The Sand Dunes (Mosca, CO)

Great Sand Dunes National Park

     There are few natural sites as seemingly miraculous- and incongruous- as Colorado's Great Sand Dunes, nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Range. If you're a local, and have never visited the Sand Dunes, do it. Immediately.
     There is no "best time" to visit the Sand Dunes. Whatever the season, the hike has something unique to offer, from climbing the stiff, sandy ridges in a sweater in the dead of winter, to inner-tubing down the soft slopes in June. Visiting the Sand Dunes is less fun when it's rainy, and the heat of the sand can be unbearable in open shoes in the summer. Stay off the dunes during thunder and lightning storms, but otherwise, just make sure you have the right gear for the weather before heading up. The dunes can get windy, too, so I suggest my myopic brethren forget about trying to wear contacts at the dunes, or else invest in a good pair of goggles.
     Aside from the jaw-dropping scenery, the nice thing about the Sand Dunes is that it's good for people of any skill level. It's even good for people with joint problems, because the sand provides good shock absorbency. You can pace yourself by selecting a point in the dunes as your goal, then adjust your path according to how much you want to exert yourself. If you're planning to hike from end to end, pack a bedroll, enough food and water for three days, and let a ranger know your plan.
     During the spring and summer, camping at the Sand Dunes National Park can be a cheap and convenient lodging option. Campsite facilities are well-maintained, and you can dispose of trash and recycling before leaving the park grounds. However, camping at the Sand Dunes is popular, and sites fill up fast. Though 88 sites might seem like a lot, the demand for them is high, so call the park or visit the website to see if you can reserve a spot in advance. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, you can try and camp in the National Forest extension area by accessing a primitive road. The road is only open a few months of the year though, and unless your car has the proper clearance, you'll risk flooding your transmission driving over one of several creeks.

Medano Creek at The Great Sand Dunes National Park in early spring.

     It's rare, but occasionally, depending on the time of year, Medano Creek will flow along the Sand Dunes trails. This is usually in the early spring, and is considered one of the best times to make an overnight visit. Wear amphibious shoes if you have them, or whatever sandals or shoes you're comfortable hiking in.
     Just remember that sand can get hot. Though tearing off your sandals and sinking your feet deep into the sand might feel wonderful in early June or late September, exposing your feet to the blistering sand at high noon in August is painful. Choose your shoes accordingly, but know that as long it's not too hot, walking barefoot through the sand dunes is always a comfortable option.


Hike Location: Mosca, CO
                          Great Sand Dunes National Park
                          11500 State Highway 150
                          Mosca, Colorado- 81146

Approximate Length: n/a

Difficulty: Mild to moderate