Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RECOMMENDED HIKES
Montville Nature Trail
The Montville Store once stood at the foot of Mosca Pass Trail. It was built in the 1830s by fur trader Antoine
Robidoux, who used the pass to transport supplies to his posts in western Colorado and eastern Utah. Many
miners passed here on their way west to the San Juan Mountains. Today, a half-mile trail next to Mosca Creek
provides a self-guided tour through a variety of ecosystems, leading to a grand view of the San Luis Valley and
the dunes. The Montville Nature Trail starts north of the visitor center, and is a good option for those visiting the
area with children or who just want a quick walk.
Mosca Pass Trail
This is a moderate hike (7 miles round-trip) that climbs through meadows and stands of aspen along Mosca
Creek. Near the start of the trail is a bronze plaque etched with the impression of Zebulon Pike, who described the
dunes as 'appearing exactly as a sea in storm except as to color.' It begins at the Montville Nature Trail trailhead.
Zapata Falls
This short half-mile hike higher up in the Sangre de Cristos provides a refreshing change from slogging through
the dunes. The falls, though small, are hidden at the end of a slot canyon and the last 150 yards are loads of fun
(though not without risk), as you'll need to scramble through ankle-deep ice-cold water and over slippery rocks to
get there. This is a good family hike.
Grippy water shoes are a good idea. If you want to make a day of it, you can continue on to South Zapata Lake
(8 miles round-trip). The turnoff for the falls is 7 miles south of the park entrance along Hwy 150. It's a further
3.5 miles up a dirt road from here, from where you'll have an excellent view of the dunes.
Dune Sledding & Sandboarding
The heavy wooden sled may seem like a bad idea when you're trudging out to the dunes,
but the gleeful rush down the slopes is worth every footstep. There's a bit of a trick to
making this work. Sand conditions are best after a recent precipitation; when it's too dry
you'll simply sink. Also, the best rides are had by those who are relatively light, so if
you've bulked up on microbrew and steaks, don't expect to zip down the hill.
During the winter days when snow covers the dunes, the sledding is excellent. To rent a
board, visit Kristi Mountain Sports (
Click here
)
in Alamosa or the Great Sand Dunes Oas-
is at the edge of the park.
Tours
Throughout summer NPS rangers lead interpretive nature walks from the visitor center
and hold evening programs at the amphitheater. This is an excellent way to learn more
about the unseen world of the dunes - surprising thickets of sunflowers, burrowing owls
