Mount Herard via Medano Lake
An advanced continuation above Medano Lake to a 13,297-foot summit overlooking the dunefield.
Route overview
Hike to Medano Lake, continue only with appropriate alpine route knowledge to the summit and return by the same corridor.
After reaching Medano Lake, advanced hikers may continue above timberline to Mount Herard. The summit provides an exceptional aerial view of the dunes, but the extension introduces route-finding, weather and high-altitude risk beyond the maintained lake approach.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Colorado
- Distance
- Not officially stated
- Typical duration
- Long full-day alpine objective
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- More than 3,000 ft / 914 m total from the 10,000 ft trailhead to the 13,297 ft summit, excluding undulation
- Best season
- Stable snow-free period in mid-to-late summer
- Trail type
- Out and back with advanced summit extension
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.
Severe altitude, lightning, exposure, route-finding, snow, loose terrain and remote evacuation
Highlights
Summit panorama, aerial dunefield view, alpine tundra and remote mountain setting
Why find a buddy
This is a remote alpine summit where partner competency, shared navigation and emergency decision-making materially reduce risk.
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.