Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Pictures courtesy of the -Mark Stevens: Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, nestled in Colorado’s remote San Luis Valley, showcases some of the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising dramatically against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This unique landscape was created by the relentless forces of wind and water over thousands of years, forming dunes that stretch up to 750 feet high. The park spans over 149,000 acres, offering a dynamic environment where grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and tundra contribute to a remarkably diverse ecosystem. Visitors to Great Sand Dunes National Park can engage in a variety of activities, from sandboarding and hiking to nighttime stargazing, each providing a profound connection with nature’s raw beauty.

Website:	Great Sand Dunes National Park
Map:	Park Map
Visitor Centers:	Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center: Located near the main park entrance, this center provides vital information on the dunes and surrounding ecosystems, safety tips, and current conditions. Interactive exhibits and a park film offer insights into the geological forces that shaped the dunes and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area.
How to get There:	From the North: To reach Great Sand Dunes National Park from the north, drive south on Interstate 25 to Walsenburg, Colorado, then take Highway 160 west. Continue on Highway 160 to Highway 150, and then go north on Highway 150, which leads directly to the park entrance. From the South: Travelers coming from the south should take Interstate 25 north to Walsenburg, then follow the same route as those coming from the north: west on Highway 160 to Highway 150, then north on Highway 150 to the park. From the East or West: Visitors approaching from the east or west can take Highway 160directly through Walsenburg, then continue to Highway 150 north, which leads to the entrance of the park.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a geologic marvel located in the heart of Colorado’s San Luis Valley. The park’s history begins with the ancient lakebed of Lake Alamosa, formed over 440,000 years ago. As the lake receded, it left behind vast sand deposits which the prevailing southwesterly winds pushed against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, eventually forming the dunes as we see them today. Designated as a national monument in 1932 and later as a national park and preserve in 2004, this site protects a complex ecosystem that includes the tallest sand dunes in North America, which are continuously reshaped by the natural forces of wind and water.

Visitors to Great Sand Dunes National Park can explore several key attractions that highlight the park’s diverse landscape. The main attraction, the dunes themselves, offers activities like sand sledding and sandboarding, particularly popular in the cooler hours of early morning or late afternoon when the sand is not too hot. Beyond the dunes, Medano Creek provides a seasonal beach-like atmosphere where visitors can splash and play in the gentle flow during late spring and early summer. The park also features trails such as the Mosca Pass Trail, which winds through aspen and evergreen forests to historic passes used by Native Americans and early settlers, and the challenging hike to High Dune on the first ridge offers panoramic views of the entire dune field and valley.

The significance of Great Sand Dunes National Park extends beyond recreation. It is a vital conservation area that protects diverse habitats ranging from dunes to wetlands to tundra, each supporting unique communities of flora and fauna. The park’s isolated location also makes it one of the darkest places in the United States, ideal for stargazing and night photography. Furthermore, the park serves as an important research site where scientists study the complex interplay of geologic, hydrologic, and biological processes that shape this unique landscape. Through preserving this natural wonder, Great Sand Dunes plays a crucial role in environmental education and offers a sanctuary for both wildlife and human visitors seeking solitude and inspiration.

The Dune Field: The centerpiece of Great Sand Dunes National Park, this massive dune field covers about 30 square miles and features the tallest dunes in North America. Climbing to the top of High Dune offers sweeping views of the entire area and is a popular activity for a sunset experience.

Medano Creek: This seasonal stream at the base of the dunes becomes a natural play area in late spring and early summer. Visitors enjoy splashing, skimboarding, and even creating temporary channels in the soft sand. It’s a unique beach setting surrounded by dramatic landscapes.

Star Dune: The tallest dune in the park, standing at about 750 feet, offers a more challenging climb and an unforgettable panoramic view of the valley and distant mountain peaks. It’s a rewarding hike for those seeking solitude and a sense of achievement.

Zapata Falls: Located just outside the park, this hidden gem offers a refreshing escape. A short 0.5-mile hike leads to a cool, shaded creek and the 30-foot high waterfall, which is spectacularly frozen in winter.