Sand Sledding at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique, beautiful, and slightly otherworldly place, and it just happens to be tucked into Colorado. The dunes seem to go on forever, so you can explore as much or as little as you want. Hike up the closest hill for the view and sled down once, or turn it into a full loop of hike-then-sled-then-hike-again. There’s no wrong way to play in 30 square miles of sand.

Although the park is remote, you don’t have to go far to find a great place to sleep. Great Sand Dunes Lodge sits just 10 minutes down the road from the park entrance, making it the single most convenient base around. The 18-room, independently owned motel isn’t fancy, and that’s part of its charm. Every standard room opens onto a private patio facing the dunes and the Sangre de Cristo range. I point clients here specifically for convenience, whether that means timing a sunrise hike without a long pre-dawn drive, exploring other local areas before circling back for sunset, or keeping it simple with one night at the lodge, a sunset hike, and a sunrise ride out the next morning. Genuinely, you can’t go wrong.

Rooms range from standard doubles up to Deluxe Plus units with full kitchens or kitchenettes, and if you want something different, the property also has camper suites and glamping domes on-site. Families or anyone staying a few nights should grab a kitchenette. This is not a Whole Foods town, so having a place to cook is a real perk. Best part: The lodge runs its own general store, which covers souvenirs, basic groceries, and, the important bit, sandboard and sand sled rentals. Rent right there and drive straight into the park, no extra stop required. Boards are plentiful, so don’t stress about booking ahead.

This is a “sleep, refuel, get back outside” kind of stay, not a lounge-by-the-pool one, so set expectations accordingly. Continental breakfast runs 7:30 to 10 a.m., Wi-Fi is not always fully reliable, and there’s a restaurant within walking distance for anything more substantial with hours that change throughout the year. Honestly, none of that mattered once we were out on the dunes and local areas, since we weren’t there for the amenities. If you want a full-service, polished accommodation, there are various places about 40 minutes down the road. If you want to roll out of bed and be sandboarding within 20 minutes, this is the move.

Two experiences from the trip stood out. First, sandboarding: Hike up the dunes and ride down. The store hands you everything you need, including wax for the board, and will even teach you how to use it, so prepare to get sandy! Pro tip: Go early in the morning or in the evening, since the sand gets scorching hot during the day. Second, stargazing: Great Sand Dunes is an International Dark Sky Park, and hiking into the dune field at night for a Milky Way view is unlike anything else on the Front Range. Go on a clear night, give your eyes at least 20 to 30 minutes to adjust, and enjoy. Insider tip: Bring a blanket to sit on and warmer clothes than you’d expect; it gets chillier than you’d realize, even in summer at night.

I’d recommend Great Sand Dunes Lodge for active travelers, families doing a one- to two-day park visit, and photographers who want easy access for sunrise and sunset light without a long drive. It’s less suited to travelers wanting a retreat with full hotel amenities. For that, I’d steer clients toward Alamosa instead and accept the extra drive time. I think this park is a must-see for everyone and well worth the time spent in a more “off the grid” location.

• The lodge is a three-mile drive to the park entrance in Mosca. Expect a basic, motel-style stay rather than a resort experience.

• Sand sled and sandboard rentals are available on site, which saves a stop before heading into the park.

• There’s no full-service restaurant on property, but one is within walking distance (seasonal hours, typically May–September).

• Groceries and supplies are limited in Mosca. Stock up in Alamosa (about 30 minutes away) before arriving if you need anything specific.

• Sand surface temperatures can reach 150°F on summer afternoons. Plan hikes for early morning or evening.

• Two of Colorado’s famous 14ers—Mt. Lindsay and Green Mountain—are right next to the park, if you are an experienced hiker.

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