View the largest sand dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This national park in south-central Colorado features 30 square miles of rolling sand dunes and incredible high-elevation mountains. With plenty of hiking trails, campsites, and other outdoor recreational activities, this national park is a great place to visit year-round.
On March 17, 1932, the Great Sand Dunes were designated as a National Monument. It wasn’t until 2000 that the Great Sand Dunes were considered a national park and preserve. One of four national parks in Colorado, this unique park has a desert environment from the dunes and wetlands, alpine lakes, grasslands, and forests. With such a variety of ecosystems in the park and preserve—from elk and deer to various birds, amphibians, and reptiles_this place is teeming with wildlife.
The sand dunes are a must-see while visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Remember that the sand can get very hot during the summer months. With that in mind, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the dunes. With a permit, backpackers can camp in the dune area. Or enjoy the dunes on a fat tire bike, surf the dunes on a sand sled, or take a horseback ride over the dunes.
Stay at the International Dark Sky Park to experience the most gorgeous starry, moonless night above the diverse grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra.
If you visit the park in late May to early July, you must take a dip in Medano Creek. This wide creek becomes a popular attraction during its peak flow. Enjoy the sandy beach or cool off in the creek’s chilly water straight from snowmelt.
Another way to enjoy the park is by a four-wheel drive vehicle, either an ATV or a four-wheel drive car with high clearance. You can take the 22-mile backcountry Medano Pass Road that crosses creek beds and traverses soft sand. This is a great way to experience the sights and sounds of this Colorado national park.
Whether you choose to camp at the popular Piñon Flats Campground or just stop by for the day, it’s sure to be an unforgettable time. Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve deserve a spot on your bucket list. Don’t miss out on experiencing this national treasure of remarkable preserve of west coast terrain and beautiful wildlife.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Information:
Website: https://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm
Phone: (719) 378-6395
Address: 11999 State Highway CO-150, Mosca, CO 81146, USA
