Unique Great Sand Dunes National Park: 7 Best Things To Do + Map
Welcome to Great Sand Dunes National Park, a unique and breathtaking natural wonder located in the southern part of Colorado. It is a place of awe-inspiring beauty and features the tallest sand dunes in North America, with the highest peak reaching over 750 feet.
Compared to other national parks in Colorado like the Rocky Mountain National Park or the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park or the Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes offers a one-of-a-kind experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the state. While Colorado is known for its majestic mountains and stunning landscapes, Great Sand Dunes offers a different kind of beauty that will leave you in awe.
The juxtaposition of the vast, sandy dunes against the backdrop of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains is truly a sight to behold.
In this blog post, we will take you on a virtual journey to Great Sand Dunes National Park, providing you with all the information you need to plan an unforgettable visit. Our guide will help you make the most of your time in the park, ensuring that your visit is one that you will always cherish.
So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of Great Sand Dunes National Park together!
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Exploring the Great Sand Dunes National Park
The park’s name is derived from the massive sand dunes that are the centerpiece of the park. This magnificent park spans over 30 square miles and is renowned for its towering sand dunes that can reach up to 750 feet in height.
The sand dunes are the main attraction of Great Sand Dunes National Park, but the park is home to much more.
The park boasts a rich and diverse range of ecosystems, including wetlands, grasslands, forests, and alpine tundra, all of which can be explored on the park’s many trails. The park’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring, with the towering sand dunes creating a stark contrast against the backdrop of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The park is also home to a variety of rare and endemic species, including the Great Sand Dunes tiger beetle and the Great Plains toad. You can spot a variety of wildlife, including pronghorns, black bears, bighorn sheep, and numerous species of birds.
Sand Dunes in the Heart of Colorado: A Geological Wonder
To truly appreciate the wonder of Great Sand Dunes National Park, it’s important to understand the geology behind its creation. The sand dunes were formed over millions of years by a combination of geological processes and weather patterns.
The story begins with the uplift of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which started around 65 million years ago. As the mountains rose, the San Luis Valley began to form below them.
Over time, rivers flowing from the mountains brought sediment and debris into the valley, creating a vast alluvial fan. As the fan grew, it eventually blocked the flow of the rivers, and a large inland lake called Lake Alamosa formed behind it.
As the lake dried up, strong winds began to blow across the valley, carrying the sediment and debris from the alluvial fan and depositing it in the form of sand dunes at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which acted as a natural barrier. The sand accumulated and formed the massive dunes that are the centerpiece of the park.
As you explore the park and marvel at its natural beauty, you can’t help but be struck by the sheer magnitude of the geological history that lies beneath your feet!
7 Best Things to Do in the Great Sand Dunes National Park
With so much to see and do in this magnificent park, it can be overwhelming trying to plan your itinerary. Here are the top seven must-see things at Great Sand Dunes National Park that you simply can’t miss.
#1: Admiring the Great Sand Dunes: Hiking and Sandboarding
The towering sand dunes themselves are a marvel of nature that make this park truly unique. From a distance, they look like massive waves frozen in time, but up close, you’ll see the intricate patterns created by the wind and the sand.
The constantly shifting sands create new formations, while the changing light throughout the day offers a different perspective on the dunes with each passing hour. This dynamic landscape is truly a marvel of nature, and it’s no wonder why the park was designated a national park in 2004.
As you climb up the towering dunes, you’ll be struck by the natural beauty and dynamic nature of this incredible landscape. From the top of the tallest dune, you can take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, while down below, the sand ripples and shifts with the changing winds.
If you’re looking for the best view points in the park, be sure to check out High Dune and Star Dune. High Dune is the tallest dune in the park, standing at over 700 feet tall, while Star Dune is the largest, covering over 30 acres of land. Both offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area and are well worth the climb.
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, there are plenty of trails and scenic drives to explore in the park. The Mosca Pass Trail offers stunning views of the sand dunes and takes you through a scenic canyon and up to the top of a high ridge. The Medano Lake Trail winds through forests and wetlands before ending at a pristine alpine lake.
The park’s scenic drives, including the Medano Pass Primitive Road and the Dunes Overlook Trail, offer stunning vistas of the sand dunes and the surrounding mountains.
Of course, no trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park would be complete without trying your hand at sand boarding or sledding. Rent a sandboard or sled from the park’s visitor center and take to the dunes for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
Whether you’re looking to hike, drive, sandboard, or simply take in the natural beauty of this incredible landscape, the park has something to offer for everyone.
#2: Medano Creek: A Refreshing Oasis in the Desert
Medano Creek is a beautiful creek which flows at the base of the sand dunes during the spring and early summer months. The creek is fed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains, and its waters are crystal clear and refreshingly cool.
The Medano Creek Trail follows the creek for over three miles through a lush valley of cottonwood trees and willows. The trail also offers stunning views of the sand dunes and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of spots to dip your toes in the water or take a refreshing swim.
If you’re looking for the best view points of Medano Creek, be sure to check out the Dunes Bridge and Castle Creek Picnic Area. The Dunes Bridge offers a panoramic view of the creek and the sand dunes in the distance, while the Castle Creek Picnic Area is a great spot to relax and enjoy a picnic while taking in the beautiful scenery.
In addition to hiking and swimming, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Medano Creek, such as fishing, tubing, and wildlife watching. The creek is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow and brown trout, making it a popular spot for anglers.
