Great Sand Dunes the most unique national park in the state. It offers endless adventure, if you are looking for something new to try Great Sand Dunes is the perfect spot. It features North America’s tallest dunes, rising over 750 feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You get to see the perfect sunset and sunrise, when the light hits pink, purple and gold tones radiate from the landscape. Here we have mentioned the top places to visit at Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Crestone Needle
At the beginning Crestone Needle was considered unclimbable, due to the challenging path. Now you can summit Crestone Needle via the South Face route. It gives you a great climbing experience rewarding you with breathtaking views. As you continue the summit the route gets harder which is recommended for expert climbers.
Crestone Needle is in the top 5 in climbing difficulty of all the Colorado 14ers. It is characterized as Class 3 rock climbing. If you are an expert climber Crestone Needle is a must to do. As you reach the summit it gives you a stunning view and you also get an unforgettable experience.
Zapata Falls
Zapata Falls is a 25 foot waterfall running through the cave. To reach the falls from the entrance of Great Sand Dunes National Park take left and drive 10.5 miles north on Colorado 150. As you reach you get to see the sign for Zapata Falls on the right. The parking lot is a thousand feet off the valley floor offers full views of the San Luis Valley.
Many people visit the falls to see the view from the parking lot where you get to see the breathtaking views of Great Sand Dunes. Zapata Falls is the most beautiful falls in the park. The water flows through the rock cave giving a wonderful view. The trail is 0.90 mile and it’s easy to hike, suitable for all levels of hikers. It takes 30 minutes to complete the hike and can even take more time looking around the beauty of the falls.
Medano Creek
Medano Creek is the most unique beach in Colorado. It is the perfect place in the ark for relaxing and playing in flowing cool water. Even kids are allowed to play in the water with safety measures. The water flow occurs between April and June, from late May to early June. It usually dries up by the end of July. The creek is partially frozen near Sand Pit Picnic Area on sunny afternoons, the creek melts and flows a little. The Medano Creek is between 10 and 30 feet wide and ½ to 3 inches deep which is perfect for kids to play.
Mosca Pass Trail
Mosca Pass is a 7 miles trail which can be completed within 3.5 hours.The trail is easy to access from the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center parking lot.You can start your hike from the north end of the parking lot and cross 150.
Mosca Pass Trail follows Mosca Creek through aspens and evergreens. The first part of the trail is situated in a small valley. To get some amazing views you need to hike for 2 miles where you get to see creek drainage to more expansive meadows.