Pinon Flats Campground

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado at an elevation of 8,175 feet. The dunes lie on the eastern edge of the valley at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Range. The dunefield is part of the nearly 150,000 total acres of the park and preserve, which also protects alpine lakes, tundra, six peaks over 13,000 feet, ancient spruce and pine forests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands and wetlands — a fragile, dynamic system that influences and sustains the tallest dunes in North America. The park's wide range of natural features provides endless outdoor recreation. It is perfect for kids, who love exploring the dunefield on foot or by sled. Medano Creek, at the base of the dunes, is a popular place in the summertime, where kids and adults alike love to splash in the cool water. Many kid-friendly, ranger-led activities and a junior ranger program are available, and many miles of hiking and backpacking trails lead through the park's forests and alpine terrain, including the Mosca Pass Trail, Dunes Overlook/Sand Ramp Trail and Indian Grove Trail. Reservations are required to stay in Pinon Flats Campground, which offers 88 campsites. The park recommends making a reservation in advance, especially for peak summer months from May through September, and private first-come, first-served camping is also available just outside the park boundary. Due to the historic design, the campground may not be able to accommodate all large, modern size vehicles — most sites are small and unlevel, so review photos and measurements carefully when choosing a site. During visitor center operating hours you can see a park film, experience interactive exhibits, speak with a ranger and visit the Western National Parks Association store; kids of all ages can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet or take part in the Junior Ranger Explorer program. The campground is situated among pinon pines and sagebrush beneath the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and most sites have beautiful views of the snow-covered peaks. A wide variety of grasses and wildflowers can be found throughout the area, and mule deer are commonly seen in and around the campground. The park was established as a national monument by President Herbert Hoover in 1932 under the Antiquities Act; the Works Progress Administration constructed the Superintendent's Residence, now on the National Register of Historic Places, and the visitor center, campground, picnic area and comfort stations came later during Mission 66. Built in the Pueblo Revival style, the visitor center mimics adobe construction through modern materials blended with traditional forms. Congress designated nearly 91% of the monument as wilderness in 1976, and it became a national park and preserve in 2000. The dunes have long stood as a landmark for travelers, from ancient North Americans to Southern Ute, Jicarilla Apaches, Navajos, early explorers, gold miners, homesteaders, ranchers, farmers and migrant field workers. Nearby, Zapata Falls is just south of the park off Highway 150, where a short but slippery 1/2-mile hike leads to a 25-foot cascade and the drive to the trailhead gives an excellent view of the entire dunefield and San Luis Valley, especially at sunrise or sunset; San Luis State Wildlife Area, at the park's western edge, features a large natural lake popular for boating, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing.