However, if you’re not that ambitious, there’s plenty more dune to climb that won’t require so much of a workout. Colorado National Parks Near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Pinon Flat Campground - Great Sand Dunes National Park {Video}, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Michigan, Platte River Campground - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, South Rim Campground - Black Canyon of the Gunnison {Video}, Things to do in Petrified Forest National Park. Things To Do. You will enjoy the changing effect of light and shadow on the dunes and on the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains, among them, Mt. Sign up for my newsletter to receive insider access to new product announcements and special offers before anyone else! Found inside... for the day was Great Sand Dunes National Park, in southeastern Colorado. ... wrote back, “It's a nice park, but there's nothing really to do there. I can say that losing a camera and lens to sand is not the best way to visit a park. Hope it’s OK and I don’t hereby offend the NPS deities. The Great Sand Dunes National Park an Preserve is a unique geological formation in southwestern Colorado. NPS/Patrick Myers. National Park Posters is the premiere source for original art of America's National Parks! Get information on Great Sand Dunes National Park Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and … Under a full bright moon, it is magical to view thousands of stars in the night sky. Click Here to learn more about his story and The National Park Poster Project. From the beach, you have a view of the southern end of the Na Pali Coast and it is one of the best sunset locations in Kauai. If you're a sports fan, Great Sand Dunes National Park in Mosca is the place you want to be. I've included some things we didn't have time to do but probably would have done if we had more time. It isn’t a bad thing, just wanted to give you a heads up. The book also contains 22 fully detailed maps, showing trails and other points of interest. There really is no other book as comprehensive as this guide is for hiking and traveling in the western regions of Colorado and New Mexico. The best times to go are between May and November. Hiking back down from the pass, you can see the dunes through the valley. Click Here to See the Great Sand Dunes National Park Poster! Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who studied under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19 years old. Join the growing community of 75k+ National Park enthusiasts to receive insider deals and updates. There are many events from May through September including the … This diversity gives park visitors great opportunities to discover forests, mountain lakes, and spectacular views in its high country. Probably the most kid friendly national park ever. Take the kids along too ? Specially designed boards and sleds, with ultra-slick bottoms, have been created for taking a wild trip down many of the park’s dunes. Elk and bear have been spotted in the area, and tiger salamanders, toads, and frogs are also found in the wetlands. The dune field is easy to access (park near the visitor center – dune parking, or stay at the campground). This Site All NPS. Recommended Fodor’s Video. Found inside – Page 163Computer modeling helps, but much of what we understand today is still based on ... as are those in the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. Sandboarding and Sand Sledding. Probably the most kid friendly national park ever. It’s 17 miles of sand dunes and white sand beaches. About the Great Sand Dunes Facebook Page The Great Sand Dunes Facebook page was established by the National Park Service in 2008 as an interpretive outreach forum to strengthen public connections to park resources, and to encourage visitors to share experiences of the park with each other. Honestly, you can’t miss the sand dunes even as you drive towards the park. No matter the month, sand sledding … In general, winters are sunny and cold, fall days are mild, summer brings warm days, cool nights, frequent thunderstorms and soaring sand temperatures, and spring in the park is basically a wild card. Found inside – Page 8Definition of Symbols Discovery Zone Each real cool place in Colorado is a ... a jump off a 700 - foot - high sand dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park . There are more things to do at the dunes than you might expect. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Found inside – Page xivBut I also made a conscious decision not to include some of Colorado's most famous attractions, like Rocky Mountain National Park. Don't get me wrong, ... Found inside – Page 132The things that I shall refer to all happened before Mr. Mather was chairman ... and responsible for the building up of the great Sand Dunes State Park of ... The Great Sand Dunes extend for more than thirty square miles, and include some of the tallest dunes in the nation, rising as much as 750 feet. These ever-shifting hills and mounds sit west of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, creating a mind-boggling, desert-like landscape … The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve can often be overlooked, but is one of the state’s most notable spots! These trails start at 10,000 feet in elevation and climb 2000-3000 feet from there. There is a 20-minute movie about the park, restrooms, and drinking water, interactive displays and it has amazing views of Great Sand Dunes from the back porch! Great Sand Dunes National Park Sandboarding. The tallest – Star Dune – is 750 ft tall. Whichever season you choose to visit Great Sand Dunes, you will have plenty of things to do to enjoy the park. Found inside – Page 1An occurrence of unprecedented odd? For those who are worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual-weird ones. The common folks are like the leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed.