Kasia’s Guidebook - Great Sand Dunes National Park
Hike the High Dune Areas
It may seem a little daunting after starting out but taking little breaks and walking up the ridges will make the experience more enjoyable. Stop often to take in the views and snap a few photos!
* Choose between the High Dune, the Star Dune and the Hidden Dune
* If you plan to hike these higher sandy areas, check the wind forecast. In the Spring which can be very windy, going early in the morning may be most comfortable. They wind gusts can reach 95 miles per hour.
* Even if you don't reach the top, hiking any part of the Dunes is incredible - you have to see them to believe it.
* Consider bringing a picnic for sunset on top of the Dunes or a late morning picnic along Modeno Creek when its running in season. Check the Park Website for creek conditions.
265 persone del luogo consigliano
Parco nazionale e riserva delle Grandi Dune di Sabbia
* Choose between the High Dune, the Star Dune and the Hidden Dune
* If you plan to hike these higher sandy areas, check the wind forecast. In the Spring which can be very windy, going early in the morning may be most comfortable. They wind gusts can reach 95 miles per hour.
* Even if you don't reach the top, hiking any part of the Dunes is incredible - you have to see them to believe it.
* Consider bringing a picnic for sunset on top of the Dunes or a late morning picnic along Modeno Creek when its running in season. Check the Park Website for creek conditions.
Picnic at Modeno Creek
While the creek is running (typically May - end of June). Check the National Park website for status. A wonderful way to enjoy the spectacular scenery is to set up a picnic for a couple hours. There is plenty of room to explore and spread out. Bringing a shade is a plus for those very sunny valley days. Consider a picnic anywhere at the dunes, up high on is pretty spectacular too. If you have time - I recommend both =)
265 persone del luogo consigliano
Parco nazionale e riserva delle Grandi Dune di Sabbia
While the creek is running (typically May - end of June). Check the National Park website for status. A wonderful way to enjoy the spectacular scenery is to set up a picnic for a couple hours. There is plenty of room to explore and spread out. Bringing a shade is a plus for those very sunny valley days. Consider a picnic anywhere at the dunes, up high on is pretty spectacular too. If you have time - I recommend both =)
Other Hiking Trails in the Park
* Montville Nature Trail (1/2 mile round trip) - This can be a great little escape from the heat as its a forested trail. The high point offers views of Mt. Herard, the dunes and the valley.
* Mosca Pass Trail - This trail follows a small creek to the summit of a low pass in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, winding through aspen and evergreen forests. Allow 2-3 hours to reach the pass; the trail is 3 1/2 miles (5.7 km) one way.
* Mosca Pass Trail - This trail follows a small creek to the summit of a low pass in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, winding through aspen and evergreen forests. Allow 2-3 hours to reach the pass; the trail is 3 1/2 miles (5.7 km) one way. American Indians and early settlers used this route for travel into the valley.
Sand Ramp Trail
This 11 mile trail is most commonly used as an access to various backpacking sites along the foothills, rather than as a destination trail for scenery, since it stays at the same elevation along the base of the mountains. Begin hiking the Sand Ramp Trail in Loop 2 of the campground or at Point of No Return Parking area. After the first two miles, much of this trail is sandy soil or pure sand, up and down along the foothills, so this hike can be grueling. Allow for more time than the mileage indicates.
265 persone del luogo consigliano
Parco nazionale e riserva delle Grandi Dune di Sabbia
* Montville Nature Trail (1/2 mile round trip) - This can be a great little escape from the heat as its a forested trail. The high point offers views of Mt. Herard, the dunes and the valley.
* Mosca Pass Trail - This trail follows a small creek to the summit of a low pass in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, winding through aspen and evergreen forests. Allow 2-3 hours to reach the pass; the trail is 3 1/2 miles (5.7 km) one way.
* Mosca Pass Trail - This trail follows a small creek to the summit of a low pass in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, winding through aspen and evergreen forests. Allow 2-3 hours to reach the pass; the trail is 3 1/2 miles (5.7 km) one way. American Indians and early settlers used this route for travel into the valley.
Sand Ramp Trail
This 11 mile trail is most commonly used as an access to various backpacking sites along the foothills, rather than as a destination trail for scenery, since it stays at the same elevation along the base of the mountains. Begin hiking the Sand Ramp Trail in Loop 2 of the campground or at Point of No Return Parking area. After the first two miles, much of this trail is sandy soil or pure sand, up and down along the foothills, so this hike can be grueling. Allow for more time than the mileage indicates.
Rural, High Altitude/Alpine Desert Environment
To make the most of your time in the San Luis Valley coming prepared for some possibly harsh weather is key! We are set against the mountains in an area that is very sunny and often windy - hence the Sand Dunes =)
* Mosca home to the Great Sand Dunes National Park is a tiny town located in the vast, rural San Luis Valley. * To make the most of your trip stack up on supplies at home or in Alamosa which offers all needed amenities and essentials. * Some Key essentials include: sunblock, bug spray, sun hat, comfortable shoes, layers (long pants, long sleeve shirt and bandana - these may be needed even in summer or spring if very windy), plenty of water and electrolytes due to high altitude, sunglasses and don't forget to fill up your gas tank in Mosca, Alamosa or Fort Garland on your way to the Dunes depending what direction you are coming from.
Mosca
* Mosca home to the Great Sand Dunes National Park is a tiny town located in the vast, rural San Luis Valley. * To make the most of your trip stack up on supplies at home or in Alamosa which offers all needed amenities and essentials. * Some Key essentials include: sunblock, bug spray, sun hat, comfortable shoes, layers (long pants, long sleeve shirt and bandana - these may be needed even in summer or spring if very windy), plenty of water and electrolytes due to high altitude, sunglasses and don't forget to fill up your gas tank in Mosca, Alamosa or Fort Garland on your way to the Dunes depending what direction you are coming from.
Consigli per viaggiatori
Muoversi in zona
Road Work on 6N toward the Dunes - End of May-September
6N is one of the two main roads to get to the Great Sand Dunes National park. Because of the closure, expect an added 20 minutes to get to the Park Entrance during this time. You will have to take 150 instead.