Medano Ranch in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Medano Ranch

Ranch land owned by the Nature Conservancy.

Plan Around Medano Ranch

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Medano Ranch Details

The Nature Conservancy protected this land in 1999 and manages the ranch to protect the land, and also to demonstrate the relationships between bison and cattle (and what they can do to co-exist). The staff that works on the ranch focuses on conducting naturalist workshops, scientific research, and operating a cattle and bison ranch. You can also stay at the Medano Ranch in the Zapata Ranch. The Zapata Ranch is the "guest arm" of the Medano Ranch, which is owned and operated by the National Park Service and the Nature Conservancy. Amenities include a 17-room lodge and a conference center that hosts programs regarding ranching, conservation and nature. Guests can join guided fishing trips, nature hikes, workshops, and artists gatherings.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

N/A

Region

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Nearby Parks Around Medano Ranch

Compare nearby parks around Medano Ranch when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

6.8 mi away

Great Sand Dunes

National Park · CO

129.7 mi away

Black Canyon

National Park · CO

156.0 mi away

Mesa Verde

National Park · CO

187.2 mi away

Rocky Mountain

National Park · CO

228.7 mi away

Arches

National Park · UT

236.7 mi away

Canyonlands

National Park · UT

Nearby Points of Interest Around Medano Ranch

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Medano Ranch while the map context is still fresh.

3.3 mi away

Zapata Falls

Swimming in the pool of a hidden waterfall is a magical experience that you can have right here in the San Luis Valley.

6.2 mi away

Entrance Station

The park entrance is located on Colorado Highway 150.

6.6 mi away

Carbonate Peak

A bushwhack for experienced route-finders only.

6.8 mi away

Star Dune

The tallest sand dune in North America.

6.8 mi away

Sand Sheet Loop Trail

A quarter-mile interpretive trail that begins at the Visitor Center.