Colorado Points of Interest
Great Sand Dunes
Welcome to Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, one of the most unique landscapes in the United States! This park boasts the tallest dunes in North America, rising over 750 feet above the valley floor. Here are some good reasons to visit:
1. Adventure: The Great Sand Dunes are perfect for those looking for a little adventure. Visitors can hike, sled, sandboard, or even take a 4x4 tour on the dunes themselves.
2. Scenic Beauty: The dunes are surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your visit. The park also features wetlands, forests, and alpine lakes, offering visitors a variety of landscapes to explore.
3. Dark Skies: Great Sand Dunes National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it's a great place to stargaze and see the Milky Way.
4. Wildlife: The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep.
5. History: The Great Sand Dunes have a rich human history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 11,000 years.
When you visit Great Sand Dunes National Park, you might see some unique things, such as:
- Medano Creek: During the spring and early summer months, Medano Creek flows through the park, creating a unique beach-like experience in the middle of the desert.
- Sand Dunes: Of course, the main attraction of the park is the sand dunes themselves. Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes for amazing views, or rent sleds and sandboards to slide down the slopes.
- Zapata Falls: A short drive from the park entrance, Zapata Falls is a stunning waterfall hidden inside a narrow canyon.
- Mosca Pass Trail: This hiking trail offers incredible views of the dunes, as well as the surrounding mountain peaks.
So come visit Great Sand Dunes National Park and experience this unique and beautiful landscape for yourself! Get driving directions.
1. Adventure: The Great Sand Dunes are perfect for those looking for a little adventure. Visitors can hike, sled, sandboard, or even take a 4x4 tour on the dunes themselves.
2. Scenic Beauty: The dunes are surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your visit. The park also features wetlands, forests, and alpine lakes, offering visitors a variety of landscapes to explore.
3. Dark Skies: Great Sand Dunes National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it's a great place to stargaze and see the Milky Way.
4. Wildlife: The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep.
5. History: The Great Sand Dunes have a rich human history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 11,000 years.
When you visit Great Sand Dunes National Park, you might see some unique things, such as:
- Medano Creek: During the spring and early summer months, Medano Creek flows through the park, creating a unique beach-like experience in the middle of the desert.
- Sand Dunes: Of course, the main attraction of the park is the sand dunes themselves. Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes for amazing views, or rent sleds and sandboards to slide down the slopes.
- Zapata Falls: A short drive from the park entrance, Zapata Falls is a stunning waterfall hidden inside a narrow canyon.
- Mosca Pass Trail: This hiking trail offers incredible views of the dunes, as well as the surrounding mountain peaks.
So come visit Great Sand Dunes National Park and experience this unique and beautiful landscape for yourself! Get driving directions.
Points of Interest
Location |
---|
Great Sand Dunes |
UFO Watch Tower and Campground |
Zapata Falls Recreation Area |
Nearby Camping
Location | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alvarado | 50 | 8,962 ft | |||
Pinyon Flats - Sand Dunes National Monument | 88 | 8,261 ft |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gauge | Streamflow |
---|---|
Turkey Creek Ab Teller Res Near Stone City
USGS 07099230 |
0 cfs |
Grape Creek Near Westcliffe
USGS 07095000 |
21 cfs |
Arkansas River Near Wellsville
USGS 07093700 |
802 cfs |
Beaver Creek Above Highway 115 Near Penrose
USGS 07099060 |
57 cfs |
Arkansas River At Parkdale
USGS 07094500 |
985 cfs |
Cotton Creek Near Mineral Hot Springs
USGS 08226700 |
8 cfs |