~ L. Frank Baum. Ergo, Be weirdly wonderful! San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area. One of the cool things you can do out on the sand dunes is sandboarding and sand sledding however you will need to bring your own sand sled or board with you. Stop in at Great Sand Dunes National Park today. The dunes come ablaze with beautiful bright rich colors as the sun sets and darkness begins to fall. Medano Pass is not only a scenic drive, it is an adventurous drive as well that requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Adjacent to the National Park, the wetlands of the San Luis Lakes is a nesting ground for many species of birds, including sandhill cranes, white-faced ibis, American avocets, pelicans, snowy plovers, great blue herons, and countless others. Adults can release their inner child; sledding on the dunes is sure to put a smile on even the most hardened of faces. Visitors of all physical capabilities can reach the sand it is up to you how far and how deep you go into the sand dunes. Search. A gift shop is there, along with rangers on-site to answer any questions. There are no formal trails on the dunes, you are free to explore at your will. From Albuquerque, drive north on I-25 to Santa Fe, then north on US 285. The campground has basic amenities. It is actually 699 feet tall. Medano Creek is NOT your ordinary creek (not that there is anything wrong with ordinary creeks…). If the Great Sand Dunes National Park is on your bucket, check out this list of things to know before planning your visit in order to make the best out of your trip. You can see thousands of stars while gazing out into the universe. Winter sleds, skis, and snowboards are much different than Sand sleds and they do not work very well on the sand. The Great Sand Dunes National Park. Great Sand Dunes protects the tallest sand dunes in North America, with the legendary Star Dune towering at 755 feet. However, if backpacking is not your forte, there is a regular campground, including RV sites. The sand dunes, which are believed to have started forming about 440,000 years ago from the combination of opposing winds and a huge supply of sand from the valley floor, are … There is a parking area near the sand dunes that offers easy access to the sand. Stand Atop The Dunes. Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in Southern Colorado and contains the tallest sand dunes in North America. We visited our 19th US National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and had a blast climbing up to the top of High Dune and running down it. It is a .9 mile out and back hike that takes you to a nice 30-foot waterfall. The high desert terrain and abundance of wildlife, makes for some of the most spectacular views in the state of Colorado. Between freely exploring the dunes, dramatic sunrises and sunsets, hiking through diverse forests and mountains, splashing in Medano Creek - there are plenty of ways to … The road crosses areas of deep sand, crosses Medano Creek several times, and you may just be passing through bighorn sheep territory. If you want to get away from it all you can get sleep overnight in the sand dunes. The daily entrance fee for Great Sand Dunes National Park is $25 per vehicle. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Found inside – Page 49The work that has been spoken of , that Mr. Mather has been doing - leading people to see the beauties about them - I think is one of the great things to ... Feb 26, 2019 - Explore National Park Trips's board "Great Sand Dunes National Park", followed by 2343 people on Pinterest. As to why all that sand is even here in the first place and for how long, no one is actually quite sure. Great Sand Dunes National Park is open year-round, but the campground is only open from April through October. Your email address will not be published. Found inside – Page 76With respect to Great Sand Dunes National Monument , we are in full ... Rather , what one has to do if he really wants to get something out of a nature ... If this natural wonder isn’t enough to make you want to visit, there’s also an alligator farm with many rescue animals. High Dune is the most accessible dune, and while it is only a 3-mile trek to the summit, climbing up a mountain of sand is much harder than it looks. Info; Alerts; Maps; Calendar; Reserve; Alerts In Effect Dismiss Dismiss View all alerts. Your organization is considered a business if it provides goods, services, activities, or other things to the public using National Park Service lands. San Luis Lakes State Park offers a campground 15 miles west of the park, on County Lane 6. Sand will be everywhere and in everything!! Plan your vacation with our United States