Sand Pit Trail
A half-mile spur trail off the Point of No Return, with great views and picnic tables.
Plan Around Sand Pit Trail
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Sand Pit Trail Details
The Sand Pit is a half-mile spur trail at the Point of No Return trailhead. From the visitor center, head toward the Pinon Flats Campground. Just before you reach the campground, turn off on the dirt road toward Point of No Return (meaning that a 4x4 vehicle is pretty much required, though some high-clearance vehicles can make it). The trail, as you might expect, is a descent into a sand pit and, while it may seem contradictory, the hike actually gives hikers an amazing view of the dunes. The Sand Pit has a parking area with picnic tables, and Medano Creek also runs fairly close by.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
0.5 miles
Estimated time
10 minutes
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Sand Pit Trail
Compare nearby parks around Sand Pit Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Sand Pit Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Sand Pit Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Point of No Return
A backcountry trailhead that's also the beginning of the 4WD portion of the Medano Pass Road.
0.3 mi away
Dunes Overlook
Take a trail off Medano Pass Road for great views of the dune field.
0.4 mi away
Dunes Overlook Trail
A short hike with vast views of the dunes.
0.4 mi away
Sand Pit Picnic Area
A picnic area with restrooms located .75 miles from the Point of No Return.
0.4 mi away
Buck Creek
A backcountry campsite located a half-mile from Pinon Flats Campground.
