Here, shifting sands have crossed Medano Creek to form new dunes. The "escape" dunes create "ghost forests" where trees die through suffocation and starvation.

When driving on the Medano Pass Primitive Road (four-wheel drive), the Escape Dunes and Ghost Forest can be viewed approximately 1/2 mile up the road. Here, shifting sands have crossed Medano Creek to form new dunes. The "escape" dunes create "ghost forests" where trees die through suffocation and starvation. In this area, tall ponderosa pines reach toward the heavens.

The Ghost Forest is of special significance. Here, in years past, the Escape Dunes buried this coniferous forest. Now uncovered again, the skeletal trunks stand as physical testimony to the temporary nature of climate and landscape.

Directions: From Visitor Center, The Escape Dunes are approximately 1/2 mile up Medano Pass Primitive Road. Visitors may park in the Main Dune or Amphitheater Parking Area, or if camping, start from the Pinyon Flats Campground and go north on the four-wheel drive road.

Elevation: 8,000 feet

Ending Elevation: 8,000 feet

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

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