20 Attractions to Explore Near Medano Lake

Mount Herard is the highest peak in Saguache County, Colorado. The mountain is part of the Sangre de Cristo Range, which runs along the eastern edge of the county. Mount Herard rises to an elevation of 12,966 feet. The peak is located in the San Isabel National Forest and is accessible via a number of hiking trails. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot bighorn sheep, elk, and other animals while hiking in the area.

Medano Pass is a high mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 12,933 feet. It is traversed by U.S. Highway 285 and State Highway 112. The pass provides the only year-round road access to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The pass is also popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts. In winter, the pass is used by cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. Medano Pass is one of the highest continuous paved roads in North America.

Medano Creek is a tributary of the Rio Grande that flows through Saguache County, Colorado. The creek is best known for its ephemeral nature, as it only flows during times of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. However, when it does flow, Medano Creek can become a raging torrent, capable of causing severe damage to property and infrastructure. In recent years, the creek has been the site of several flash floods, which have led to the evacuation of nearby residents and the closure of roads and bridges.

This trailhead provides access to Music Pass and the Sand Creek valley, including the two large alpine lakes, Upper Sand Creek Lake and Lower Sand Creek Lake. A great many peaks can be climbed from this trailhead, including Cleveland Peak, Tijeras Peak, Music Mountain, Milwaukee Peak, Marble Mountain, and Blueberry Peak.

Upper Sand Creek Lake is a small reservoir in Saguache County, Colorado. The lake is situated in a remote area of the San Luis Valley and is surrounded by mountains. The area is accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles or hiking. The lake is stocked with trout and is popular for fishing. There are also several camping sites in the area. Upper Sand Creek Lake is a beautiful and peaceful place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is an American national park that conserves an area of large sand dunes up to 750 feeton the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley. This park features North America's tallest dunes, rising over 750 feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This geologic wonderland, containing over 30 square miles of massive dunes, became a national monument in 1932. The park contains the tallest sand dunes in North America.

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.

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.

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.

Broken Hand is one of the first mountains to greet hikers and drivers on the South Colony Road. Its steep east face is a brilliant demonstration of the rock strata in the area.

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.

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.

South Colony Lakes are a set of scenic backcountry waters in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area of the San Isabel National Forest. The South Colony Lakes is located in Custer County, on the east side of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, north of Grand Sand Dunes National Park.The journey to the lakes is considered moderately difficult, with most visitors staying overnight in the backcountry.

Rainbow trail is located in Custer County, Colorado, United States. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 13 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

Mosca Pass, is a mountain pass in Alamosa and Huerfano counties in the Sangre de Cristo Range in southern Colorado. The pass lies on the eastern border of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve about 40 miles west of Walsenburg, Colorado. It starts near the Great Sand Dunes National Park visitor center and is impassable to vehicles, lies on the west side of the pass, and Forest Road 580 begins and heads east from the top of the pass.

Crestone Needle is a dramatic fourteener in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Standing at an elevation of 14,197 feet, it is one of the tallest peaks in the state. The Needle is known for its steep, exposed north face, which provides challenge and excitement for climbers of all levels. In addition to its height, Crestone Needle is also notable for its unique geology. It is composed of a type of metamorphic rock known as gneiss, which is found in only a few other places in the world.

Humboldt Peak is a high mountain summit of the Crestones in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 14,070-foot fourteener is located in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness of San Isabel National Forest. The standard route on the peak is a hike along a trail, with rock scrambling near the summit. The trail climbs the peak from the South Colony Lakes basin, accessed from the east side of the range.

Crestone Peak is the highest summit of the Crestones, a cluster of high peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Colorado. The peak is also the seventh-highest peak in the state and the twentieth-highest peak in the contiguous United States. Crestone Peak is notable for its dramatic relief, as it rises over 7,000 feet from the San Luis Valley floor in only 2 miles. Crestone Peak is a popular destination for mountaineers and hikers, and it is frequently climbed via its east face.

Columbia Point is located in Saguache County, Colorado. The area is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. Columbia Point is home to a variety of businesses, including a grocery store, a post office, and several restaurants. The area also offers a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, and camping. Columbia Point is a great place to live, work, and play.