Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Welcome to one of the most biologically and geographically diverse parks in the United States, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve located in Western Colorado.  

Park History: Archeological evidence tells us that the first human inhabitants of this park arrived over 11,000 years ago. These people consisted of nomadic hunter/gatherers who hunted the lands bison and woolly mammoths with ancient spearheads known as Clovis Points. When the first Spanish explorers entered the region in 1694 the Ute and Apache tribes dominated the region. In the early 20th century people became concerned about the threats that activities such as gold mining and concrete making posed to the dunes and began petitioning Congress to protect the land. In 1932, President Herbert Hoover signed the bill into law creating Great Sand Dunes National Park.  

Flora and Fauna: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve helps protect the home of numerous plant and animals species. Some of the plants that grow inside the park boundaries include dwarf clovers, aspens, pines, junipers, rabbitbrush, and speargrass. Some of the wild animals who call this place home include bighorn sheep, black bears, Abert's squirrels, snowshoe hares, beavers, mule deer, mountain lions, badgers and bison. Please treat their home with respect.  

For the lover of the outdoors this park boasts sandboarding, miles of multipurpose trails, and so much more. Come on out and have a blast!