GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE
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Before going to explore the park, stop at the Visitor Center to take practical information on walks and different access.
Side of the dunes. You can walk freely on the dunes. If the climb is tough, the descent is obviously the most fun part. If you have a surfboard or bodyboard, or any other smooth surface, test the descent by sliding. Otherwise, you can always run and enjoy rolling in the sand. You will find that you will take a few minutes to steal what you have taken so long and effort to climb. Sunrise and sunrise are particularly magical moments at the top of the sand mountains overlooking the desert valley. The best places to consider are the High Dune and Star Dune.
The High Dune measures 200 meters and offers a beautiful panorama, however it is difficult to reach, about 4 kilometers round and 2:30 a. m., a large part of which is difficult. Star Dune is the highest dune in the park (230 meters) accessible within 4 hours and 10 kilometers of effort.
Mountain side. The mountain part of the park is ideal for viewing wildlife, you can make beautiful walks, including walks to the beautiful Lake of Sand Creek: Lower Sand Creek Lake (4.85 km), Upper Sand Creek Lake (5.6 km) or Little Sand Creek Lakes (12.8 kilometers).
Swimming in Medano Creek. When it is not dry (often the case in July and August), you can swim at the foot of the dunes in Medano Creek watercourse. Notable fact: sand formations create currents similar to waves in a sea.
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Further information
Opening time and information on GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE
Open 24/24, 7 days a week. Admission by valid vehicle one week: US$15. Free with the pass America the Beautiful. Visitor Center is open every day, from September to May from 9am to 4.30pm, and in summer from 8.30am to 5pm.
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Members' reviews on GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
The climb can be challenging. I share some experience in the video here (full on my IG).
Don’t make my mistake and get some proper hiking boots, if you gonna hike this thing for a while. That sand is getting everywhere for sure and it will be a challenge to get rid of it. Especially if sliding down those slopes.
Also, make sure to check the weather in advance and dress appropriately. I saw way too many people walking a bit only to realize they were risking freezing to death with the high winds and a snow cloud that suddenly came down the mountains.
It’s quite epic really and words cannot truly describe it. Be prepared to do some serious cardio and be out of breath. It’s high altitude so make sure you are in good enough condition to take in the challenge.
It is both difficult in the heart and the muscles as the feet tend to sink in under each step, especially during warmer months and if it hasn’t rained recently, making the climb more difficult.
Mountains surrounding sand dunes with a stream in certain spring months.
Don’t forget the small towns along the ways, and make a loop back to denver the opposite direction that you came.