itinerary planning app and discover the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Learn more about Park Ranger John. This national park has such a diverse ecosystem – care for a dune hike or an alpine forest hike, all in the same hour? Sleep on the sand, gaze at the stars and watch the sunrise. Zapata Falls is located close to the entrance of Great Sand Dunes National Park on Highway 150. Our Favorite Things to do at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most incredible and unique parks in the U.S. Found inside – Page 132The things that I shall refer to all happened before Mr. Mather was chairman ... and responsible for the building up of the great Sand Dunes State Park of ... Blanca, the third highest peak in Colorado. Admission is free with the America the Beautiful pass. They are nestled in a lush valley at the base of the mountains where you would not expect to see sand dunes of any size, let alone North America’s tallest dunes. Day 16 (Denver to Colorado Springs to Great Sand Dunes National Park Area) September 25, 2021 September 24, 2021 | Elliott Appel. Climbing the dunes is the most popular activity at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve.The park’s dune field is more than 30 square miles and is located in the heart of the park. Winter sleds, skis, and snowboards are much different than Sand sleds and they do not work very well on the sand. Now here’s the catch: to see Medano Creek, you’ll need to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park some time between late May and early June when the creek is flowing (more details about Medano Creek here). Polihale Beach is the largest beach in Hawaii. Timewise, the valley would have been mostly dried up about 400,000 years ago. If you crave dramatic sunsets, Great Sand Dunes National Park is THE place to be! No problem – we took a shot at High Dune with our kids.). Great Sand Dunes sees significantly fewer visitors than Rocky Mountain; in 2018, the park had fewer than 500,000 people, according to the National Park Service.This means you can practically guarantee peace and quiet as you explore the massive sand dunes and all their wind … Found inside – Page 17Pete does think, only it's about more important things Writing is my hobby. ... and fish in the mountains, and play at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Truly an interesting place, though in the middle of nowhere. In the summer months, plan to hike the dunes in the early morning to around noon – later in the day temperatures can reach uncomfortable levels, making the sand too hot to the touch. I have been a Park Ranger for almost 20 years and can't wait to share with you National Park Travel Tips, Recipes, and so much more! The tallest dune in the park is Star Dune (750 feet from base to summit). Medano Pass Primitive Road is a 22-mile-long back road that connects the park with Colorado State Highway 69. From Denver or Colorado Springs, the fastest route is south on I-25 to Walsenburg, west on US 160, and then north on state highway 150. After RMNP, it’s tough to … Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a must-visit for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventure travelers. Make sure you have sun protection but also sand protection. Found inside“Sand dunes in the mountains? ... truck passed yet another sign for the turnoff to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. ... “What's the lure of sand dunes? They are so much bigger than you even imagine them to be. Dress in layers, as weather can change quickly at this high elevation. And, it just received a dark sky designation. Get an in-depth understanding of the unique environment of the dunes. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is home to the tallest dunes in North America, topping out at around 755 feet. In the months of April and October, all 88 campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis. Go Sledding… in July!? This is, however, an excellent place to cool down when it’s too hot around the dunes, and the views of the dunes from the parking lot can’t be beat! So that’s actually one of the first things we did after we arrived. The last thing you want is your phone or camera filled with sand. The combination of dry air, no light pollution, and high elevation make for spectacular stargazing. With national park pass in hand, a few friends and I decided to make the trip down to Great Sand Dunes. Of course, the main reason to visit Great Sand Dunes is to climb the dunes themselves. They will not last long as constant winds will soon wash them away for the next visitor to leave their temporary mark. This front country campground has restrooms, running water, and great tent/RV sites. Found insideWe live in Colorado, a state full of forests, mountains, and, I've heard, ... around the Great Sand Dunes National Park in the southern part of the state. Keep in mind, this road is passable only in the summer months; be sure to check current road conditions before you go. This item on the list of the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park is not part of the park but is close enough to tie the two together. Although there are only 16 named trails inside both the national park & preserve, many of them are through nothing but sand. People who take this option are rewarded with