Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
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courtesy of the National Park Service |
Contact Information:
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
11500 Highway 150
Mosca, CO 81146
719-378-6300
http://www.nps.gov/grsa/
Size: 84,670 acres. Plans are for the acquisition of the existing Baca Ranch as well as lands west and south of the existing property to provide for a 108,000-acre national park. The preserve is adjacent to the existing national monument and consists of lands formerly administered by the US Forest Service as part of the Rio Grande National Forest.
Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located 35 miles northeast of Alamosa, Colorado, reached by US 160 and CO 150 from the south; or from CO 17 and County Six Mile Lane from the west.
Description: Among the largest and highest in the United States, these dunes were deposited over thousands of years by southwesterly winds blowing through the passes of the lofty Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Depending on the time of day, the dunes turn different shades of rust, brown, pink, cream, gray, and gold.
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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
Wildlife sightings are common. Recent observations include mule deer, elk, coyotes, golden and bald eagles, ravens, magpies, and, just outside park boundaries, bison. Allow about two hours to hike the dunes. Friends of the Dunes, Inc. host several summer events: castle building and kite flying contest, summer concerts, seminars, and photography workshops.
Operating
Hours:
The Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Visitor Center open daily,
closed on winter holidays.
History:
Proclaimed on March 17, 1932. Wilderness designated on October 20, 1976. Redesignated Great Sand Dunes National Monument and Preserve on November 22, 2000. Upon acquisition of the adjoining 97,000-acre Baca Ranch, the area will be redesignated as a national park.
See other National Parks
See other Colorado National Parks
