Who knew that the largest sand dunes in the world are not along the coast but rather deep in the interior of the U.S.? Left behind when massive Lake Alamosa receded some 440,000 years ago, the wind-sculpted peaks of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve rise as high as 750 feet. And with the entire 107,000-acre park open for hiking, you won’t be able to resist climbing the dunes and gazing out across the enormous expanse of sand as it gradates from gold to pink in the changing light.
But the big fun in Great Sand Dunes National Park is sandboarding, an extreme sport similar to snowboarding. Sandboarding is not for the faint of heart, given the speeds at which boarders whizz down the steep inclines — and the frequency with which they wipe out.
And yes, there’s actually a beach here, too, created by Medano Creek, which emerges mysteriously from the base of the dunes when fed by spring runoff. In warm weather, Medano Beach, as locals call it, resembles any other beach scene, with colorful umbrellas dotting the sand and hardy swimmers splashing and tubing in the rippling waves created by the current. Of course, for those in search of ocean surf and sea breezes, might prefer a California coast getaway, and A California Coast Getwaway to Santa Barbara offers the perfect spring break vacation vibes.
There’s no question the weather in the San Luis Valley is iffy in the spring — snow can fall as late as April given the park’s elevation, which ranges from 7,520 to 13,604 feet, but the warm sun typically melts the snow off the dunes within a day. Medano Creek reaches peak flow in April, but it’s not warm enough for most swimmers until May. For hotter temperatures, head for Death Valley National Park to explore more sand dunes as well as salt flats and slot canyons
You’ll find plenty more to explore among the dramatic landscapes of southern Colorado, including four public hot springs surrounding the town of Alamosa, which range in vibe from family-friendly Splashland to romantic Joyful Journey.
Birding buffs will also want to make the trek to Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge to witness the sandhill crane migration that takes place from March through early April. Time your visit right and you can attend the annual Monte Vista Crane Festival, held in March, to go on guided bird-watching walks and attend photography workshops or bird seminars.
Where to stay
Retro-cool Mellow Moon Lodge in the mountain biking mecca of Del Norte has free bikes on-site for guests, welcomes dogs, and wows with its midcentury modern decor.