Great Sand Dunes, Colorado for the Nature Lover

Truly Unique National Park Boasts Tallest Dune in North America

Dec 5, 2008

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers diverse hiking, primitive 4WD roads, developed and backcountry campgrounds, and even a swimming beach in summer.

Formed over 44,000 years ago by opposing wind currents, a dried up lake bed, and the convergence of three mountains, the 150,000+-acre Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve was established in 2004, and never fails to astound and excite the outdoors enthusiast.

Visitors find themselves surrounded by giant 750-foot tall dunes which rise and plunge, curve like a dinosaur’s back, challenging the hiker to lose themselves in the endless grains, beckoning the young and old to roll, surf, sled, and slide down with abandon. 30 square miles of dunefield with no designated trails give a sense of vast possibility for the trail blazer. No matter which direction is taken, footprints are soon washed away by the wind. In the optical illusion made by the waves, peaks and valleys of the dunes, what appears as a short walk may take hours of trudging in soft, fine sand.

Albert Einstein warned, “Never lose a holy curiosity,” and in this setting, with these extremes of natural forces and the depths of the sweeping, pillow soft sand, it is impossible to do so.

Surfing at Sand Dunes

The magnitude of the dunes is only surpassed by the surrounding peaks of the Crestone Range in the Sangre de Christos. In late Spring, Medano creek, at the base of the dunes, grows wide and rhythmic with runoff from these mountains, turning this high desert landscape into a sunny beach, complete with gentle waves. Bathing suits, towels and Frisbees are in abundance. Campgrounds fill up with families and nature-lovers, all here to explore this unique ecosystem.

A Range of Activities

The winds rise up in the afternoons, making mornings the better time to hike on the dunes. This leaves time for other adventures. Picnicking at one of the many tables near the base of the dunes is a popular choice. Information on history, science, and camping, 4WD drives, and hiking is available at the Visitor’s Center, just inside the park entrance. Here, kids can earn Junior Ranger badges after just a couple of hours of exploration and study. The Medano Pass Primitive Road offers 4WD explorers a chance to peek into the backcountry on a ruggedly picturesque sand dunes adventure. 25 primitive campsites along the road allow for escape from civilization, complete with fire rings and bear-proof boxes.

Abundant Wildlife

Along with bears, the park is home to mule deer, coyotes, ground squirrels and chipmunks.

Adjacent to the National Park, the wetlands of the San Luis Lakes are 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. Elk and bear have been spotted in the area, and tiger salamanders, toads and frogs are also found in the wetlands.

Getting There

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. For a more scenic drive through South Park and along the Collegiate Peaks and through the Arkansas River Valley, take US 285 south to 17 south, and then County Lane 6 east, following signs to the park. From Albuquerque, drive north on I-25 to Santa Fe, then north on US 285.

Campgrounds and Other Places to Stay

The best times to go are between May and November. Visit the park’s website for more details on planning a trip.

The copyright of the article Great Sand Dunes, Colorado for the Nature Lover in Colorado Travel is owned by Candace Kearns Read. Permission to republish Great Sand Dunes, Colorado for the Nature Lover in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.