The sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park are nestled into the Sangre de Cristo mountains in southern Colorado. Wander through the dunes like a Saharan adventurer, but be prepared! The sand in the dunes will destroy most camera lenses, so be very careful when taking pictures. Also be aware that there is no fresh water available in the dune system, and it can take a very long time to hike through the sand if you are planning a walk. It also gets very hot in the dunes, because they are exposed.
You can also splash or play in Medano Creek, the small creeklet that flows between the visitor center and the sand dunes. Depending on the time of year, the volume of water in the creek will vary.
Outside the park, Zapata Falls is an excellent place to go hiking. Deep within a ravine in the mountains, South Zapata Creek drops 30 feet. In the winter and early spring, the falls are frozen, and the creek ices over, so you can visit the ice waterfall. In late spring and summer, the creek is free flowing as the snow melts, slowing to a trickle by fall. Look for signs for Zapata Falls Recreation Area off of US 150 between miles 10 and 11 just south of Great Sand Dunes National Park.