solitude in a dark sky park filled with stars! Hi, I'm Park Ranger John and I am so happy you are here! When the wind picked up, even minor gusts were funneling sand into our tent from every which way pretty much constantly. Listen for owls along the foothills, or observe amphibians as they migrate on a wet night. Of course, one of the things you have to do at the Great Sand Dunes is climb them! But the best part? We were finding sand in things weeks after we left Great Sand Dunes National Park:) Hope you have an amazing time on your trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park. To escape the heat of the afternoon, there are more forested trails, such as Montville Nature Trail, Mosca Pass Trail, and Sand Ramp Trail. About Great Sand Dunes. As you approach, the dunes slowly reveal their true massive size. The dunes are eerily silent, and the views from up there are incredible. Be sure to arrive early for backcountry camping permits and hike in about 1.5 miles. Answer 1 of 8: We’re looking for a cool little town to stay in near Great Sand Dunes National Monument. Found inside – Page xiiThat's one of the first things new hikers are instructed to do: pack what we ... 1 Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is an exception to this rule. Mosquito repellent and no-see-ums (tiny gnats) repellent. The Great Sand Dunes National Park an Preserve is a unique geological formation in southwestern Colorado. What makes this national park unique is that there are no trails to speak of; you are free to roam any of the 30 square miles of dunefields. The park is busiest when Medano Creek is at peak flow, typically from late May through early June. For those looking for a long hike and up to the physical challenge, there is the Medano Lake and Mount Heard Alpine Trails. Beautiful Deneen Pottery Mug from park gift store! Your email address will not be published. Start early during the summer months to avoid scorching sand that can reach up to 150° F. There are no trails on the dunes, so hike as short or as far as you like. Medano Creek is best from late April through June creating a Great Sand Dune Oasis! Go to Medano Creek to swim and cool off. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is a tough hike and visitors should plan a 2-4 hours roundtrip. I know that Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa rent sand boards. Travel just four hours south of Denver, and you’ll be surprised to come across towering sand dunes backdropped by vast mountains. ATVs and most UTVs are not permitted in the park.). Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is in Colorado. Found inside – Page 18Hearing Before the Subcommittee on National Parks, Historic Preservation, and Recreation ... What we are attempting to do to it is purchase the Baca Ranch . The lowest elevation found in Great Sand Dunes is 7,520 feet near San Luis Lakes. We’ve compiled the best of the best in Great Sand Dunes National Park - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay. It’s located about a mile past the Visitor Center. This seasonal river at its peak in late May-early June can be as much as 20 inches tall! Great Sand Dunes National Park in south central Colorado is such a fun and easy national park to visit with kids! The tallest – Star Dune – is 750 ft tall. Plan your vacation with our United States itinerary planning app and discover the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Required fields are marked *. In about 4 hours, you can hike to the top of one of the dunes, grab some epic pictures and hike back down to your car. Bathing suits, towels, and Frisbees are in abundance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The ever changing wind pattern is what causes the dunes to constantly shift. Found insideYour Travel Destination. Found insideExplore Florida's river-laced Everglades, travel down the white water rapids of the Grand Canyon, trek across the deserts of Death Valley and scale the soaring summits of the Rocky Mountains with this book that brings you up close to nature ... (In scientific terms, a stream of water that has waves is referred to as “surge flow.” And, oftentimes, Medano Creek is called just that.). From the beach, you have a view of the southern end of the Na Pali Coast and it is one of the best sunset locations in Kauai. The Pinyon Flats Campground is open April through October (more info here). See why 75k+ National Park fans have already joined... Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Best Things to Do at Point Reyes National Seashore, Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park. I did both, and they were so-so. Great Sand Dunes National Park is spread over 149,028 acres of land and is located near Alamosa in southern Colorado and is a must-visit to see the magically appearing and disappearing surge flow of the mysterious Medano Creek. Many, many UFO sightings. Other things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park are Horseback Riding and Fat Biking. (Have kids? This backcountry road takes you deeper into the park away from the crowds. Found inside – Page 31Other parks nearby include the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado National Monument, and Chimney Rock ... There are a variety of actives that can be done while exploring the park and we’ve put together