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Great Sand Dunes National Park and PreserveMedano Creek
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Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Outdoor Activities
 
rafting_med_creek285
NPS Photo by Patrick Myers
There are many types of wilderness recreation at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. In years of average or high precipitation, Medano Creek flows from snowmelt in late spring and early summer, providing a beach environment for visitors of all ages.

Because the dunes and surrounding mountains are designated wilderness, this is a great place to enjoy unspoiled natural beauty in a variety of ways. Whether you play in Medano Creek, build a sand castle, slide down the dunes, go birdwatching in wetlands, or ascend a 13,000' peak, you will discover plenty of kinds of outdoor recreation for all ages. Follow the links below for a sample of things to do outdoors:

Medano Creek Information
and Current Conditions
  

Exploring the Park,
Hiking and Backpacking

Visiting the Park's Grasslands, Shrublands, and Wetlands

Horseback Riding

Ranger-led Programs and Events 

Kids' Activities

Sliding, Skiing, Sandboarding, etc.: Visitors may slide, ski, or sled on any unvegetated areas of the sand. Please note: cardboard does not work. Smooth, flat plastic sleds, an old pair of skis, or an old snowboard work best. Downward motion is only possible for children or lighter-weight adults on a slick-surfaced sled, skis or board after recent precipitation. During dry times, the sand may get too soft for sliding to work. 

Bison Tours (commercial tour)

Open Air Vehicle Tours Along the Medano Pass Primitive Road (commercial tour)

Accessible Activities

General Information About Each Season (Weather, Conditions, Activities, Available Services, etc.)

 
Autumn at Great Sand Dunes
NPS Photo
Aspens along the Medano Pass Primitive Road are especially beautiful in autumn.

Medano Pass Primitive Road (high-clearance 4WD only)

 
Zapata Falls
NPS Photo

Nearby Attractions

Zapata Falls Recreation Area, Rio Grande and San Isabel National Forests, Alamosa and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges, San Luis Lakes State Park and Wildlife Area, wetlands, historic sites, museums, a scenic byway and more. 

Ranger program in Medano Creek  

Did You Know?
Free ranger programs are offered regularly at Great Sand Dunes from May-September, and on request the rest of the year. Most programs welcome all ages.
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Last Updated: November 12, 2008 at 15:38 EST