Great Sand Dunes National Park
The best part of Great Sand Dunes National Park is exploring the dunes themselves. While they may be tough to climb because of the elevation and the grueling hiking that is trudging through sand, it is oh so worth it. Star Dune, the tallest dune in North America is 755 feet above Medano Creek and the views from the top will take your breath away. There’s no real trail, you’ve just got to take the path of least resistance.
One of the more fun things you can do on the dunes is get some sledding in! You’ll need to rent a special sled from the nearby (3.5 miles from the entrance) Great Sand Dunes Oasis and you’ll need to pay special attention to their return time and policy. But it’s a ton of fun to sled with friends and family. Just don’t choose the steepest dunes possible…
Along the way to the top, be sure to explore the many details and hidden gems of the dune field that can appear, especially in winter.
At the top, take in the 360° view of the surrounding basin, mountains, and dunes. In the summer, make sure to bring lots of water and some snacks, and in the winter make sure you have enough layers and still a lot of water. But make sure you have a ton of fun and make some great memories.
