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Great Sand Dunes National Park and PreserveChildren in Medano Creek
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Welcome!

Welcome to the official National Park Service web site for Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Alpine tundra, forests, massive dunes, grasslands, and wetlands are all protected as elements of the Great Sand Dunes geological system.

Check conditions and current information on:

Weather

Medano Creek

Medano Pass Primitive Road

 
Boy Jumping Off a Dune

Dunes

Explore the tallest dunes in North America! Whether hiking, sliding, exploring in a dunes wheelchair - or simply playing - the Great Sand Dunes are a unique wilderness area protected for all to enjoy. Find out how these dunes were created. 
 
Children Splashing in Medano Creek 2009

Creeks and Streams

Water is the lifeblood of the Great Sand Dunes system. Streams begin as mountain snowfields, melting then flowing through alpine lakes, forests, dunes, grasslands, and lush wetlands. Explore the flowing waters of Great Sand Dunes. Check current conditions of Medano Creek .

 
Upper Sand Creek Basin, Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

Mountains

Explore the mountain watershed of the Great Sand Dunes. Rugged 13,000' summits, alpine lakes, tundra, and ancient forests are protected in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. With high-clearance 4WD, ascend the Medano Pass Primitive Road.   
 
Bison on Grasslands

Grasslands, Shrublands, and Wetlands

Explore the grasslands, shrublands and wetlands that surround Great Sand Dunes on three sides.
 
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Upper Sand Creek Lake  

Did You Know?
Alpine lakes such as Upper Sand Creek Lake are part of the mountain watershed of Great Sand Dunes, and provide a dramatic contrast to the stark dunefield.
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Last Updated: November 19, 2009 at 11:32 EST