As I have mentioned in the past, I have a goal (perhaps not the most unique one), but I’d like to visit all the National Parks in America. I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit almost half of them to date, but few have caught me as off guard in their splendor, as Great Sand Dunes National Park.

EXPERIENCE

Though small, and totally out of the way, this park is not to be missed! My sister suggested we add this stop to our itinerary and we arrived not knowing much about it. This park is very small and requires quite a bit of driving to arrive at. It is located at the base of mountains and in the background of one of the widest open, flat plains I have ever driven on.

The park is small and does not afford much in the way of long hiking. There are limited campsites both hike in and campground, and if I were to visit again I’d pack a tent and try that. Sand boarding is the thing to do here. You can rent a board to sand board or sand sled at the lodge nearby. This is quite exciting and we made a great evening of trekking up then sliding down the giant dunes. These things looked straight out of a old fashioned Arabian Nights movie. This is a super fun stop, and packs some awesome exercise.

Nearby the park is a waterfall, Zapata Falls, that was dried up, but apparently worth hiking up to when conditions are right. It is a bit of a precarious drive to the base of the mile hike, but apparently worth it based on local accounts when the water id running– in our case, it was a nice quick hike regardless.

STAY

Because I had forgotten the tent and storm clouds were on the horizon, my sister and I were in need of last minute accommodations. My sister hit the Lonely Planet guide making calls and checking prices nearby to the park. We lucked out and snuck in at the park’s closest accommodation, the Great Sand Dunes Lodge. This place was fantastic! They have an indoor pool, spectacular views, a general store, sand board rentals, cabins, wifi, and incredible access to the park. I will admit it was nice to have a hot shower and running water to clean our bodies and contact lenses with after an evening of trouncing through rivers and sand in the park.

EAT

Again, there is literally no where to eat for miles and hours around. Bring food, or be happy with what you can whip up from the lodge store in the microwave. I believe there may be one or two restaurant options if you visit during peak season, but arrived prepared.