Address: Colorado, USA
Phone: +17193786395
Denise Zink
What a cool place!!! This is such a great phenomenon that you can’t find it anywhere else in the States except here !! So much fun ! I’m old, hiking up is not easy for me even though it looks easy. Even though it’s not a real desert but it surely feels like you are in a desert If you study how the Great Sand Dune is formed, you will surely appreciate it more Come in the summer, play in the Creek, that’s the bonus Mind you, you come here totally only for this, there’s not much to see around I just wish it would have been a clear sky that night so we could have experienced the Milky Way, either way, it’s still a Great experience
Gio M
Great Sand Dunes is a beautiful State Park, difficult to hike all the way up, but it is worth it. The views are spectacular! Early morning is the best way to hike it, please use sunscreen and plenty of water with snacks. You will love it out there !
Marco C
We visited as part of the Robotics Challenge this past weekend. What an amazing park. The views in the early morning are incredible with sun shadows and the snow capped peaks. The kids had a blast playing in the sand, even though we didn't make it up on the dunes this trip. We will be back to tackle the dune climb and some trails.
Ann Beckford-Crosby
Great experience! My 4 children absolutely loved sand sledding. My infant was snuggled and slept through it all. I was worried about the altitude with my infant and she did fine. Suggestions dress in layers, bring goggles because the wind blows the sand into your eyes, we had masks on and that helped a lot as well. Bring a drink! It’s really tiring walking in the sand. We went Yesterday Feb 20, temp was 40 degrees and it was comfortable due to the activity of going up and down, I can’t imagine going here in the summer. Last suggestion you can rent the Sand sleds! I was asked all day where we got them. There are several businesses listed on the parks website of where you can rent them and when. Overall our experience was 10/10!
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The movie "Tremors" called them "graboids", there is nothing in the sand here that you need to worry about. Take water for kids and dogs, watch the temperature of the sand (for dog feet) and enjoy yourself.
No not in the park. There is a backcountry road that runs from HQ over Medano Pass to CO 96.
Yes. Both the National Park and the State Park have camping. Both parks are on the water with beach access.
Great Sand Dunes National Preserve and Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round. The visitor center is open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend: 8:30-5:00 daily. Labor Day until Memorial Day Weekend: 9:00-4:30 daily
About 150 miles either to Salida to the north or Walsenburg to the south west side of the Sangres.
It damages the natural landscape and disturbs the environmental balance.
Thanks for asking. No, drones are not allowed in National Parks. Learn more at this site https://www.nps.gov/articles/unmanned-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm
The best thing is to use the sleds you can rent at the beginning of the park for 20$
Dune buggies aren't allowed in the park, but sand sledding and sand boarding are popular.
They are allowing you to stay free as long as you don't check out
Rule breakers are common throughout the entire world. Try to follow rules and be kind is my personal motto.
I would not recommend a stroller if you are planning on walking the dunes at all. The sand will collapse around it due to the weight and make it impossible to push. I'd recommend the baby carrier with shade if you can. Lots of sunscreen, water, and food!
What site, you mean website? What are you looking for and what you want to know? I'm willing to help. I just came back last week.
According to the National Park and Preserves they can be found near the wetlands of the Great Sand Dunes during the summer time. This includes Leapord Frogs and Great Plains Toads. Go to NPS.gov to find out in more detail.
Life is good. Thanks for asking.
Yes, there's not much light pollution at all!
Early in the year I've seen it be worse. The worst is over now I believe. I was there yesterday and it's not bad at all now.
As long as your heart desires
Beautiful in the winter too. Just prepare for cold winds blowing...
Yes and a air station to put air back in your tires, it is recommended to lower your air pressure to 25psi during the trails.
I would say water, snacks or picnic supplies, variety of shoes (sand water hiking etc), sun protection, binoculars, camera, folding chairs and maybe a canopy. Simple or complex as you now your comfort levels. Enjoy, it warmed up but the creek was still running yesterday. It was great!