#3: Exploring the High Country: Trekking Above the Clouds in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are a stunning range that stretches across the southern portion of Colorado and northern New Mexico. Great Sand Dunes National Park is nestled at the base of these mountains, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore both the sand dunes and the high alpine terrain of the Sangre de Cristos. The Sangre de Cristo range is part of the Rocky Mountains and is home to several peaks that rise above 14,000 feet.
One of the best ways to explore the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is by hiking one of the park’s many trails. The Sand Ramp Trail and the Medano Lake Trail are both popular hikes that take visitors into the heart of the Sangre de Cristos.
The Mosca Pass Trail is a popular option, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This 4.2-mile trail winds through a dense forest of aspen and pine trees, eventually leading to a rocky outcropping at an elevation of 11,500 feet with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
If you prefer a more leisurely activity, there are several scenic drives in the area that offer stunning views of the mountains. The Medano Pass Primitive Road is a 22-mile rugged adventure through the mountains, with several overlooks and vistas that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The road is only open during the summer months, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
For those looking for a unique outdoor activity, horseback riding is a popular way to explore the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Several companies in the area offer guided horseback tours, which provide a unique perspective on the area’s natural beauty.
As you ride through the mountains, you’ll have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.
The High Dune, Star Dune, and Mosca Pass Trail all offer incredible views of the mountains and the surrounding landscape. The Castle Creek Picnic Area also offers stunning views and is a great spot for a picnic lunch.
With its stunning natural beauty, scenic drives, and hiking trails, it’s a natural wonder that shouldn’t be missed.
#4: Stargazing at Great Sand Dunes National Park: A Celestial Adventure in the Colorado Wilderness
The night sky over Great Sand Dunes National Park (which is designated as an International Dark Sky Park) is truly a sight to behold. With minimal light pollution and clear, dry air, this area offers some of the best stargazing in the country.
There are several great viewpoints within the park that offer unparalleled views of the night sky. The Star Dune overlook is one of the best places to stargaze, with its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The Pinyon Flats Campground also offers great stargazing opportunities, with clear views of the Milky Way and other celestial objects.
Visitors to the park can optimize their experience by planning their visit during a new moon, when the sky is darkest. It’s also a good idea to bring a red-filtered flashlight or headlamp, as this will help preserve your night vision.
You should bring warm layers and a blanket or sleeping bag, as temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.
The park also offers a number of ranger-led astronomy programs throughout the year, including full moon walks and stargazing parties. These programs provide a unique opportunity to learn about the stars and planets from experienced astronomers, and are a great way to enhance your visit to the park.
#5: Finding Serenity: Exploring the Beauty of Zapata Falls
Located just south of Great Sand Dunes National Park, Zapata Falls is a must-visit destination for any nature enthusiast. The falls are formed by snowmelt from the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the chilly water is a welcome respite on a hot day.
The mist from the falls can create a beautiful rainbow effect on sunny days, adding to the already picturesque scene.
You can explore the falls by hiking the short, steep trail to the base of the falls. The trail is rocky and slippery, so it’s important to wear sturdy shoes and use caution. The hike is well worth the effort, however, as the falls are a breathtaking sight to behold.
One of the best viewpoints of Zapata Falls is from the overlook at the top of the trail. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as a birds-eye view of the 30-foot waterfall cascading down the rocky cliffs.
For those looking for a longer hike, the Zapata Falls Trail also connects to several other nearby trails, including the South Zapata Lake Trail and the Sand Ramp Trail. These trails offer even more opportunities to explore the beautiful mountains and valleys of southern Colorado.
Overall, a trip to Zapata Falls is a fantastic addition to any visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
For the 7 most beautiful waterfalls in Colorado click here!
#6: A Symphony in Flight: Experiencing the Sandhill Crane Migration
Each year, from mid-February through early April, thousands of sandhill cranes and other migratory birds flock to the San Luis Valley near Great Sand Dunes National Park. The sandhill crane migration is a breathtaking sight to behold as the birds soar overhead in large flocks, creating a chorus of trumpeting calls that echo through the valley.
The best view points to watch the sandhill crane migration in the San Luis Valley include the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge, and the Baca National Wildlife Refuge. The Monte Vista refuge is the most popular spot for crane watching, and you can watch the birds from the designated viewing areas or take a guided tour to get a closer look.
Overall, the sandhill crane migration is an incredible natural phenomenon that should not be missed by anyone visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park area.
#7: Spotting Wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park
One of the most iconic animals in the park is the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. These impressive animals can often be spotted on the rocky slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Another unique animal found in the park is the Ord’s kangaroo rat. These small, desert-dwelling rodents are known for their impressive jumping abilities and can be seen darting across the sand dunes at night.
The park is home to several species of owls, including the great horned owl and the western screech-owl. Visitors can also spot the beautiful mountain bluebird, the striking red-tailed hawk, the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher and the majestic golden eagle.
The San Luis Valley is home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the Western fence lizard, prairie rattlesnake, and the Great Plains toad. The park’s wetland areas provide habitat for aquatic species such as the tiger salamander and the northern leopard frog.
The national park and the San Luis Valley are also home to a variety of other wildlife, including elk, deer, coyotes, and black bears.
Great Sand Dunes National Park Map
Great Sand Dunes National Park: A Destination Unlike Any Other
The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique and beautiful destination that is unlike any other national park in the United States. From the towering sand dunes to the pristine Medano Creek and the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this park offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Colorado, be sure to include the Great Sand Dunes National Park on your itinerary. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or just looking for a fun and unique adventure, this park is sure to exceed your expectations and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
