Where did all this sand come from?
by karlak
0 contributors - June 23, 2008
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Check out one of the magnificent wonders of Colorado. The Sand Dunes National Park in Southern Colorado are a site to see. Sitting against the Sangre de Cristo mountains, about 30 miles north east of Alamosa, CO.
Sand Dunes National Park
11500 State Highway 150 Mosca, CO 81146
The Great Sand Dunes are created from sand of the Rio Grande flowing through the San Luis Valley. Over the ages, westerly winds picked up sand particles from the river flood plain. As wind lost power before crossing the Sangre de Cristo Range, the sand was deposited on the east edge of the valley. This process still continue today, and the dunes are slowly growing. The wind changes the shape of the dunes daily.
The 360 degree view of the Sand Dunes is totally worth the hike. We brought a lunch and hung out at the top for a while. We saw people hiking up to camp out on the sand dunes with their packs, all you need a permit to camp on the sand.
Going for a Ride
People can slide, ski, snowboard (or sandboard) down the sand. I hiked up to the highest sand dune called Star Dune, then did a forward roll down the sand. I saw a most people sledding or running down the sand, but there were a few sliding on their butts.
Hiking is pretty intense, it took me about 1 hour to hike 1.1 miles to the Star Dune. You definitely need to bring tennis shoes, water, and lots of sun screen. People wore their sports sandals, but had a harder time since the sand will get caught in between your shoes and weigh you down.
The Beach
The Medano Creek flows at the base of the dunes during the Spring and early Summer. I was shocked to see so many people hanging out, like they were at the ocean. People laying on a beach towel or sitting in a chair under an umbrella. Others were playing volleyball and soccer, wading in the water, and making sand castles. One family brought shovels and made a 6 person pool, and hung out for hours. May and June are the best months to hang out at the creek, by early July the creek is dried up.
San Luis Lake State Park
16399 Lane 6 N, Mosca, CO 81146
Another camping site, less busy during the high season.
Another camping site, less busy during the high season.
Great Sand Dunes Oasis
5400 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146
Camped here the first night, it was cool but people were right on top of each other, not much privacy.
Camped here the first night, it was cool but people were right on top of each other, not much privacy.
Restricted Area
We tried to drive up to the Medano Pass Primitive Road. When they mean it must be 4wd, they mean it around here. We were stuck for about 30 mins until about 6 cars stopped to help. Luckily a Jeep was able to pull us out.
Additional Info
It would take at least 4 or 5 days to do everything around here. You can go hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Range, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, and hot springs. There is also a Jr. Ranger program for kids to learn more about the wildlife and of course the Sand Dunes!
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Sand (and a beach) in Colorado?! I had no idea. Great guide!
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People in Jeeps go hunting for people stuck in sand or mud… show-off to the rescue! BTW, don’t get sand in your camera… it never comes out!
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