Star Dune
A long creek-bed and ridge approach to the park’s distinctive pyramid-shaped second-tallest dune.
Route overview
Follow the creek bed about 2 mi / 3.2 km south until Star Dune is clearly visible, climb a ridge to the summit and return.
Star Dune is best approached by following the Medano Creek bed south before climbing its final ridge. The direct line reduces some unnecessary dune crossings, but the route remains physically demanding and fully exposed.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Colorado
- Distance
- 6 mi / 9.6 km round trip
- Typical duration
- Average 6 hours; allow up to 9 hours when not acclimated
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Dune relief approximately 736 ft / 224 m; cumulative gain not officially stated
- Best season
- Spring and autumn; early start essential in warm months
- Trail type
- Out and back, unmarked dune route
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.
Extreme sand heat, fatal lightning risk, altitude, dehydration, wind and long unmarked return
Highlights
Pyramid-shaped summit, expansive dune views, Medano Creek corridor and remote atmosphere
Why find a buddy
A buddy supports pacing, weather decisions and navigation on a long route where exhaustion can compound exposure.
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.