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4. Cottonwood Creek Trail

This trail, which begins on private land, is principally used for those mountaineers wishing to make the summits of Crestone or Crestone Needle. The lower aspects are easy to follow, with thick cover of trees and creek side deep canyon shade. Lovely treed alcoves by the creek make for secluded retreats from the hot summer sun. As the trail approaches 10,000 feet, less maintenance and numerous cairns strewn about lead to potential confusion. Dead fall across the trail must not be allowed to discourage continuing on. The trail, like most of the trails of the area, follows the creek.
There are no "intermediate" points before the lake, and the lake itself is one of the most difficult to access of the area, as well as the highest, at more than 12,000 feet. Just after 10,000 feet there is a confluence of creek water from the east, further into the canyon, and from the lake, to the north. To reach the lake, follow the creek up the steep headwall. Experience with hard to follow trails is essential. Be prepared to get stuck after dark, just in case. As always, carry rain gear, plenty of water and a light.
Directions: Take Hwy 17 north to Moffat: turn east on road "T" toward Crestone. Turn right at the entrance to Baca Grande Subdivision. From this point, continue on the road as it turns to dirt, passes the Ashram, Zen Center, Shumekai and makes the trail head, approximately 5.4 miles from the Baca entrance. The trail begins just before the access road crosses Cottonwood Creek. If you go too far, you arrive at the Stupa, another mile along the road. Please obtain permission to cross private land from the Manitou office (see their ad in this guide).

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Great Sand Dunes

The Great Sand Dunes are an impressive natural deposit of airborne sand collecting in this corner of the valley. So impressive is this collection that no dune in the United States is higher. Although climbing the dunes can be quite difficult due to the soft footing, heat and wind, it is an experience to be amongst the great field of sand and take in the magnanimity of this natural formation. If you are not so inclined to climb the dunes, a trip to the visitors center and the approaching drive should suffice. As visitors to the dunes are not necessarily preparing for the kind of harsh environment they have before them, there are increased frequencies of headaches, dehydration, fatigue, rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath while exploring the dunes.
Visit the dunes in the morning or evening hours when it is more likely to be calm and cool and when the low sun casts dramatic, photogenic shadows. The mid-afternoons can be windy and therefore uncomfortable. Of course, high winds can occur any time of the day and throughout the year.