Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and even tiger salamanders! Inquire at the visitor center about specific programs and
times.
Sleeping
Plan a visit to this extraordinary park during a full or new moon. Stock up on supplies,
stop by the visitor center for a free backcountry camping permit and hike into the surreal
landscape to set up camp in the middle of nowhere (bring plenty of water).
There are also half-a-dozen backcountry sites that can be accessed from the Point of No
Return parking lot, north of Pinyon Flats. These sites vary in terrain, from alpine and
woodland to desert - ask at the ranger office for details.
Although there are limited supplies at the Great Sand Dunes Oasis, it's best to buy your
groceries in either Alamosa or a larger town outside the San Luis Valley.
Pinyon Flats Campground
( 888-448-1474;
www.recreation.gov
;
Great Sand Dunes National Park; campsites $20; )
This is the of-
ficial park campground, with a great location not far from the dune field. There are 88
sites here, but be warned: it is very popular and regularly fills up from mid-May through
August. Half are available on a first-come, first-served basis (open year-round); the other
44 (open May to mid-November) can be reserved online.
Reserve as far in advance as possible; otherwise, show up early and cross your fingers.
Water and toilets are available here.
CAMPGROUND
$
Zapata Falls Campground
(
www.fs.usda.gov
;
BLM Rd 5415; campsites $11; year-round; )
Seven miles south of the national
park, this campground offers glorious panoramas of the San Luis Valley from its 9000ft
perch in the Sangre de Cristos. There are 23 first-come, first-served sites, but note that
there is no water and that the 3.6-mile access road is steep and fairly washed out, making
for slow going.
The payoff, however, is worth it, especially if you prefer a secluded location.
CAMPGROUND
$
Great Sand Dunes Oasis
( 719-378-2222;
www.greatdunes.com
;
5400 Hwy 150; tent/RV sites $25/38, cabins $55, r $100; Apr-Oct)
At
the park entrance, the Oasis serves as a general store, restaurant, and campground and
motel. It has a convenient location and there are facilities to shower and do laundry, but
CAMPGROUND, HOTEL
$
