Great Sand Dunes National Park
The Great Sand Dunes National Park resembles a large and fun playground, built by nature not only for kids, but for those of all ages. From the unique shallow wave surges of the Medano Creek, to the heights of the tallest sand dunes in North America, the fun floating, sliding, hiking, and exploring opportunities are countless.
Something to watch out for are the powerful afternoon winds that raise millions upon millions of tiny sand grains into the air and send them straight into the most unwanted places like your eyes, nose, camera lenses, bags and backpacks. Also, take care to protect your feet against the searing hot sands, which can measure in excess of 150 degrees at high noon.
This breathtaking view of snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains awaits you upon your arrival to the dunes and it’s only the first taste of what this park has to offer.
View of the Great Sand Dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background
Medano Creek
The Medano Creek is almost like a border between the grasslands and the giant dunes. First, one must cross the creek to be able to reach the dunes. Be ready for a cold crossing especially on early season mornings. Also, take time to observe the creek’s wave surges that come about once a minute - something we have never seen before and were intrigued by.
Medano Creek. See the sandboarders (in same line with the crossing doggy) getting ready for a good sandboarding off the dunes!
We made sure we had enough water and good skin and eye covering and forded the creek. Once on the other side, we could choose pretty much any path across the dunes. We could not be any happier to be able to explore such a unique place for hours and hours. Well, at least until mid-day when a sand storm arrived into the valley and slowed us down.
Hiking “High Dune”
High Dune stands at about 700 ft tall and 1.5 miles from Medano Creek. The route is not marked but, by following the first ridge, the summit is easily reachable. Due to the hot mid-day temperatures, high winds, and thunderstorm that usually form in the afternoon, we decided to start our hike very early morning. The water of the Medano Creek was extremely cold. Never before have I ever experienced such prolonged pain in my feet after crossing cold creeks or rivers, even in the cold water of the Pacific Northwest. This was new and unusually painful, but with time, the pain subsided and we were on our way hiking the dunes. The hike itself was very pleasant and truly spectacular views opened up the higher we got. Once on the summit, the views of the dune field all around made it worth our effort.
Hiking Star Dune, the tallest dune in North America
From High Dune, we had the option to return or to continue on and summit the highest dune in North America, Star Dune. This one stands at 750 ft tall and is situated about 2 more miles further from High Dune. The route is not marked and having a GPS was essential. Not too many wonder out that far, so we had the place all for ourselves, in fact, we were the only souls for miles around. Once we reached the summit of Star Dune we decided to go straight down towards the Medano Creek following one of the ridges. The creek is visible all the way, so it’s easy to reach and follow back to the parking area.
What a trip!
We loved, loved, loved every step we took up and down the Great Sand Dunes. The off trail hiking and sometimes not seeing another foot step in the sand in front of us made us feel like we were on a different planet, one that we just discovered and we were first explorers walking it for the first time. Such a memorable experience!
Enjoy your stay in the park, hike early for solitude, stay safe, and wear a big smile on your face!