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.)

NPS Photo

The Medano Pass Primitive Road is especially beautiful in autumn.

Medano Pass Primitive Road

If you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, consider the Medano Pass Primitive Road. For non-hikers, this is the best way to access the eastern side of the dunes and Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. The drive is most spectacular during fall when the aspens paint the mountainsides with gold, but it is a good mountain drive any time of year. The Medano Pass Road is soft sand for the first few miles, then toward the top of the pass becomes rough and rocky. Use 4-wheel drive 'low' and keep steady pressure on the gas pedal to avoid bogging down in sandy areas; vehicles must have high clearance to maneuver this road. When there has been recent precipitation, the sand is easier to drive over. In dry times, many drivers will need to drop the air pressure in their tires by about 15 pounds to get through the sand. There is an air compressor at the western end of the road. (Note: if you are driving from west to east and drop your air pressure for the sand, you will not want to drive over the rocky summit of the pass unless you have your own air compressor to refill your tires).  Medano Pass is usually not possible for small sport utility vehicles (e.g., Subaru Forester or Outback, Toyota Rav-4, etc.). Creek crossings can be high and hazardous in spring, and the road is closed by winter conditions from approximately November through April. Elevation at the Pass is 10,000 feet above sea level. Don't expect to be anywhere fast; driving is generally in the 5-10 mph range. It generally takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours to drive Medano Pass between the Visitor Center and Highway 69. 

Camping along the Medano Pass Primitive Road is available in first-come, first-serve designated sites within the national preserve only. (Camping along the road is not permitted within the national park.) Fire rings are available at each site. Use dead and down wood less than 4" in diameter or bring your own firewood. Put out your fire completely after use.

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.