of the national park, for a refreshing waterfall and higher view of the dunes and San Luis Valley
• Hike Star Dune, one of the tallest dunes in North America (5 hours round trip)
• Watch the sunset and stay into the evening to watch the moonrise or frst stars and planets appear
If you have more time:
• Attend a free daytime or evening ranger program
• Walk in the dunes after dark to experience the night
• Hike Mosca Pass to view wildfowers and listen to songbirds
• Hike Hidden Dune, the tallest dune in North America (5-6 hours round trip)
• Hike to a high-elevation lake, accessible from Music Pass Trailhead or Medano Lake Trailhead
