Great Sand Dunes

[okailyhm]

Hi y’all,
I am thinking of a trip to visit the great dunes in Colorado. Any recommendations, tips, or groups going out?

 

[Flipper]

We were there several years ago. Not impressed at all. Super small site. We blew it off and stayed at San Luis State Wildlife Area just outside the SP to the West. Went to the SP the next day walked around the sand dunes for a couple hours then left. If you are in that area I would recommend the Silver byway, 160 to South Fork then 149 to Creede then to Lake City. Spectacular scenery make sure your brakes are in good condition, Slumgullion Pass is definitely a white knuckle dissent to Lake City. Great campsite at Wupperman CG at Lake San Cristobal. Where you can pick up the trail to Silverton then Ouray.

 

[M Rose]

Hi y’all,
I am thinking of a trip to visit the great dunes in Colorado. Any recommendations, tips, or groups going out?

@Neal A. Tew would be a good resource. However, I strongly disagree with @Flipper . I have taken many trips down to the Dunes over the years, and make a point every time I go visit my kids in Colorado Springs to make a trip to the Dunes. I normally camp up near Piñon Flats Camp Ground. I don’t do camp grounds often, and here is no exception.

 

[Neal A. Tew]

Hi y’all,
I am thinking of a trip to visit the great dunes in Colorado. Any recommendations, tips, or groups going out?

I would recommend coming to Colorado for the mountains: to travel the amazing high elevation 4WD roads and camp by the mountain lakes, etc.

The Great Sand Dunes are interesting in the way they were formed and that they are in the mountains. For me, they would be a side trip and not the main trip. If you are coming from Saudi Arabia, I suspect you would be disappointed if this was your primary destination.

I like to take Medano Pass over the small mountain and come into the Park's back door. We did it just a few weeks ago. To me, this is the best part of the park.

If you really want to play in the sand consider Glamis and others.

 

[Mike W]

I agree with @Neal A. Tew Medano pass is a fun easy trail. The sandy parts near the park are my favorite part. There are also lots of decent little camp spots along the trail if you want to make it an overnight.

Me and a couple friends where out there in 2020

 

[OkieDavid]

Don't forget a side trip to Zapata Falls, to me that's my favorite part of going by Great Sand Dunes, it's actually outside the park just south of the entrance. And yes, Medano Pass is a great route in or out of the park. I went through the dunes first and then camped in the forest at the top of the pass.