Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Pinon Flats Campground is located in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in southern Colorado. The huge dunes are the tallest in North America and comprise about 11 percent of an enormous sand deposit that covers more than 330 square miles. The park is perfect for kids, who love exploring the dunefield on foot or by sled. Medano Creek, at the base of the dunes, is a popular place in the summertime.

This is a popular seasonal stream enjoyed by all ages. it is one of the iconic attraction in this area and also there are so many things to see and do here.

Explore this 10.8-km out-and-back trail near Gardner, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 37 min to complete. This trail is great for camping, hiking, and trail running.

The high dune on the first ridge is neither the highest in elevation nor the tallest in the park, but it looks that way from the main parking lot. Discover this 4.8-km out-and-back trail near Gardner, Colorado. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 26 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Mosca Pass, is a mountain pass in Alamosa and Huerfano counties in the Sangre de Cristo Range in southern Colorado. The pass lies on the eastern border of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve about 40 miles west of Walsenburg, Colorado. It starts near the Great Sand Dunes National Park visitor center and is impassable to vehicles, lies on the west side of the pass, and Forest Road 580 begins and heads east from the top of the pass.

Medano Creek is often referred to as Colorado’s Natural beach, as it forms at the foot of the Great Sand Dunes and creates an incredibly fun venue for visitors to splash around, picnic, and sometimes even float down in rafts. Since the river is fed by the surrounding mountain's snowpack, the best time to enjoy the river is typically spring and early summer.