146: Exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park: Best Tips + Activities

146: Exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park: Best Tips + Activities

From Exploring the National Parks by Dirt In My Shoes

June 10, 2026 · 49 min · Episode 146

About this episode

This episode explores Great Sand Dunes National Park, offering tips and activities for a perfect visit.

Picture this: you’re standing at the foot of the tallest dunes in North America, a snow-capped mountain towering behind you, and nature singing all around you. If it sounds awe-inspiring, that’s because it is! And it’s exactly why Great Sand Dunes National Park needs to be next on your national park bucket list. It may not be the country’s most well-known park, but it’s a gem in and of itself! Today, we are exploring Great Sand Dunes and walking you through everything you need to know to plan a perfect day in one of Colorado's most underrated parks. In this episode, we cover: The geography that makes this place so amazing Where to stay near the park The quiet little nature trail that will soothe your soul The full Medano Creek experience, including when to come for "Colorado's beach" (yes…it is as interesting as it sounds!) Sand sledding tips (and why it is so much better here than at White Sands) Everything you need to know about hiking High Dune Our perfect day at Great Sand Dunes from sunrise to sunset Your task for today: Have you been to Great Sand Dunes National Park? Tell us your best (or most sand-blasted) memory over on the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram pages —…

People in this episode

Host: Dirt In My Shoes

Topics covered

  • Great Sand Dunes
  • national parks
  • outdoor activities
  • travel tips
  • hiking
  • nature trails

Keywords

  • Great Sand Dunes
  • Colorado
  • sand sledding
  • hiking
  • Medano Creek
  • nature trails
  • travel tips

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, White Sands

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