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Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Children in Medano Creek
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Welcome!

Welcome to the official National Park Service website for Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve!

Check conditions, forecasts, and current information:

Weather | Medano Creek | Webcam

Medano Pass Primitive Road

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Teens Jumping Off a Dune

Dunes

Explore the tallest dunes in North America! Whether hikingsliding, or exploring in a dunes wheelchair, the Great Sand Dunes are a unique wilderness area protected for all to enjoy. Find out how these dunes were created. 
 
Children Splashing in Medano Creek 2009

Creeks and Streams

Water is the lifeblood of the Great Sand Dunes system. Streams begin as tundra snowfields, melting then flowing through alpine lakes, forests, dunes, grasslands, and lush wetlands. Explore the waters of Great Sand Dunes. Check current conditions of Medano Creek and 2010 flow forecast.

 
Upper Sand Creek Basin, Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

Mountains

Explore the mountain watershed of the Great Sand Dunes. Rugged 13,000' summits, alpine lakes, tundra, and ancient forests are protected in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. With high-clearance 4WD, ascend the Medano Pass Primitive Road.   
 
Bison on Grasslands

Grasslands, Shrublands, and Wetlands

Explore the grasslands, shrublands and wetlands that surround Great Sand Dunes on three sides.
 
 
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Surge flow, Medano Creek

Did You Know?
Medano Creek, flowing at the base of Great Sand Dunes, is one of the few and best places in the world to experience "surge flow", where creek water comes in rhythmic waves.
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Last Updated: July 27, 2010 at 19:58 EST