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Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of Colorado’s hidden treasures. It’s located on the Eastern edge of the San Luis Valley, and only about 30 miles outside of Alamosa. Great Sand Dunes National Park contains the tallest sand dunes in North America, with these dunes reaching up to 750 feet in height. In the park and preserve you can find hiking trails with breathtaking and mountain and dune views, endless amounts of sandboarding, plenty of campsites, a shallow creek, horseback riding, and more. Our Sandpiper model is perfect for the Dunes, you can strap all your sandboards and sleds straight to your roof!
What to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Dunes Exploration
When you arrive in the park, you’ll be greeted most noteworthy with overwhelming views of the dunes. You’re able to hike all over the 30 mile dune field but Due to the risk of heat exhaustion, burned feet, and lightning strikes you should plan on hiking the Dunes early in the morning or if you’d rather not wakeup at the crack of dawn, you can catch the sunset . While the temperature isn’t too bad in the summer at this elevation, the hike can be strenuous at points. Make sure to bring your phone or camera for the one-of-a-kind views at the top.
Sandboarding
Sandboards and sand sleds are available for rental at several local retailers in Alamosa and surrounding cities to the park. Make sure to make reservations if you’re planning your trip in peak season! To hike up to a low or medium-sized dune, the hike will be around 0.7 miles, but to the higher peaks expect hike closer to 1.25 miles. Pack and plan to wear some long-sleeves or pants if you want to avoid as much sand as possible getting in your clothes.
Medano Creek
Splash around in the shallow flowing creek adjacent to the sand dunes. It’s a pit-stop on your hike in and out and perfect for cooling off hot feet and washing off sand before heading back to camp. The snowpack in this region was over 100% average this year, so Medano Creek is flowing strong and fresh.
Pinon Flats Campground
This campground provides mountain and dune views! There are 88 campsites, therefore look to reserve before arrival during peak season. The campground is outfitted with restrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables for easy camp setup and maintenance. And for the most convenient camping solution you know where to get the best tent available.
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If you make it out to Great Sand Dunes National park, make sure to tag @roofnest and #roofnest so we can share your adventure. Happy adventuring and above all, have fun!
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