Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Description
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a remarkable and unique landscape situated in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. The result of hundreds of thousands of years of geologic activity, wind and erosion, these are the tallest sand dunes in all of North America and a striking example of the forces of nature and time. The dunes are in a state of constant change and any time of year is wonderful opportunity to hike and slide on the high dunes, as well as explore the rivers and creeks that contribute to the growth and preservation of the dunes.
The Great Sand Dunes are true phenomena of geology, wind, nature, and time, and the story of their creation is an exciting tale. The story begins with the eruption of the La Garita Caldera, which is the largest known volcanic explosion in the history of the Earth, creating the San Juan Mountains. Next, geologic forces led to the rising of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and established the San Luis Valley. Rivers and creeks eroded sediment from these two mountain ranges and formed large lakes in the valley. Over time the lakes dried up and left large deposits of sand in the valley. Prevailing winds blew sands toward the Sangre de Cristo Mountains while opposing winds blew in the opposite direction. The force of the opposing winds is what drove the dunes to their unique height, as high as 750 feet. Rivers and creeks continue to replenish the sands, while the winds continue to push to dunes towards the splendid Colorado sky.
The Great Sand Dunes are a wonderland of hiking and unique in that there are no established trails. All thirty square miles of dunes are open to boundless exploration. Favorites include the High Dune and Star Dune. The High Dune is near the parking lot and has a fantastic view from the top. The Star Dune is the highest dune in North America at 750 feet. Hikers are rewarded with unforgettable views of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the ancient San Luis Valley.
Hikes into the dunes should also include sliding on the dunes! The dunes, particularly after recent rains, are perfect for sledding, skiing and snowboarding. With no trails or boundaries, all 30 square miles of the preserve can become a vast playground for sliding. Keep in mind that cardboard does not work, and that sliding is difficult or impossible if the sand is too dry.
A family favorite at the preserve is relaxing and playing in the rivers and creeks that feed the dunes and valley. Medano Creek is the predominant creek through the dunes and offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Sun bathing, sand castle building, splashing and playing, and even skim boarding and surfing are possible. Mid-May to late June has the highest flow and is often the best time for water recreation.
Businesses
Whether you want to travel to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, spend the night, go shopping, or have a romantic dinner, we have the business listings to help you plan your Colorado vacation close to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Please click on the categories below to expand them. If you believe we missed a business or mis-categorized it, or if you have any other comment, please let us know by clicking here.
 Best Western 2005 Main St (719) 589-2567Alamosa, CO 81101 www.bestwestern.com  Hotel Limited Service Year Built 1960 Year Remodeled 2010 Additional Property Description Stay at this delightful Alamosa hotel and experience...  Comfort Inn Alamosa 6301 W Us Highway 160 (719) 587-9000Alamosa, CO 81101 www.comfortinn.com  Comfort Inn Alamosa is located in Alamosa. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness facility. This hotel has a 24 hour business center and offers a meeting/conference...  Days Inn Alamosa Co 224 Okeefe Pkwy Alamosa, CO 81101 Days Inn Alamosa Co is located in Alamosa. Hotel Features. Days Inn Alamosa Co features a restaurant. Additional property amenities include self parking. Guestrooms. Televisions have cable channels....  Hampton Inn Alamosa Co 710 Mariposa St Alamosa, CO 81101 Hampton Inn Alamosa Co is located in Alamosa. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness facility. This 2.5 star property has a 24 hour business center and offers...  Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamosa 3418 Mariposa (719) 589-4026Alamosa, CO 81101 www.hiexpress.com  Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamosa is located in the midtown area of Alamosa. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a spa tub, a sauna, and a fitness facility. This 2.5 star...  Horn Creek Conference Grounds 6758 County Road 130 (719) 783-2205Westcliffe, CO 81252 www.horncreek.org   Inn of the Rio Grande 333 Santa Fe Ave (719) 589-0983Alamosa, CO 81101 innoftherio.com  Inn of the Rio Grande is located in Alamosa. Property Features. Inn of the Rio Grande's restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Room service is available. Recreational... Main Street Inn Bed & Breakfast 501 Main St (719) 783-4000Westcliffe, CO 81252 www.mainstreetbnb.com   Outpost Bed & Breakfast Country Inn 687 County Road 517 Fraser, CO 80442 The Outpost B&B Country Inn is located in Fraser, Colo. Less than three miles from Winter Park Winery Five miles from the Grand Theater Company Less than nine miles from the Winter Park Resort (Ski Area)... |
 Super 8 Almosa Co 2505 W Main (719) 589-6447Alamosa, CO 81101-2239 www.super8.com  Hotelyear built 1990 year remodeled 1995additional property description all super 8 motels offer consistently clean and friendly accommodations and services. Super 8 properties provide... |
Alamosa County Chamber-Cmmrc 300 Chamber Dr (719) 589-3681Alamosa, CO 81101 www.chamberofcommerce.com  Horn Creek Conference Grounds 6758 County Road 130 (719) 783-2205Westcliffe, CO 81252 www.horncreek.org |
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