3-Day Great Sand Dunes Backcountry from Point of No Return TH

The Great Sand Dunes offer a unique landscape to explore, epic Milky Way views at night, mountain hikes, and the seasonal Medano Creek flow to play in. The designated backcountry sites are not ON the dunes, but in a transitional zone along the eastern edge, where the dunes meet the mountains. You can camp on the dunes, but those areas are not on trail and have no water source. 

Permits are required for wilderness camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park. There are 7 designated sites along Sand Ramp Trail, find info here. Some sites have access to water, while others require water carries.

Note: Almost all of the hiking, whether you take the 4WD road or the trail, is on sand. This makes hiking with a full pack much harder. 

Mileage from the parking area/trailhead to the campsites ranges from 1 mile to 11.6 miles. The main recreation area of the park is where the parking is, so choosing a site closer to the visitor center will give you easier access to the main areas of the dunes, including Medano Creek. 

Medano Creek is an annual phenomenon that draws many visitors to the park. It flows out of the mountains into the dunes in spring, creating a beach where people hang out, and waves that people float on and tube down. Peak flow is usually mid May through mid June. 

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip:

Day 1:

Check in at National Park visitor center, where they will assign you parking. Park and walk to the Point of No Return Trailhead, then head north on trail to your selected campsite (mileage varies and elevation varies). For 4WD vehicles, you may be able to drive farther in and park at parking areas farther north. Inquire with the park service. Nighttime option: the stars over the dunes are a wonderful sight, and the Milky Way is visible here. Time of night for Milky Way viewing varies by time of year. 

Day 2: 

Explore the dunes and Medano Creek, or day hikes include: continuing father along the Sand Ramp Trail, heading up the Medano Creek Road on foot to Medano Lake, or the Mosca Pass Trail. Head back to camp for the evening, or move camp if switching sites for Night 2. 

Day 3: 

Break camp and head out. 

Map of Sand Ramp Trail 

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking
• Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult
• Length: 12.0 mi

• Land Manager: National Park Service
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fees
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 6
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 6