Sand Dunes in the Mountains: An Oasis of Fun!
In
just a 3 hour drive from Colorado Springs, you and your kids can visit the
amazing Great Sand Dunes
National Park.
Go in late Spring/early Summer before it’s too hot and the river is still
running through the sand dunes. We visited in late May—Medano Creek was cool
in temperature and flowing full force (yet still shallow enough for toddlers
to play in). During the daytime it was very windy—but the nights were calm.
If you go in the summer, get there early in the day (or late) to avoid too
much sun/heat.
The kids (and adults) will have a blast, trying to make it to the top of the
sand dunes (the tallest in No. America, at 750 feet, is here!), splashing
in the water and building sand castles. You’ll love the view of these amazing
dunes, nestled right against the magnificent Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Coming
for the day? Bring beach chairs, towels, a change of clothes, sunscreen, beverages
and lunch in a cooler, and you’re set. There are picnic tables for use in
the parking area or you can picnic by the creek or on an "island."
Coming for longer and want to camp? The National Park Campground does not
accept reservations—it is first come, first served. The campground fills on
weekends, especially in the late Spring/early Summer when Medano Creek is
flowing. We arrived on a Thursday evening to find the campground full—the
park ranger filled us in on our lodging options outside the park.
We were able to find camping at the private campground right outside the park.
There is also a lodge at the private campground and lodging in nearby Alamosa.
The park as well as private campground were both dog friendly—as long as they
are on a leash.
We
also enjoyed a scenic hike on the Montville Trail right inside the park—the
nature loop is an easy hike by a creek (we did it in 1/2 an hour with 3 yr-old
twins—if you keep going you will take on a couple hour hike with a very large
elevation climb.
Tipster: I’ve heard the river runs dry, so if water play is important, contact
the park (web link at the top) before you go.