How to Get to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve:
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.Recommended Scenic Routes Near Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve:
There are two national scenic byways that are near the park. If you are approaching the park from the north from Denver or Colorado Springs, you might enjoy the Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway, which begins just southwest of Colorado Springs, CO. The Byway follows historic railroad and stagecoach routes leading visitors to North America's greatest gold camp, three world class fossil sites, and numerous historic sites. Areas of interest include: Victor's National Historic District and Cripple Creek, the historical hub of the mining district; the Royal Gorge Railroad and the 1,053-foot suspension bridge spanning the Royal Gorge; and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and the Garden Park Fossil Area. To access the Byway, take State Highway 115 from Colorado Springs to US 50 and go west to Cañon City. You can also take US 24 from Colorado Springs to Florissant.Just to the northeast of Great Sand Dunes National Park you'll find the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway. Known for its topographic diversity, byway features historic homesteads, abandoned trading posts and stage stops, the pristine Wet Mountain Valley, and wildlife viewing pullouts. It passes through the San Isabel National Forest, which offers great opportunities for camping, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. It also offers views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with 22 peaks reaching at least 13,000 feet. To access the Byway from Denver, take I-25 south for 112 miles to Pueblo. At Pueblo, take State Highway 96 west for 51 miles to Westcliffe. On Highway 96 at McKenzie Junction, there is the option of following Route 165 south & southwest to Colorado City, going through Rye and San Isabel.
Size:
107,452 acres (park) and 41,686 acres (preserve). Park acreage includes "The Baca" section purchased on September 10, 2004.Description:
In this high mountain valley are the tallest dunes in North America, flanked by some of the highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains. The park and preserve protects much of the Great Sand Dunes' natural system, including alpine tundra and lakes, forests, streams, dunes, grasslands, and wetlands. The dunes were deposited over thousands of years by southwesterly winds blowing through the passes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Depending on the time of day, the dunes turn different shades of rust, brown, pink, cream, gray, and gold.Things to Do at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve:
If possible, spend at least a few minutes hiking on the dunes. If you have more time, there are nature trails and longer trails and routes. You may observe flora and fauna, picnic, and camp in the campground or backcountry. Medano Creek, which flows at the base of the dunes during spring and early summer, allows for sand castle building and pleasant, refreshing hikes. Photographing the dunes, especially in late afternoon when the shadows deepen, is rewarding.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:
Great Sand Dunes National 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. Redesignated a national park on September 24, 2004.Contact the Park:
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve11500 Highway 150
Mosca, CO 81146
719-378-6300 - Headquarters