Tevas work best to walk around whether or not the sand is hot
Yes it is open
Open to drive in and hike but no staff or facilities other than a pit toilet in parking lot.
You can do it online search for the Piñon Flats campground
This is a great time to come. The temperature is much cooler. One of the best reasons is the river flows during the thaw. It makes the Dunes all the better.
Yes the snow just adds to the fun. Also regular sleds work when there is snow.
No lake it is the melt off from the mountains and the flow changes weekly. I was there in Feb 2018 and parts were frozen. Spring is the best time to play in the water but it is very cold.
There are no restaurants near there but there is a very small campground store just up the road to get some basic staples, ice and ice cream.
Possibly a super hot grain of sand...
There have only been two deaths recently noted in the last decade or so. Although there are possible dangers as in any other outdoors area just be cautious and use your head.
The ticket place and visitor center may be close, but you can leave the money on an envelope at the entrance
Snakes want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them. Be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine
Gigantic inland sand dunes framed by 14k snow capped mountains. In the spring months there are snow fed streams that people flock to swim/splash in. Really cool place!
There are no cabins or lodging located within the park.
Yes, there are multiple peaks in the park. The best part is that you don't need to be at the top of a peak to get a good view of the sea of dunes. Although, my best view of the park was sunset from the highest peak in the park (star dune). It took us about 2.5 hours to get to the peak. Totally worth the hike.
I googled it and there are half a dozen or so movies and videos with scenes filmed there. White Sands Nat. Monument in southern New Mexico has quite a few also.
Yes. People really need to be aware tho and clean up after their own dogs. Be RESPONSIBLE and RESPECTFUL
You can't miss them. It's massive. Drive in to the park to the dunes lot and you are right there but do it early.
If you mean a standing grill to you can grill on I'll say no, I've only seen grill pits.
If you are asking about the general hiking area, not the back country, there is no one trail, the wind sweeps the sand daily and no footprints are left permanently. The entire area is open and beautiful!
So I had a quick look on the national parks gov website and it appears they are closed on Thanksgiving. But don't take my word for it, please check with them. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/hours.htm
It needs sandboard or sand sledge. Some people do bring plastic sledge. Ski wont work
Many of the people sledding down the dunes suggested using wax on the sled. We used plastic saucers with no wax... we didn't break any speed records!
Yes
There are tons of pull offs along the hwy to the sand dunes. One spot in la veta that has breath taking sunrise views. One in fort Garland right by mount blanca.
Although I haven't been there in over a week, the smoke haze was less noticeable at Great Sand Dunes NP than in the other Colorado NP. Rocky, Mesa Verde, and Gunnison were all very hazy blocking out quite a bit of the vistas and scenery
Recommend Lifetime Pass if you qualify. Then you can see other parks and receive discounts. Cost depends on how often you go and age, etc. Check National Park Website or call for further information.
I didn't see horses or evidence of horses. I'd check with the ranger office.
Well there is a off road track but only 4 by 4s
They have special wheelchairs that you can get to push them on the sand. Ask at visitor center.
You can rent them same day at the gas station/restaurant near the park entrance. Be sure to check wind speed for the day you rent...it was windy and the blowing sand stung when we were there during the day. Only rented them for 3 hours, but had to pay full day price.
About a 5 minute wait got there around 1 But the earlier the better it does get toasty.... Lots of water
Yes
1. They are sand dunes. 2. It is a national park.
No motorized vehicles. Also, regular snowboards, water boards don't work properly on sand dunes (I have tried) , best way is to have sandbars (well waxed at th bottom) or rent one from a store almost 2 miles before you enter the national park museum (store name is Oasis)
Alamosa is your best bet. Man-made wetlands if it weren't for the aqueduct it would be a desert
As you climb the dunes you will see lots of tracks. It's not easy to see the wildlife , but we saw tracks all over.
