Medano Lake is a high alpine lake tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Saguache County, accessed via a four-mile hike from the trailhead near the top of Medano Pass. The lake sits at roughly 11,500 feet in elevation, surrounded by steep rocky slopes and subalpine forest. Getting to the trailhead itself is an adventure, requiring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to navigate the approximately 12 miles of rough, narrow road from the Great Sand Dunes National Park visitor center. Expect a slow, bumpy ride of about two hours each way on Medano Pass Road.
The hike from the trailhead to the lake covers about four miles one way with an elevation gain of 2,500 to 3,000 feet. Despite the significant climb, hikers describe the trail as straightforward and well worth the effort. Fall visits reward hikers with brilliant aspen color along the route, and the views from the lake basin stretch across some of the wildest terrain in southern Colorado. The trail is not heavily trafficked, offering a quieter experience than more popular alpine lake hikes in the state.
Fishing at Medano Lake attracts anglers who notice trout actively feeding on the surface. Visitors report seeing fish jumping regularly, making this a promising spot for fly fishing in a true backcountry setting. A valid Colorado fishing license is required. The remote location and effort needed to reach the water mean you are unlikely to share the shoreline with more than a handful of other anglers on any given day.
Mosquito pressure can be intense, particularly in summer. Multiple visitors flag this as a serious consideration, so pack insect repellent generously and consider a head net during peak bug season in July and August. There are no facilities at the lake or along the trail, so carry adequate water, food, and layers for rapidly changing alpine weather.
Medano Lake pairs naturally with a visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, which manages the surrounding area. The combination of dune fields, mountain passes, and a remote alpine lake makes this corner of Colorado one of the most geographically diverse day-trip zones in the state. Plan your visit for late summer through early fall when the pass road is open and conditions are most favorable for both the drive and the hike.