Near Sand Creek Trail
Sunset at Cold Creek campsite.

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Hike Trail

Sand Creek Trail

3.0 (2 Ratings)
A beautiful trail that connects the Great Sand Dunes Park to the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness.
3.5
mi
Distance
578
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
River/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
In early summer, the lower sections of Sand Creek Trail are often impassible due to high water in Sand Creek. Check with a ranger for conditions and details by calling the Visitor Center at 719-378-6395.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.55mi
Distance
578ft
Elevation Gain
341ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
8,486ft
High Point
8,021ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The Sand Creek Trail connects Great Sand Dunes National Park to the Upper Sand Creek Basin and Sangre De Cristo Wilderness. This trail branches off of the Sand Ramp Trail and starts by descending toward Sand Creek. In early summer, the lower sections of Sand Creek Trail are often impassible due to high water in Sand Creek. After this, the trail starts climbing again and you'll pass the junction with Liberty Road on the left as you climb toward the Upper Sand Creek Trail. This section of trail follows along Sand Creek and passes from the sandy dune soil of the Sand Ramp Trail back into the trees and higher alpine landscape that you'll find in the beautiful backcountry of Music Pass and the Upper Sand Creek Basin.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Kristen Arendt