The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is one of Colorado’s most unique and beautiful natural attractions. The park is home to the tallest dunes in North America, as well as a variety of other landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The park’s elevation of 8,200 feet and remote location makes it a favorite with dark sky lovers.
The Junior Ranger program has different activities for kids ages 3–12 who want to learn about stars while earning their badges once they’ve completed all the educational and fun tasks!
Park History
North America’s tallest dunes, found in Colorado and towering over 750 feet tall against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, are a wonder to behold. The wind-shaped sandstone formation glows beneath their mountainous backdrop that contains 30 square miles worth of this incredible geology!
In 1932, the spectacular geologic structure became a national monument. The passage of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act has opened up a whole new world for wildlife enthusiasts. The protected area now includes alpine lakes, tundra habitats with six peaks over 13k feet in elevation as well as ancient spruce forests that are home to many plant species and diverse animal life.
Activities
Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. The dunes themselves are a popular destination for sledding and sandboarding in the winter months. Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or a longer camping excursion, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is sure to offer an unforgettable experience.
You won’t be able to resist the temptation of taking off down some sandy dunes on your own. There are four-wheel tours, horseback riding, and nature walks that allow you to see this amazing park from different perspectives while enjoying a break in one spot or going all day long!
Wildlife of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including spiders, insects, and centipedes. More than 200 species of birds have been spotted in the park, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. The Great Sand Dunes, in addition to being home to the endangered species listed above, are also home to a variety of amphibians. The Great Sand Dunes tiger salamander is one of them.
Whether you’re looking to explore a new destination or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is sure to offer an unforgettable experience.