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Gardner, Colorado

Top Spots in and near Gardner

  • Gardner, Colorado

    Mount Lindsey (CLOSED)

    1.0
    8.5 mi / 3300 ft gain
    NOTE: As of September 2021, Mount Lindsey has been closed to public access indefinitely. (Source)  At 14,042 Mt. Lindsey is not one of the tallest 14ers, but it is a fun objective regardless. The Lily Lake trailhead can be somewhat difficult to access without a high clearance car, but most cars ...
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  • Mosca, Colorado

    Hike to Star Dune

    5.0
    8 mi / 750 ft gain
    There is no established trail or route to summit Star Dune which is the beauty of the ever changing and serene nature in the Great Sand Dune National Park. Star Dune is the tallest sand dune in North America, at 750' tall and reaching a summit of 8617'. However, High Dune to its north is at a hig...
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  • Alamosa County, Colorado

    Backpack the Great Sand Dunes

    4.8
    Few places can match the epic scale of this bizarre wilderness in southern Colorado. Great Sand Dunes National Park contains 750 foot tall sand dunes (the tallest in North America) resting at the foot of 13,000 foot peaks (the Sangre de Cristo range). However, to really experience the park in its...
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  • Alamosa County, Colorado

    Sandboard in Great Sand Dunes National Park

    4.8
    Outside of the national park there are two different companies that can rent sand boards and sleds for your day use at around $20 per board per day. However, If it is raining a lot and the dunes are too wet, or if the dunes are frosted over both companies will not rent out their boards in order t...
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  • Alamosa County, Colorado

    Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP

    5.0
    6.49 mi / 1549 ft gain
    The Mosca Pass trail is an (approx) 6.5 mile out and back hike that takes you through beautiful ponderosa and aspen forests to summit 1500 above the start. The trailhead parking is the first left after the Great Sand Dunes visitor center. It is a moderate hike, but allow for several hours, as the...
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  • Mosca, Colorado

    Sand Dunes Loop Trail

    5.03 mi / 650 ft gain
    Sand Dunes Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Mosca, Colorado.
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  • Mosca, Colorado

    Hike High Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park

    4.8
    2.5 mi / 700 ft gain
    The Great Sand Dunes are one the most unique landscapes in Colorado. These massive dunes are the tallest sand dunes in North America. Hiking these dunes can be very difficult, but well worth the amazing views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. If you plan on visiting in the summer, be sure t...
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  • 10746-11764 Greenhorn Highway, Colorado

    Explore Bishop Castle

    4.0
    0.25 mi / 26 ft gain
    This adventure is a unique experience, perfect for the off seasons. Park along the highway on CO-165 in Rye, Colorado, cross the street and walk into the largest one man project in the USA. You’ll enter under the grand front gate and follow the path that leads to the castle. There you’ll find mul...
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  • Alamosa County, Colorado

    Zapata Falls

    4.7
    0.5 mi / 150 ft gain
    Driving towards the Sand Dunes, you will see a sign marker that indicates the road up to Zapata Falls. Turn right onto the road a follow it for about 2 miles until you hit the parking lot at the top. The road is in pretty rough condition so if your car doesn't have high clearance make sure you ta...
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  • Mosca, Colorado

    Summit Little Bear Peak

    12 mi / 5000 ft gain
    This hike starts on Lake Como Road with the goal of eventually reaching Lake Como.  If you have a modified 4WD car you can get all the way to the lake in it, but if you do not feel like risking damage to your vehicle park as low as you deem necessary to do that.  Most 4WD stock vehicles can make ...
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  • Lake Como Trailhead, Colorado

    Summit Blanca and Ellingwood Peaks

    7 mi / 6800 ft gain
    Blanca Peak is nestled at the heart (and the top) of a four peak ceiling located at the southern-most tip of Colorado's intimidating Sangre de Christo range. The peak is known for its impeccable 360 degree views, as you can see well over 100 miles in every direction thanks to Colorado's clean, c...
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  • Westcliffe, Colorado

    Venable-Comanche Trail

    5.0
    12.08 mi / 4085 ft gain
    Venable-Comanche Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Westcliffe, Colorado.
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  • Westcliffe, Colorado

    Hike to Willow Lake, CO

    5.0
    9 mi / 2800 ft gain
    Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, Willow Lake offers a stunning destination to a rigorous hike. The hike is approximately 9 miles out and back with 2800 feet of elevation gain. The trail is well marked and maintained. However, the hike rarely levels off. Be prepared for a steady incline...
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  • Westcliffe, Colorado

    Summit Kit Carson Peak

    12.4 mi / 6323 ft gain
    There are a couple different trailheads that lead to Kit Carson Peak, but the one from Willow Creek Trailhead will give you the opportunity to peak another fourteener, Challenger Point, and let you pass through and/or camp at Willow Lake, which is a beautiful destination by itself. If approaching...
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  • Aguilar, Colorado

    Hike West Spanish Peak

    5.0
    7.2 mi / 2.38 ft gain
    The West Spanish Peak is best reached by way of CO Hwy 12, which connects south and west through the town of La Veta, Colorado. From Denver travel I-25 south to Walsenburg (about 3.5 hours). At Walsenburg take US 160 to CO 12 southwest through the towns of La Veta and Cuchara.Cordova Pass Trailhe...
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  • Westcliffe, Colorado

    Backpack to Sand Creek Lakes

    5.0
    4 mi / 1700 ft gain
    Start at the Music Pass trail head south of Westcliffe, Colorado off County Road 119. You will need a 4x4 with high clearance to get to the actual trailhead as the last 2.5 miles are rough. Otherwise, park at the Crape Creek TH and walk the 2.5 miles up to Music Pass Trailhead.Once on the trail...
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Camping and Lodging in Gardner

Spruce Group   Lake Isabel
County Road 374

Spruce Group Lake Isabel

Ponderosa Group   Lake Isabel
County Road 374

Ponderosa Group Lake Isabel

St Charles Campground   Lake Isabel
County Road 374

St Charles Campground Lake Isabel

Southside Campground   Lake Isabel
Rye, Colorado

Southside Campground Lake Isabel

Lake Isabel Cabin
Rye, Colorado

Lake Isabel Cabin

La Vista Campground   Lake Isabel
Rye, Colorado

La Vista Campground Lake Isabel

Guides, Insights and Stories from Gardner

5 Photography Tips for 24 Hours at Great Sand Dunes National Park

5 Photography Tips for 24 Hours at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Michael Osborne

11 Photos of Early Spring Camping in Great Sand Dunes NP

11 Photos of Early Spring Camping in Great Sand Dunes NP

Patrick James

Under a Blanket of Stars: Camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Under a Blanket of Stars: Camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Sonja Saxe