Hiking the Dunes Overlook Trail in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
The Dunes Overlook Trail in Great Sand Dunes National Park is my favorite day hike outside the 30-square-mile dune field.
I say this because no other trails surrounding the dune field offer views as expansive or make for as good a sunset hike as the Dune Overlook Trail via Piñon Flats!
That being said, the Dunes Overlook Trail is truly a side trail that is separate from that of the much longer Sand Ramp Trail, an 11.0-mile (17.7 km) backcountry hike that is primarily used for overnight adventures. This is all to say that there are multiple trailheads one could choose to access the Dunes Overlook Trail, but the Sand Ramp Trailhead via Piñon Flats is the most popular access point, as it avoids the unpaved Medano Pass Primitive Road altogether, which is the direction this article is written.
Dunes Overlook Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Dunes Overlook Trail via Piñon Flats is located at the far northern end of the campground, near the restroom.
When looking for a spot, be aware that parking within Piñon Flats is strictly limited to a small area, as most parking stalls within the campground are designated for campsites. Please read the signs carefully.
Google Maps Directions: Dunes Overlook Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Great Sand Dunes
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Hiking the Dunes Overlook Trail
From Piñon Flats Campground, the Dunes Overlook Trail begins at the Sand Ramp Trailhead, following it for 0.5 miles (0.8 km) before branching off.
These beginning sections of the Sand Ramp Trail are mostly flat, with no significant elevation change until Buck Creek and the Dunes Overlook Trail near the end.
It’s important to mention that Black Bears are more common in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Range than in areas closer to the dune field.
This includes hikes in Great Sand Dunes, such as the Montville Nature Loop, Mosca Pass, the Wellington Ditch, the Dunes Overlook Trail, along with a number of other backcountry adventures that are far less popular.
This is all to say that hiking with bear spray is truly up to your own discretion, but it’s important to be aware of their presence.
Buck Creek
This is where the Sand Ramp Trail crosses over Buck Creek, a semi-reliable water source for those backcountry camping off the trail.
Sand Ramp-Buck Creek Junction
Just before the Sand Ramp Trail reaches the beginning of the Dunes Overlook Trail, the short path to the Buck Creek Backcountry Campsite splits away.
For those interested, campsites like Buck Creek and others in Great Sand Dunes National Park can be reserved through Recreation.gov, using the link below.
Book Here: Great Sand Dunes Backcountry Permits
Dunes Overlook-Sand Ramp Junction
After 0.5 miles (0.8 km), the Dunes Overlook Trail leaves behind the Sand Ramp Trail, which begins the climb up four switchbacks to the top.
That being said, there’s only about 250 ft. (76 m) to of elevation to gain from this junction to the Upper Overlook.
Upper-Lower Dunes Overlook Junction
As the Dunes Overlook Trail comes to the fourth switchback, the short side trail down to the Lower Overlook splits away to the left of the main trail.
This is the route shown first.
Lower Dunes Overlook
In my opinion, I enjoy the Lower Dunes Overlook more than the Upper because I personally think that it’s a better viewpoint of both Mt. Herald and the dune field off in the distance.
However, I recommend hiking to both, as the two are only 0.1 miles (0.2 km) apart from one another.
Upper-Lower Dunes Overlook Junction
Once back at the fourth switchback, as previously shown, go left to continue up to the top of the Dunes Overlook Trail.
Upper Dunes Overlook
After just 1.0 miles (1.6 km) since the trailhead at Piñon Flats, the Dunes Overlook Trail ends at the Upper Overlook, with views very similar to those of the Lower.
With that said, the reason I prefer the Lower Overlook is that I personally think the Pinyon Pine and Juniper trees allow for a much better viewpoint than the Upper, but this can always change in an ever-evolving landscape.
