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Medano Lake Trail
A moderate hike to the alpine Medano Lake.
Plan Around Medano Lake Trail
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Medano Lake Trail Details
The Medano Lake Trail is an out-and-back 4-mile trail that ascends moderately in the first three miles before becoming very steep and rough. Total ascent for the trail is 1,900 feet. Follow the trail as it rises up in to the forest and eventually above the treeline. The trail offers views of the dunes as you hike the ridge lines to and above the lake. Modano Lake is beautiful, nestled in a high alpine environment and surrounded by patches of snow. Expect to see abundant wildflowers up here in late August. Note that, on high snow years, the trail may be blocked through June. Anglers can bring their rods up to the lake, which is home to the Rio Grande cutthroat. The trailhead is located off of the Medano Primitive Road, which starts at the entrance to Pinon Flats Campground. Follow the signs to the start of the trailhead, located just below the summit of Medano Pass.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
8 miles
Estimated time
6 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Medano Lake Trail
Compare nearby parks around Medano Lake Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Medano Lake Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Medano Lake Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.7 mi away
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.
2.5 mi away
Medano Lake Trailhead
Located a half-mile west of the summit of Medano Pass.
2.8 mi away
Medano Pass
Medano Pass is located at just below 10,000 feet, and is accessed by the Medano Pass Primitive Road.
4.7 mi away
Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail
A trail to a high alpine lake beneath the summit of Tijeras Peak.
