This past weekend, I joined a group of friends and family on an adventure to the Great National Sand Dunes Park and Preserve once again. Of our group, I was the only Colorado person tagging along, whilst the other people in the clan all hail from Florida. Excited to see something that resembles a beach, they were excited to make the trip there.
We came to the sand dunes this trip for the purpose of visit Medano Creek. Because of our amazing Colorado winter, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve deemed this year’s Medano Creek flow to be above average.
The flow of the creek is ever-changing and it will dry up as the summer moves forward, so the time to visit and enjoy Medano creek is now! To see the forecast of the creek’s flow, go here.
Watch the Video!
What Is Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve?
Lucky for Colorado, these dunes are the highest in America and situated near the base of Blanca Peak (elevation 14,345 feet), Surrounded by the beauty of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, the dunes are nestled just a few miles outside of Alamosa, Colorado. It is one of the four most sacred mountains of the Navajo people.
Visitors have made the journey to enjoy the sand dunes as far back as 11,000 years! You can learn more about the history of the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado here.
People who visit can camp in or near the dunes and enjoy star-filled dark skies in the evening and long hikes in desert terrain during the day. They can easily do a day trip if an overnight stay is not preferred.
Is there a Cost for Visiting the Sand Dunes and Medano Creek?
There is a small cost for visiting the sand dunes. All passes are valid for up to 7 days. Passes start at $25 per vehicle and go up depending on the size of the vehicle, and the amount of passengers in the vehicle.
To see the fees for the park passes, go here.
What Should I Bring With to Medano Creek?
The sand dunes can get incredibly hot. They are situated in a warmer climate and can heat up very quickly. If the wind picks up, you may experience sand pelting at you, so be mindful of that as well. If you plan to experience both the sand dunes and play in Medano Creek, I suggest bringing the following.
- Sunscreen
- Bathing Suits
- Good Hiking Shoes (Waterproof is best)
- Plenty of water
- High Protein Snacks
- Long sleeve shirt
- Long pants
- Sunglasses
- Hats
You want to be prepared for both a day of relaxation and a day of exercise, so prepare for both.
How Deep is Medano Creek?
Each year, the depth of the creek varies, but you’ll find waves that can get up to a foot high. You’ll be surprised with the strong flow of the creek.
Since this is the case, please be wary of your children, especially small children!
Can You Set Up a Tent Near the Creek?
Yes, you can! And it is very encouraged! Many people find a place right near the entrance to the dunes from the parking lot. I highly suggest wandering downstream just a tad to find a more secluded spot. You will even find some heavy flowing waves and some prime photo ops as well.
Setting up the tent next to the creek is a great idea because you can chill, spend some time in the water, and have a wonderful picnic. It is the perfect day trip in my opinion.
When is the Best Time To Go?
Medano Creek is likely to be incredibly busy since it is only around for several weeks before disappearing into the sand. Weekends are usually pretty crazy with people who can’t visit during the week.
If you are looking for an extra quiet setting, going to the sand dunes during the week is the best option. The water won’t be crowded and you can take a lot of pictures without too many visitors getting in your shot.
Try to go earlier in the day to avoid large crowds.
Where to Park At The Sand Dunes
Parking is very very small, and with a large number of people all trying to visit at the same time, parking lots will fill up quickly.
You only have about two parking lots to choose from. The closest parking lot is just down the road from the visitor’s center. It is the most packed because it’s the closest to the creek and it has the most parking spaces.
The second parking lot is just passed the first and largest one, but it is very small so it might be difficult to find parking.
My advice is to get to the sand dunes early, even if you are afraid the weather will be chilly. Don’t worry the weather will warm up! Do this and you will likely beat the crowds.
Campgrounds At The Sand Dunes
Yes! There are amazing campgrounds nearby that you can choose if you decide to stay at the sand dunes. Below are some of the campgrounds in the area:
- Piñon Flats Campground (Inside the park)
- Zapata Falls Campground (11 Miles South of the park)
- Oasis Campground (Just outside the park entrance)
You can drive up Medano Creek to the primitive campground, which is amazing and beautiful and highly recommended, but you will need a high clearance and 4WD vehicle to confidently make it up there.
There is also the option of backpacking the sand dunes, which requires camping, but you will need to see the visitor’s center to acquire a pass to make the trek across the sandy mountains.
For more campgrounds in a 40-mile radius of the dunes, go here!
What Else Can We Do That is Nearby?
Just a short drive down the road from the park entrance, there is Zapata Falls, a beautiful hike to a raging waterfall tucked into a tall cave. It is easy to get to by a high-clearance vehicle, but sedans and other non-4WD vehicles can make it up there without a problem.
For this, I recommend bringing good hiking and possible waterproof shoes. To see the falls, you have to hike up the stream. It is truly beautiful and most worth the trip.
If you would like a little bit of city taste, I also recommend going into Alamosa to enjoy a beer from San Luis Brewing Company.
If you enjoy this post, see my other posts on the Great National Sand Dunes Park and Preserve! Tell me about your experience at Medano Creek in the comments below!
