Explore the dunes by moonlight. Great night photography possibilities abound at the Sand Dunes.
Photo: AdobeStock/Michael

As Colorado weather transitions toward the warm summer months, it is time to plan new outdoor adventures. The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is the perfect place to bundle everything you love to do outside into one package.

Not far from the San Luis Valley, the dunes provide an unusual Colorado getaway in the southern part of the state.

Explore the tallest dunes in North America as the centerpiece of a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, conifer (cone trees) and aspen forests, alpine lakes and tundra.

If Medano Creek has run dry in the Sand Dunes, take a short road trip over to the headwaters of the Rio Grande River for fishing or rafting.

Hundreds of miles of hiking are available within a short drive of the Sand Dunes. Wildlife roams the area and shutterbugs are always pleased with the killer photo opportunities.

The Sand Dunes are located about four hours south of Denver near Alamosa. The location offers the perfect summer getaway for families and friends.

“We rented sand sleds at Kristi Sports in Alamosa, which were a blast, according to Graham from Montrose, who praised the Sand Dunes on TripAdvisor. “In April, Medano Creek isn’t flowing strongly yet, and the weather was too cold for getting wet anyway. But it’s like a beach in the summer! A very unique recreation area in a National Park.”
Because the popular area draws people from all over the country, it’s best to make reservations far in advance, or expect the camp further out from the Sand Dunes. Alamosa offers great food and libations and plenty of hotel/motel space.

Visit the National Park website to plan your perfect summer retreat.

- Alix Holmes