I see people bring horses and trailers all the time. Most of the trailers I see are parked in a dirt lot near the amphitheater before getting on to the medano road. There are restricted areas however which you should look at. They have a map available on nps. Gov/grsa/planyourvisit that let's you know where you can and cannot ride horses.
around 3 hours.
Medano Creek goes through the park and there's a small waterfall right before the park
Souvenir shop with books, maps, apparel, etc. Not a grocery store in any way. No alcohol sold anywhere. Water is most important beverage. FYI Alcohol causes dehydration in heat and altitude changes more quickly. I hope you enjoy your visit. Don't forget to visit Zapata falls. Worth your time.
There are fire rings in the campground campsites. You can call to see if there are adverse conditions preventing using campfires or check at the park entrance. Alerts are posted on. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/conditions.htm for the most part this year has been ok. Have a great time. This year has been fantastic at the dunes.
It was nice when we were there, we stayed about 2 hours. As long as ur near the dunes it's great but if you get by the picnic tables then bring bug spray
Next month they'll be treating Upper and lower sand creek lakes to remove all fish before restocking. They will be restocking with Rio Grande cutthroats in the fall of 2020. They will have less competition from other fish species at that time.
We didn't have any issues when we went. Just go to the right of the entrance and there will be a lot less mosquitoes. Be sure to be where there isn't stagnant water and you'll be fine.
There are RV spots... reserve WELL in advance. I know the a lot of the sites are booked through July.
Great, thank you so much for the suggestions everyone! looking forward to seeing the sand dunes in person :)
It's about a 5 or 10 minute drive. You do have to buy a pass at the entrance like at other National Parks.
There is BLM land all around. 4x4 trails as well. Bring them.
No. If you're camping I'd call ahead to check if they have space available.
The parking area is less than a minute walk from the beach/water area. It's really close and beautiful!
Not sure. Camped at KOA only a few miles away
We were just there about two weeks ago. Alamosa is the better choice. We used an AirBnB and were very happy.
We were just there last weekend and Medano Creek was running pretty good with plenty of snow on the mountain peaks. The Creek will probably run till June. The sand was great!
Being a nice picnic and you can use the picnic tables. Big parking lot with access to the huge, wide open dunes. The dunes are are a bit of a walk from parking but worth it. Drink plenty of water! No specific trail on dunes. Just up, up, up, short bit of down, up, up, up.
I don't think dirt bikes are allowed, however there's a 4wheeled drive road https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/medano-pass-road.htm
Not on the dunes. There is a pass the runs just east of the dunes where you can ride, but not 9n the dunes themselves.
You can go half way and slide down. 3/4 of the way and slide down. There are no regulations saying that you have to climb all the way up.
No motorized vehicles are allowed on the dunes. You can however bring toboggans to slide down the dunes.
It's pretty well booked up for now but it does change often you just have to keep an eye on pinon flats campground. It is within the national park bounds. You can take a good vehicle with 4 wheel drive and there is a first come first serve series of sites for primitive camping but Medano pass is pretty high until mid to late June so be ready for water and mud! There's also a hotel by Zapata falls before the park.
I've been there in March and April...(wasn't too hot, but very windy) I would recommend May!
I was out there yesterday. I dont think the campground has cabins. Down the road before the entrance, there is a gas station. Behind it looks like a few cabins. Also right now its free to get in. Ive been twice in a month.
You might consider calling the GSNP ranger office to ask them directly.
Mesa Verde cliff dwellings, great sand dunes, Black canyon, monument park, Rocky mountain NP, amongst the many other things to see
The park admission is for 7 days.
There's alotta farms along the way...a few lodged you'd have to try this googling technique I developed and just call around honestly but there's tons of lodging hell the park might allow them on site haha there's a few cabins on site also
It was open when I was there at the end of December. There's just no facilities open.
They have areas outside the park but not within the park
I see that two other people have already answered this question, but no. Because The Great Sand dunes is a national park, it is protected by the federal government. So Colorado couldn't decide that they wanted to oil drill there, and start. Whereas, if the National Parks Services decided to drill, they very well could.
My understanding is that wind brought the sand from the south.
There are yes!!!!
Yes it is also gorgeous during winter. The hikes in the area are also phenomenal, one of which features a frozen water fall inside a cave.
Yes. In the 2000's, the staff geologist was able to demonstrate the uniqueness of the process that made the dunes and the importance of the area to the groundwater recharge for the San Luis valley. The monument became a national park and national preserve just to the east.
Hmmm. Technically they are not allowed in the dune area. Did see many people with dogs.
No
18 miles
I wouldn't think it would get hot during December. I would check to make sure they're open in the winter months...
Top of dunes for sunrise and sunset. Close up to Eastside of dune field for night. 150 into park also gives many vantage points for all, though nightime light spillage from the valley and Alamosa is beginning to make a difference. Have fun!
Negative Ghost Rider, you have to go early in the season for that
Amazing place for kids and adults! Rent the boards for sledding . Lots of fun!
The fires are in la vita pass. That's about 45 to an hour away (driving distance) depending where the fire is at now.
Park is still open. No campfires allowed tho.
Id chk with the park ranger at the gate. Or go online for prices on park passes. Bought my annual park pass for $80. Gets me and my passengers(up to 3 or 4) into any Natl Park for a year. Well worth the the $.
Yes, but check for road closures. The fire is south and east of the park
National parks are open 24 hours a day. In many cases, including Great Sand Dunes there are entrances that do not have a ranger gate.
Yes you can. You can rent boards right outside of the park (on the right, before the park sign) at Great Sand Dunes Oasis (privately owned).
No you can see them from road but they are worth the hike
Open 24 hours ! Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round.
Been very dry this year, no water going through there, there is a sand dunes hot springs pool you can go to
If you mean an electric outlet, then unfortunately no. There will be outlets at the visitor's center or the near by store.
I have been there once. That was a free day. But a car pass costs 20$ as far as i remember.
There wasn't enough snow last year in order to make the creek deep or fast enough for tubing, unfortunately.
I was there a week ago, I didnt see any water. I assume you mean the body of water that comes up for a season and then it's gone? If that's what you mean, it wasn't there a week ago.
Store,Cafe,Campground & Equipment Rentals is located on same road as Great Sand Dunes National Park.
In can be well below freezing or all the way up to 80 degrees. I've had days of playing in the creek and once had my tent shatter due to freezing temperatures with wind
Yes its the same
June weather anywhere in Colorado can be difficult to predict, prepare for summer sun BUT bring a jacket.
I believe online you can purchase ahead of time. Whenever we have been in the past the booth was closed with a sign saying admission was free today but they do take debit, credit, and cash from what i understand. Its $20 a car or $60 for season pass unless since changed.
Early OR late, when the sand isn't hot enuff to burn their feet. Carry extra water for you and them.
There is only one road through the park. The main, prominent, dunes are accessible right next to the visitor center and depending on the weather (which can be very cold in winters) you can hike to the top of the dunes. About a couple of hours will be more than enough to get and hike to the main dunes. Wellington ditch trail is a great place to take sunset photos and trail starts on the opposite side of the visitor center and you can see the dunes from a height.
The dunes, the visitor center, and one of the short hikes into the alpine and more forested areas. Depending on the time of year. If you go in the winter months, also check out the Ojo Caliente hot springs outside the park. Thumbs up!
It will, but it can ruin the board. Sand is very abrasive.
Oasis campground has water, rv hookup, laundry and store. This will be the closest one to the sand dunes besides backpacking. Every other camp ground is about 30+ miles away
Should be no problem. And there's also rentals in the next city over for sand boarding
A unique example of mother nature in action. Involving volcanic, plate techtonics, erosion by wind & water, and time. The sand accumulated near the base of the mountains on the east side of the valley from the prevailing wind. The winds shift the sands from its interactions with the unique geographic features of the valley & mountains
No you don't might be good idea to call ahead and see if it's are full
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