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Liberty Gate: Gateway to Grasslands and Peaks

Explore Colorado's wild side: Hike through grasslands, witness stunning mountain views, and discover the serene beauty of Liberty Gate.

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Liberty Gate, near Crestone, Colorado, serves as a northern access point to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, offering stunning views of rolling grasslands, the Crestone Peaks, and access to remote wilderness areas. It's a starting point for hikers and backpackers seeking solitude and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Liberty Gate

Local tips

  • Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography and cooler temperatures for hiking.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike or backpack into the park's more remote areas.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots to navigate the varied terrain, from grasslands to rocky trails.
  • Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Crestone, head south on Camino Baca Grande Road. Turn right at Camino Real Road (look for a small brown sign saying "Liberty Road" on the right side). Follow Camino Real for 3.4 miles, then turn left at Camino Del Ray. Follow that road up to the top of the hill, roughly 2.5 miles, until the road comes to a left or right turn. Turn right at Camino Baca Grande. Continue on that road until you get to a narrow gateway with Forest System Road 952. The road becomes rough and bumpy for the remaining 5 miles to Liberty Gate. Be aware that 4WD may be required depending on road conditions.

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    From Crestone, taxi or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are available, but limited. Expect to pay around $20-$40 for a one-way trip to Liberty Gate, depending on availability and demand. Confirm the fare and availability in advance.

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Discover more about Liberty Gate

Liberty Gate provides access to the grasslands, shrublands, and wetlands of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, offering a diverse landscape distinct from the park's more famous dunes. Located near Crestone, Colorado, an area known as a spiritual and New Age center, Liberty Gate provides stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the vast San Luis Valley. From Liberty Gate, visitors can explore the historic Liberty Stage Road or venture cross-country into the park's remote areas. The area is known for its large elk herds, cottonwood-lined creeks, and a unique crater believed by some geologists to be meteoric in origin. Backpackers can also access the Sand Ramp Trail from this point. Liberty Gate is more than just a trailhead; it's a place to connect with nature and experience the solitude of the Colorado wilderness. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, and the changing seasons bring a variety of wildflowers and other flora to admire.

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