Consolidated "Great Sand Dunes Nat'l Park" thread - lodging, routes, what to see, etc
Jun 18, 2019, 8:24 pm
#16
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You should definitely go from Colorado Springs to the Dunes via SR115 to Penrose and the U.S. 50 through the Arkansas River canyon to Salida.
SR115 is a pretty drive through low foothills and the Arkansas River Canyon is fascinating (as is the 1800s history of the dueling railroads that fought -- literally -- to run a track through it, since there was only room for one track) and very scenic. Make sure you pull out at some of the small picnic areas along the river.
Salida is a fun little town with some funky restaurants and several fun antique places.
Here's the route: https://goo.gl/maps/gB7yJc2R57kAa2fh6
SR115 is a pretty drive through low foothills and the Arkansas River Canyon is fascinating (as is the 1800s history of the dueling railroads that fought -- literally -- to run a track through it, since there was only room for one track) and very scenic. Make sure you pull out at some of the small picnic areas along the river.
Salida is a fun little town with some funky restaurants and several fun antique places.
Here's the route: https://goo.gl/maps/gB7yJc2R57kAa2fh6
Jun 19, 2019, 8:50 am
#17
Join Date: Apr 2004
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You should definitely go from Colorado Springs to the Dunes via SR115 to Penrose and the U.S. 50 through the Arkansas River canyon to Salida.
SR115 is a pretty drive through low foothills and the Arkansas River Canyon is fascinating (as is the 1800s history of the dueling railroads that fought -- literally -- to run a track through it, since there was only room for one track) and very scenic. Make sure you pull out at some of the small picnic areas along the river.
Salida is a fun little town with some funky restaurants and several fun antique places.
Here's the route: https://goo.gl/maps/gB7yJc2R57kAa2fh6
SR115 is a pretty drive through low foothills and the Arkansas River Canyon is fascinating (as is the 1800s history of the dueling railroads that fought -- literally -- to run a track through it, since there was only room for one track) and very scenic. Make sure you pull out at some of the small picnic areas along the river.
Salida is a fun little town with some funky restaurants and several fun antique places.
Here's the route: https://goo.gl/maps/gB7yJc2R57kAa2fh6
Aug 10, 2019, 7:07 pm
#18
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Location: Escondido CA USA
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Sand deposits have been settling here for thousands of years. The area is approximately 30 square miles. There are 2 self=guided nature trails and camping and picnicking facilities. Naturalist conduct walks and there is a nightly amphitheater program. Sand dune sliding equipment is available for rent. The park is open 24 hrs/day. Visitors Center is open 8-5:30 (9-4:30 later in the year). Closed on a few holidays. Admission is $15/car. Phone number is 719-378-6395. this is what we found, a call can answer most other. Remember this is a National Park, so a must during one's lifetime. Free with the pass.
We will be staying a HIE in Alamosa, then going on to Fort Garland Museum and on to La Junta for the night. There we will go the next morning to Bent's Old Fort. There will be a write up, but no until near the end of the year as these things take time.
Hope this helps
We will be staying a HIE in Alamosa, then going on to Fort Garland Museum and on to La Junta for the night. There we will go the next morning to Bent's Old Fort. There will be a write up, but no until near the end of the year as these things take time.
Hope this helps