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Forums · RMNP

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Discussion

4 replies
Posted by Neil Corman on September 30, 2007 at 6:39 PM
I am starting to think of some trips for the end of 2007 and beginning of 2008 and was thinking I need to get to the dunes during that time frame. I was wondering what people thought about a winter vs spring visit to the dunes?

Thanks.

Neil.

Posted by John Klotz on October 1, 2007 at 12:58 AM
Neil, GSD is awesome any season but fairly hot in summer. Winter is cold but snow on the dunes is pretty neat. I was there end of last March and got morning snow early that melted off after a bit so be prepared for anything. Also, you can hike to Zapatta Falls. It is just a few miles south of GSD entrance and a short, easy 1 mile hike. It is frozen in winter and early spring. It is in a small slot canyon but looks pretty neat. Take crampons since you have to walk on the frozen creek bed to get to the falls.
John
Posted by Kalin Wilson on October 1, 2007 at 8:49 AM
As John said, GSD is great any time of year.
Posted by Adam Schallau on October 1, 2007 at 12:19 PM
Zapata Falls is definitely worth seeing when it's frozen over.
Posted by Rick Dunn on October 2, 2007 at 5:19 PM
Can't go wrong any time of year, but be prepared for very cold weather in the winter. If you're looking for solitude, winter is better; if you want to see Medano Creek flowing then you'll have to share the experience with a lot of other folks. I'd go for a winter visit to avoid the crowds.