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Mt. Herard
Climb to the summit of this 13,300-foot peak for unprecedented views of the Blanca range, the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and the dunes.
Plan Around Mt. Herard
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Mt. Herard Details
Located at around 13,300 feet, Mt. Herard is probably one of the more rewarding and seldom attempted hikes in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The 10-mile round trip takes hikers high above the dune fields, offering unobstructed views. To get to the summit, start by taking the Medano Lake Trail. Once you've reached the lake, which is situated in a dramatic cirque, you'll be able to see the summit of Mt. Herard. There is no established trail to the summit, but there is an informal path that has been beaten down and eroded over the years. From the lake, expect to climb another 1,800 feet over alpine tundra as you head up the northwest slope of the mountain. Look for cairns that mark the way up a narrow saddle, then climb the steep and rocky ridge that leads you to the rounded summit.
Difficulty
High
Distance
10 miles
Estimated time
8 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Mt. Herard
Compare nearby parks around Mt. Herard when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Mt. Herard
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Mt. Herard while the map context is still fresh.
0.7 mi away
Medano Lake Trail
A moderate hike to the alpine Medano Lake.
3.0 mi away
Medano Lake Trailhead
Located a half-mile west of the summit of Medano Pass.
3.4 mi away
Medano Pass
Medano Pass is located at just below 10,000 feet, and is accessed by the Medano Pass Primitive Road.
5.2 mi away
Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail
A trail to a high alpine lake beneath the summit of Tijeras Peak.
