Welcome to the Great Sand Dunes Nationalpark, located in the Alamosa area of Colorado and only 167 mi or a good 3 hours drive away from our premises in Durango!
(It’s only 3 hours if you don’t stop in between in Pagosa Springs to have a short stroll along the San Juan River or a real good coffee at Root House. ❤️)
The park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, as well as the Medano Creek, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and more. Get ready to explore this amazing National Park, filled with unique landscapes and incredible sights. Don’t miss your chance to visit and travel through this fantastic site, preserved by the National Park Service.
The Unique Natural Wonders of Great Sand Dunes
If you’re looking for a unique natural wonder, then Great Sand Dunes National Park is the perfect destination for you. Here, you’ll find one of the most incredible sand dunes in the world, towering at an impressive 750 feet. But that’s not all there is to discover. The park also features a diverse range of ecosystems, from wetlands to forests, each with their own unique flora and fauna. As you explore the park’s off-road trails, you’ll come across picturesque lakes, streams, and waterfalls, all surrounded by breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot some of the park’s resident wildlife, such as elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears.
Exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park
Don’t forget to pack all the essentials for a successful adventure, and make sure to familiarize yourself with the park’s rules and regulations. You’ll be blown away by the stunning scenery and variety of activities available. Whether you’re into hiking, camping, or just soaking up the beauty of nature, Great Sand Dunes has it all.
Navigating Through The Trails and Tracks of the National Park
It’s time to hit the trails! With over 30 miles of designated off-road routes, there’s no shortage of adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or a beginner, you’ll find a trail that suits your skill level.
The Medano Pass Primitive Road is a must-see for any off-roader visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park. This rugged route takes you through some of the park’s most beautiful scenery, including the towering dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
For a more challenging ride, try the Mosca Pass Trail, a steep and rocky trail that offers stunning views of the San Luis Valley.
No matter which trail you choose, be sure to follow all posted signs and stay on designated routes to protect the fragile ecosystem of the park. So grab your map, buckle up, and get ready for an unforgettable off-road adventure in Great Sand Dunes National Park!
Enjoying A Variety Of Activities Within The Boundaries Of The Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is not only a paradise for off-road enthusiasts, but it also offers a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy. From hiking to birdwatching, camping and stargazing, this park has it all. For those who want to take a break from the adrenaline-fueled off-road experience, there are plenty of other options available. You can take a dip in Medano Creek, have a picnic with your family, or simply relax and marvel at the stunning views of the sand dunes. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try sandboarding or sand sledding down the dunes. These activities are unique to Great Sand Dunes National Park and offer an experience that you won’t find anywhere else. So go ahead and explore all the activities that this amazing park has to offer. Your off-road adventure at Great Sand Dunes National Park will be an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish forever.
Camping
There’s lots of options for all kinds of camping around Great Sand Dunes NP!
It starts with a classic KOA east of Alamosa, continues with several area campgrounds recommended by the NPS and a lot of public land along CO-150 on the right hand side, when heading towards the park.
The park itself offers Pinon Flats Campground, a huge place to stay directly in front of the dunes and exclusively reservable over Recreation.gov
However, the options we like best are different.
First of all, Great Sand Dunes offers backpacking permits that allow you to stay overnight in the middle of the dunes or in one of the primitive sites along Sand Ramp Trail. These must be reserved and paid for in advance on Recreation.gov, bookings on site are no longer possible. The experience is incomparable, especially as Great Sand Dunes is one of the Dark Sky Parks.
The second option are the 4×4 only accessible camping spots along Medano Pass Primitive Road, the road is closed during the winter months. Make sure that your vehicle has really high ground clearance, parts of the road are deep sand.
References
- https://www.nps.gov/grsa/
- https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/index.htm
- https://www.colorado.com/articles/national-park-profile-great-sand-dunes-national-park-preserve