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BPX 3-Day: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Pinon Flats Campground

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in southern Colorado. It’s known for huge dunes like the towering Star Dune, and for the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at the base of the dunes. The backcountry Medano Pass Primitive Road winds through a canyon toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Trails lead to forests, wetlands and alpine lakes like Medano Lake, which is home to trout and tundra wildlife. ― Google

No need to limit your activities to daylight hours viewing the Sangres at the Great Sand Dunes as it is designated an official "Dark Sky" park. Take your telescope or binoculars for night time viewing.

Seasonal selection is critical as sand temperatures can reach 150F in summer.  Check out seasonal temperatures at https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/weather.htm

If you snowboard, now you can try "sand boarding".  Sand board rentals are available at OASIS general store outside the park  719 378 2222.

Nearest town:  Alamosa

Reservations:  6 months in advance for individual sites; 12 months in advance for group sites of which there are 3; reservations.gov 877 444 6777

Pinon Flats Campground - inside Great Sand Dunes NP&P

Amenities:  water from spigot, picnic table, bear locker, flush toilets, water, cell service, wood for sale; fire grates and rings,   NO SHOWERS , general store.  Parking:  two vehicles per site

Tent pads:  all individual sites accommodate RVs and tents, however, some tent pads are small and will allow space for only 1 two-person tent or two singles closely spaced; Group sites (3)  are very large accommodating as many as 40 campers

Driving:  From Golden 215 miles/3 hrs 45 min.  From Golden take C470 to Hwy 285 (Fairplay exit) thru Johnson Village (approximately 110 miles), turn left at junction of Hwy 285 nd US 50E for 26.7 miles.  Turn left on CO 17  Saguache to CO 150 N for 16  miles to Great Sand Dunes entrance.

Fees:  Individual sites are $20 per night.  $20 x 2 nights = $40/2 campers per individual site = $20 for trip.  Leaders must make reservations in advance.  Reimbursement of leader by participants is expected as of date set by leader.  Carpool mileage is based on round trip miles of 430 x $.30/3 people per vehicle = $43.  Additional mileage to be settled at end of trip.  Group sites are $80 for Group Sites A & B and $65 for Group Site C.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1 - Drive to Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center (8200'), spend time viewing exhibits, travel to Pinon Flats and check in, set up camp for 2 nights

Day 2 - leisure in camp or rent sand boards and ride the dunes.  Hike the Dunes using closed shoes; sandals will not be comfortable;  trekking poles with winter baskets are very helpful hiking the Dunes;  you will need a pack with 10 Essentials and remember there are no bathrooms or water in the Dunes themselves.  Climbing Star Dune is the highest Dune at 755'.

There are 19 trails within the Dunes ranging from .4 miles to 19.9 miles; check out possibilities at   https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/colorado/great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve

Day 3 - break camp and travel to Zappata Falls; although the trail is less than a mile you will be  hiking in the creek itself (or on ice/snow if the Falls have not completely thawed); depending on the season of your visit you may need crampons to safely traverse the ice/snow not melted out; return to meeting location

Notes:  Alamosa  has four Hot Springs; take your pick after viewing using this site

https://www.alamosa.org/things-to-do-in-alamosa/alamosa-outdoor-activities/hot-springs-swimming?gclid=Cj0KCQiAn4SeBhCwARIsANeF9DKIo4j6Hgk6N3tp3bj7Thb4ytbXq-MosoLrzvpEqoGpT_LWCQGstKEaAlSZEALw_wcB

Nearest 24/7 ER:  San Luis Valley Regional Medical Ctr. 106 Blanca Ave, Alamosa

719 589 2511

Alamosa County Sheriff:  1315 17th St 719 589 6608; non-emergency 719 589 5807 

Local manager's Phone:  970 378 6395

Sandhill Crane migration in area, in season


  • Suitable Activities: Camping
  • Seasons: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: varies
  • Elevation Gain: 755 ft
  • 8,200 ft
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  • Trails Illustrated 138
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