Great Sand Dunes National Park

Introduction

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located in south-central Colorado, the park is famous for its towering sand dunes, which are the tallest in North America. Covering an area of 149,028 acres (60,310 hectares), the park offers visitors a diverse range of ecosystems and recreational opportunities. The park is characterized by its striking landscape, which includes not only the massive sand dunes but also a diverse array of other natural features. The dunes themselves cover an area of about 30 square miles (78 square kilometers) and rise to impressive heights, with some reaching up to 750 feet (229 meters). The park also encompasses grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra, making it a diverse and ecologically rich environment.

The history of the park dates back thousands of years. Indigenous peoples, including the Ute, Navajo, and Apache tribes, have lived in and around the area for centuries. The dunes themselves are believed to have formed around 440,000 years ago from sand and soil deposits carried by winds from the San Luis Valley. European settlers first explored the region in the 1800s, and by the early 20th century, efforts were underway to protect the unique landscape. The area was initially designated as a national monument in 1932, and in 2000, it was re-designated as a national park and preserve, providing it with greater protection and recognition.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife species, adapted to its unique and diverse habitats. Visitors can encounter mammals such as mule deer, elk, black bears, and mountain lions.

The park attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, drawn by its unique landscapes and recreational opportunities. In recent years, the park has seen an increase in popularity, with annual visitation numbers reaching around 600,000. Sand Dunes: The main attraction is, of course, the towering sand dunes. Visitors can hike, sandboard, and sled down the dunes, experiencing the thrill of these massive sand formations.

Day Hikes

Great San Dunes National Park offers 30 miles (48 km) of hiking trails that showcase its diverse landscapes, from alpine lakes to towering dunes. If you want to hike the dunes, be prepared to take your shoes off for crossing the creek.   For a full list of hikes, visit the NPS page.

High Dune on First Ridge trailhead starts at the parking lot by the visitor center.  Though it is not as high, or as long of a hike, as Hidden Dune, it provides an excellent view of the park.  Walking on fine sand is not easy.  It is 688 feef (209 m) from the base to the top.  Well worth the time and energy.

Mosca Pass Trail is a 7.5 mile (12 km) hike, with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet (518 m)  The trail starts at Pinion Flats Campground.  The trail through aspen groves, pine forest and meadows.  Excellent views of the sand dunes and Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Backpacking

There is really only one backpacking trail in Great Sand Dunes National Park that I would recommend.  If you do have a four wheel drive and the time (2.5 hours) to drive to the other side of the park, the Alpine Trails are incredible.   Permits are required and are only available at Recreation.gov.  For more information and regulations on backpacking, visit the NPS Backpacking site.  My favorite backpacking trip is below.  

Aspen is a 7 mile (11.25 km) hike that takes you to the highest backcountry site in the park.  At 9,240 feet, the views are incredible.  Bring lots of water.  The nearest is 2.3 miles (3.7 km) away.  The trailhead is located at Horse Parking Lot.

Sledding the Dunes

You can't go to Great Sand Dunes National Park without trying to sled the dunes.  The best option is to either bring or rent a sandboard.  They are specifically made for the dunes.  Rentals are available in town.  See the NPS site for rental options.  Stiff cardboard, hard plastic are great alternatives.

Fishing

Fishing in the park is highly regulated.  The native cutthroats are an endangered species and it is only catch and release.  You must have a Colorado fishing license and know the rules and regulations.  Visit the NPS site for more information.

Campgrounds

Bonsoir here are six established campgrounds in the park.  They are all first-come, first serve and you must pay in cash or credit card.  For a full list of the campgrounds, go to the NPS site.  

Lower Lehman Creek Campground is located 2.5 miles from the Lehman Visitor Center. Each of the 11 sites include a table, fire ring, and grate.  A vault toilet is available year-round.  There is no cell reception.  A campground map is available.

Upper Lehman Creek Campground is located 3.5 miles from the Lehman Visitor Center. Each of the 23 sites include a table, fire ring, and grate.  A vault toilet is available year-round.  There is no cell reception.  A campground map is available.

Wheeler Peak Campground is located at the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.   The campground is at 9,886 feet (3,013 m) and has 37 sites. Even in the summer it can get cold.  Each site includes a table, fire ring, and grate.  A vault toilet is available year-round.  There is no cell reception.  A campground map is available.

Baker Creek Campground has 37 sites and is located at the second left on Baker Creek road.   Each site includes a table, fire ring, and grate.  A vault toilet is available year-round.  There is no cell reception.  A campground map is available.

Grey Cliffs Campground has 16 sites and is located at the first left on Baker Creek road.   Each site includes a table, fire ring, and grate.  A vault toilet is available year-round.  There is no cell reception.  A campground map is available.

Snake Creek Campground has 12 sites.  To get there from the Great Basin Visitor Center, turn right on highway 487 before the Nevada/Utah boarder.  Each site includes a table, fire ring, and grate.  A vault toilet is available year-round.  There is no cell reception.  

Restaurants

There is only one cafe in the park, The Great Basin Cafe, located at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center.  The cafe is open from April through October.