Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

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. Alamosa is the nearest city to the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

This park was established in September 2004 and has the incredible tallest mountains of sand, tundra, alpine lakes, senile spruce, large stands of aspen, cottonwood, grasslands, pine forest, and wetlands.

Adventure on the dune is worth experiencing and climbing the apices of Crestone Peak, Cleveland Peak, Mount Herard, and Crestone Needle will surely make you feel fulfilled in your trip.

Other significant aspects consist of Zapata Falls, Montville Nature Trail, Medano Creek, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and Piñon Flats Campground.

The park also has an astronomy program for you to view the shining stars of the space in the darkest night. There is also a program known as The Junior Ranger Program which provides the kids of ages 3 to 12 to have some fun educational tasks to do, and when they complete the task they are given badges.

No. Of Visitors in 2018

442905

Best Time To Visit

June to September

These are the months where you will have a splendid trip as the temperature will be pleasant and the rainfall will be little.

Things to carry

Before knowing what to carry, do remember to keep the surroundings clean by not littering.

Clothing

To protect from summer hotness, carry a long-sleeve shirt with UPF sun protection, sun gloves, sunglasses, sun hat, a bandana, and a buff. During nights, the temperature can fall, so you will have to carry a warm jacket, gloves, hat, and wool socks. Carry a bathing suit to swim in the Medano Creek.

Earplugs

Because of wind, Sand can go in your ears and thus carry earplugs to prevent sand from entering your ears.

Hydration System

Carry the hydration system so that you remain hydrated throughout the day.

You should also carry an emergency kit, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Tips before Visiting

  • Visit the visitor center to see a short 20 minutes move of the park.
  • You can do camping from 1st April to November 1.
  • The Sand can get heated up to 150 degrees so don’t forget to wear closed-toe shoes.