Star Dune and High Dune in Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO

Hike Star Dune and High Dune Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO

Class 1 6.6 miles 1300 gain 3-5 hrs Loop Aug 26, 2016
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Star Dune and High Dune GPX Track

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This is a fun loop through the ever-changing Great Sand Dunes National Park to two high dunes and a whole lot of sand. I started southwest from the trailhead through a wash, leaving it to head into the dunes, my goal being Star Dune. I don't know the best route, but the attached map shows my general choice. I think the most fun part about this hike was just following bowls and ridges of sand dunes and making up my own route. From Star Dune, I worked south east toward High Dune, which has a trail to its top. I followed this trail back down and to the trailhead.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Star Dune
8598 ft
750 rise
2
High Dune
8690 ft
290 rise

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Hiking southeast along a wash.
Hiking southeast along a wash.
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Looking back the way I came.
Looking back the way I came.
Heading northwest-ish into the dunes.
Heading northwest-ish into the dunes.
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Generally heading north into the dunes. I don't know what's what, but the dunes were really pretty.
Generally heading north into the dunes. I don't know what's what, but the dunes were really pretty.
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Beautiful wildflower patch in the dunes.
Beautiful wildflower patch in the dunes.
Starting up the ridge to Star Dune.
Starting up the ridge to Star Dune.
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Looking back the general way I came.
Looking back the general way I came.
Pristine ridgeline to Star Dune.
Pristine ridgeline to Star Dune.
Looking back the way I came.
Looking back the way I came.
The last push to Star Dune.
The last push to Star Dune.
Star Dune.
Star Dune.
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Heading toward High Dune.
Heading toward High Dune.
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High Dune.
High Dune.
Heading down from High Dune back to the trailhead.
Heading down from High Dune back to the trailhead.
Looking back toward High Dune.
Looking back toward High Dune.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!