Great Sand Dunes National Park is unlike any other in the United States. A little piece of the Sahara Desert is on the valley floor, surrounded by tall mountain peaks! It's an incredible place to visit.
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Arriving at the park, I expected a sunny day of hiking and exploring, but Mother Nature had other plans. The weather was cold-around 50°F-and rain greeted us when we pulled up. Relying on the weather on my phone was a mistake, so we hadn’t dressed for these chilly conditions. Our first stop was the park gift shop for sweatshirts. It was a necessary purchase as we tried to prepare for the cold, a stark contrast to what many think of when imagining the desert.
Things to Do at Great Sand Dunes National Park
Whether you're spending a day or two, Great Sand Dunes offers plenty to do for adventurers of all ages. Here’s a guide to the must-see and must-do activities during your visit.
#1 Hiking the Dunes
While there are no designated trails on the dunes (they’re constantly shifting), one of the most popular dunes is to High Dune. At nearly 700 feet tall, it’s a challenging but rewarding trek.
#2 Sandboarding and Sand Sledding
Sandboarding and sledding are incredibly popular activities at the park, but conditions need to be just right. Unfortunately for us, the rain made the sand too wet for the boards to move, but on a dry day, this is a must-do.
#3 Stargazing
Great Sand Dunes is a designated International Dark Sky Park, which means you’ll be treated to some of the best stargazing in the country on a clear night.
#4 Sunset on the Dunes
As the sun sets, the light casts an ethereal glow over the dunes, turning the sand into shades of pink, orange, and gold.
#5 Riding the Primitive Road
If you have a 4WD vehicle with high clearance, you can drive the Medano Pass Primitive Road, which takes you through remote areas of the park.
#6 Zapata Falls
A short drive from the park, Zapata Falls is a hidden gem many visitors miss. A quick 0.9-mile hike takes you to a stunning 30-foot waterfall tucked away in a narrow gorge.
For more information on making the most amazing 1 day visit, check out
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