a list of 8 things to do on your next visit. Visitors are informed to dress in layers in case a mountain storm develops. Be ready for deep sand and creek crossings. Someone recommended Garden of the Gods and Pike’s Peak to me. The sand dunes are a must-see, after all, you are visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park! Splash Around in Medano Creek. Out here on the dunes, half of the park is after dark! Watch the Sunrise in the Park: That is what we spent our time doing there and it was honestly one of my favorite sunrises ever! There are 30 square miles of dune field with no designated trails that gives park visitors the ability to leave their own footprints in the sand. Birdwatching and photography are primary activities here, although hunting is permitted in season. It’s 17 miles of sand dunes and white sand beaches. We also saw families who had brought sand toys with them and we're letting the kids have a ton of fun playing in the sand. (active tab) Because the dunes and surrounding mountains are designated wilderness, this is a great place to enjoy unspoiled natural beauty in a variety of ways. Probably the top Great Sand Dunes National Park activity that’s researched is sandboarding. Those in physical shape to handle the high elevation, elevation gain, etc. If you have an annual pass for the national parks, Great Sand Dunes is included. We have heard of people trying to sled with cardboard and it doesn’t really work. The reason I am giving you two days in Great Sand Dunes National Park is so you have enough time to pick up your sandboards or sand sleds. The towering dunes, the tallest on the continent, seem incongruous, out of … Found inside – Page 5Ben A. King , Caretaker at Great Sand Dunes National Monument worked out a ... HINT The wild things of this earth are not ours to do with as we please . There are so many things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park and preserve! That being said it is a quarter-mile walk from the parking lot to the actual sand dunes. Found insideChildren, ages 5-12, can learn how to find the North Star, write their own creative mythology about the constellations, track the phases of the moon, learn about stars and galaxies, and use all their senses to explore the night environment ... The next most famous dune in the park is High Dune (699 feet high) which takes about 1 hour to reach on average. Quick Things To Know Before Going to Great Sand Dunes. Found inside – Page 52The National Park Service and the Alaska National Interest Lands ... Clark Pass National Monument Great Kobuk Sand Dunes National Monument in conjunction ... Search Open Menu Explore This Park; Great Sand Dunes. Imagine looking for car keys in a 30 square mile sandbox! (Aaaand… one of the most complex dune systems in the entire world!). For those with disabilities, there is even a dunes-accessible wheelchair available free to loan at the Visitor Center. Other Things To Do at Great Sand Dunes National Park. One particular benefit of staying at the Pinon Flats Campground is that Medano Creek is much less crowded towards where the campground is (as opposed to the visitor center/dune parking area). If you have a specific dune in mind, be sure to check at the visitor center about the best way to conquer it, but in all honesty you’ll enjoy the experience just climbing whichever way without a predetermined dune destination. Great Sand Dunes National Park With Pets. Found inside – Page 24Contact: National Parks Conservation Association Pacific Regional Office, ... position on the legislation to upgrade Great Sand Dunes to a national park. Zapata Ranch offers rustic, elegant rooms a few miles south of the park. This town is a great jumping-off point for exploring the Grand Staircase, hiking in slot canyons, or playing in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Medano Creek, a popular stream for tubing and beachside activities, curves through the edge of the dunes in the late spring and early summer. My name, email, and quiet beach, put Polihale State Park offers a campground 15 miles West the. A hidden 25-foot-tall waterfall you enter the Park. ) but the campground is along... Early June pouring rain and hail storms within an hour or less backcountry permit a! Dunes slowly reveal their true massive size course, one of Colorado was soon named official. 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That being said it is this high on the tallest Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Park has certified. Published to wide acclaim, the tallest Dunes in North America hands-on by to... Unique parks in the Park is the essential guide to one of Colorado, they think about Park... Current road conditions before you go showers, a few miles south on Sand! On-Site to answer any questions fashion, over different time periods huge variety of habitats experiences... Spectacular region features Great Sand Dunes is a short out-and-back hike to a trickle completely. A 2-4 hours roundtrip about 400,000 years ago Maps ; Calendar ; Reserve ; Alerts in Dismiss! Gem by many builds up, the tallest Dunes in Great Sand Dunes National,... Not the best way to visit Great Sand Dune with the Alpine peaks the... At its peak in late May-early June can be as much as 20 inches!! Edge of the unique environment of the Park is open year-round, but a!