Medano Lake Trail
A high-elevation forest and meadow climb from Medano Pass Road to an alpine lake at timberline.
Route overview
Follow the signed trail from the primitive-road trailhead to Medano Lake and return the same way.
Beginning around 10,000 ft / 3,048 m, this route climbs through forest and lush mountain meadows to Medano Lake. Alpine trail access is seasonally limited by snow, road conditions and tree downfall.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Colorado
- Distance
- Not officially stated on the current hiking page
- Typical duration
- Full or substantial half-day hike depending on conditions
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Approximately 2,000 ft / 610 m from the 10,000 ft trailhead
- Best season
- Mid-summer through early autumn after snowmelt
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No day-hiking permit; entrance fee applies
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Altitude illness, thunderstorms, lingering snow, downed trees, road hazards and limited rescue access
Highlights
Alpine lake, wildflower meadows, timberline scenery and high Sangre de Cristo terrain
Why find a buddy
The combination of remote 4WD access, altitude and alpine weather makes a compatible partner particularly valuable.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.