Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado features the tallest dunes in North America, as well as a diverse landscape with alpine lakes, aspen and conifer forests, grasslands, tundra, and wetlands. In addition to its 150,000 acres of natural beauty, the park has many wonderful outdoor activities for guests to enjoy. Whether it’s sandboarding, hiking, or marveling at the amazing scenery, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers something for everyone.
Due the unique geography of the park, sandboarding and sand sledding are certainly two of the most popular activities. Sandboards and sand sleds are specifically designed for sand, working best after a period of rain or snow. Although the park does not rent the equipment, the boards and sleds can be purchased or rented from local retailers. Sandboarding and sledding is permitted on any part of the dunefield that is away from the vegetated areas of the park.
Hiking is an especially attractive option at Great Sand Dunes National Park, with miles of alpine and forested trails. Of course, most visitors enjoy walking along the 30 square miles of dunefield. There are no designated trails on the dunes, so guests are free to explore on their own. The park features five dunes that are more than 700 feet tall! At the base of the dunes, visitors can cool off in the water at Medano Creek. Multiple alpine trails provide hiking opportunities for hikers of all skill levels, including a spectacular climb to the summit of 13,297-foot Mount Herard for advanced hikers. The forested trails are ideal for those hot summer afternoons, providing plenty of shade and outstanding views.
The scenery at Great Sand Dunes National Park is a delightful attraction in itself. Although the grasslands are the least visited area of the park, they contain an incredible array of wildlife, natural beauty, and panoramic mountain views. The wetlands section of the park, including South Twin Lake, serves as an oasis for wildlife and is another great area to visit. Great Sand Dunes National Park is open 24 hours a day, allowing plenty of time for adventure and exploration.
Take a look at this spectacular glimpse of the outstanding landscape of Great Sand Dunes National Park, and get your sandboard ready!
Featured Image from Matt Noble/Unsplash
