Great Sand Dunes National Park: Quick Travel Tips with Local Favorites, Where to Stay, and Fun Facts
Why It’s a Gem
Great Sand Dunes National Park, located in southern Colorado, offers a unique landscape of towering sand dunes with the stunning backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visitors can hike the dunes, go sandboarding, or splash in Medano Creek during the spring and summer. It’s a quieter alternative to Colorado’s busier national parks, making it perfect for adventurers looking to explore surreal natural beauty in peace.
Quick Travel Tips
- Hike to Star Dune
- Why Go: The tallest dune in North America at 750 feet, Star Dune offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding dunes and mountains. The hike is challenging but rewarding, with unforgettable scenery at the summit.
- Tip: Start early in the morning to avoid the heat, and bring plenty of water—hiking on sand can be strenuous.
- Try Sandboarding and Sand Sledding
- Why Go: Sandboarding or sand sledding down the massive dunes is one of the most popular activities at the park. It’s a thrilling experience for all ages.
- Tip: Rent boards or sleds from the Great Sand Dunes Oasis just outside the park entrance. Waxing the boards before your ride will give you a smoother and faster descent.
- Splash in Medano Creek
- Why Go: In the late spring and early summer, Medano Creek flows at the base of the dunes, creating a unique natural water park. It’s perfect for cooling off after hiking the dunes.
- Tip: The creek’s flow depends on the snowmelt from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, so check the park’s website for current conditions before your visit.
- Explore Nearby Zapata Falls
- Why Go: Just a short drive from the park, Zapata Falls is a hidden gem. A short but refreshing hike leads to the cool waters of the falls, which are especially beautiful when partially frozen in winter or flowing strongly in summer.
- Tip: Bring water shoes, as you’ll need to wade through a shallow stream to reach the waterfall.
Local Favorites
- The Great Sand Dunes Oasis Restaurant: Located just outside the park entrance, this restaurant serves up hearty American fare like burgers, fries, and breakfast burritos. It’s a convenient spot to fuel up before or after a day on the dunes.
- Calvillo’s Mexican Restaurant (Alamosa): A local favorite in nearby Alamosa, Calvillo’s offers delicious Mexican cuisine, known for its generous portions and authentic flavors. Don’t miss the chile rellenos or the buffet for lunch.
- San Luis Valley Brewing Company (Alamosa): For craft beer lovers, this brewery in Alamosa offers a great selection of locally brewed beers and pub-style food. Try their Valley Blonde Ale paired with a juicy burger.
Where to Stay
- Piñon Flats Campground (Inside the Park): For a true wilderness experience, camp at this park-run campground, located at the base of the dunes. It offers stunning views and close proximity to hiking trails and Medano Creek.
- Tip: Book early, especially for summer stays, as the campsites fill up fast.
- Great Sand Dunes Lodge: Located just outside the park, this lodge offers comfortable accommodations with incredible views of the dunes and mountains. It’s the perfect base for exploring the area, and they even have an indoor pool for post-hike relaxation.
- Rustic Rook Resort (Glamping): For a unique glamping experience, stay in a luxury canvas tent with comfortable beds and wood-burning stoves at the Rustic Rook Resort, just a short drive from the park. The resort offers stunning views and is a peaceful retreat under the stars.
- Hotels in Alamosa: For more traditional accommodations, nearby Alamosa (about 35 minutes from the park) offers hotels like Comfort Inn & Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites, both featuring modern amenities like pools, free breakfast, and easy access to dining and shopping.
Historical Facts and Fun Facts
- Formation of the Dunes: The dunes were formed over thousands of years as wind and water carried sand from the San Luis Valley and deposited it at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Wind patterns continue to shape the dunes, making them constantly change in appearance.
- Tallest Dunes in North America: The Great Sand Dunes are home to the tallest dunes in North America, with the highest being Star Dune, which towers at 750 feet.
- Singing Sand: The sand at Great Sand Dunes is known to “sing” or “boom” under the right conditions. When large amounts of sand slide down the dune’s slopes, it creates a deep, humming sound due to the friction between the sand grains.
- Native American Heritage: The region has been inhabited for over 11,000 years by Native American tribes, including the Jicarilla Apache and Ute peoples. The dunes and surrounding mountains are considered sacred by many Indigenous groups.
- International Dark Sky Park: Great Sand Dunes National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it’s an ideal spot for stargazing. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way stretch across the sky, making it one of the best places in Colorado to enjoy the stars.
Final Tips
- Bring Sun Protection: The sand and sun can be intense, so bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Pack Water: Hiking on the dunes can be tiring, so make sure to stay hydrated by bringing plenty of water, especially in the summer.
- Dress in Layers: The temperature can vary greatly between day and night, especially in the spring and fall, so dress in layers to stay comfortable.
Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable experience, with its towering dunes, serene landscapes, and fun outdoor activities. Whether you’re hiking to the top of Star Dune, sandboarding down the slopes, or relaxing by Medano Creek, this park is a must-visit for any nature lover!
