Medano Creek - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting
Lake/ River/ Ponds
Things to know
About Medano Creek
Medano Creek is often referred to as Colorado’s Natural beach, as it forms at the foot of the Great Sand Dunes and creates an incredibly fun venue for visitors to splash around, picnic, and sometimes even float down in rafts. Since the river is fed by the surrounding mountain's snowpack, the best time to enjoy the river is typically spring and early summer.
Activities Around
Attractions Near Medano Creek
High Dune
5.24km from Medano Creek
The high dune on the first ridge is neither the highest in elevation nor the tallest in the park, but it looks that way from the main parking lot. Discover this 4.8-km out-and-back trail near Gardner, Colorado. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 26 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
5.6km from Medano Creek
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is an American national park that conserves an area of large sand dunes up to 750 feet. Its sandbox of epic proportions, the entire dune field encompasses 30 square miles and the tallest dune towers 750 feet high. Aside from the dunes, you'll find picnicking, hiking and camping opportunities, the challenging four-wheel scenic drive on Medano Pass, horseback-riding trails, the mysteriously appearing and disappearing Medano Creek.
Piñon Flats Campground
6.87km from Medano Creek
Pinon Flats Campground is located in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in southern Colorado. The huge dunes are the tallest in North America and comprise about 11 percent of an enormous sand deposit that covers more than 330 square miles. The park is perfect for kids, who love exploring the dunefield on foot or by sled. Medano Creek, at the base of the dunes, is a popular place in the summertime.
Zapata Ranch
6.95km from Medano Creek
Zapata Ranch is an authentic working cattle and bison guest ranch owned by The Nature Conservancy, covering more than 100,000 acres and bordering the Great Sand Dunes National Park. With nearly 2,000 head of free-roaming bison, the ranch specializes in multiple night stays where visitors become immersed in the Colorado ranching experience.
Mosca Creek
7.25km from Medano Creek
This is a popular seasonal stream enjoyed by all ages. it is one of the iconic attraction in this area and also there are so many things to see and do here.
Sand Ramp Trail
7.31km from Medano Creek
Explore this 10.8-km out-and-back trail near Gardner, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 37 min to complete. This trail is great for camping, hiking, and trail running.
Discover More Attractions in Alamosa County, Home of Medano Creek
Alamosa County
23 attractions
Alamosa County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. it is the commercial and tourism hub of Colorado’s San Luis Valley, nestled between mountains and deserts. Experience some of the state’s most beautiful wilderness from this bustling city.
Location of Medano Creek
Comments
For more information about Medano Creek, visit: https://www.alamosa.org/great-sand-dunes-national-park/medano-creek