We will be visiting this area in CO and want to see the Sand Dunes NP. We think we might stay at the state park. Can anyone give us an idea of how much time you have spent viewing the Sand Dunes Park. One day or two? We will then be going to the Uncompahgre NF and hiking part way up the peak there with family. (14,309 ft) We did hike the peak back in 1991 when we were younger ! but doubt we will make it to the top now !
Clay L said
02:36 PM Mar 3, 2015
At one time we had some property over at the Baca Grande (abuts Crestone on the south). It is just about next door to the sand dunes. We went over a couple of times - probably spent two or three hours each time.
We left CO in 1984 and after 18 years in NH, 11 years full timing and 1 year snow birding have bought a house in Palisade (abuts Grand Junction and Clifton) and settled down.
Terry and Jo said
07:04 PM Mar 3, 2015
Clay is probably right. There isn't a lot there to see unless you like to continue to climb the dunes. So, one day would do it for you. You'd even have time to take in Zapata Falls, which is just off Highway 150 that runs from Highway 160 up to the Great Sand Dunes. There will be a gravel road that is marked for Zapata Falls that goes off to the east side of Highway 150. Take that road up to the parking area, and then there is a fairly short hike up to the falls area. Zapata Falls is actually located back in a cave, and to get in to see it, one has to walk through the stream to get in there.
When we were last there, we had some wading boots that we wore to go into the cave.
If I were at home, I could provide photos for you of the falls area and of Great Sand Dunes. The best I can do at this stage is post a link to another forum where you could see a few pictures of the area, although none of the falls themselves.
We stayed for 2 nights at the Blanca RV Park, which is a Passport America park at $15 per night, and drove our toad into the park for a day trip.
Like others have said, one day at the park is plenty to see and do everything. We're not "hikers", so we didn't make the trip to the top of the dunes. Did enjoy the park though and thought it was worth seeing and learning about.
We will be visiting this area in CO and want to see the Sand Dunes NP. We think we might stay at the state park. Can anyone give us an idea of how much time you have spent viewing the Sand Dunes Park. One day or two? We will then be going to the Uncompahgre NF and hiking part way up the peak there with family. (14,309 ft) We did hike the peak back in 1991 when we were younger ! but doubt we will make it to the top now !
We left CO in 1984 and after 18 years in NH, 11 years full timing and 1 year snow birding have bought a house in Palisade (abuts Grand Junction and Clifton) and settled down.
Clay is probably right. There isn't a lot there to see unless you like to continue to climb the dunes. So, one day would do it for you. You'd even have time to take in Zapata Falls, which is just off Highway 150 that runs from Highway 160 up to the Great Sand Dunes. There will be a gravel road that is marked for Zapata Falls that goes off to the east side of Highway 150. Take that road up to the parking area, and then there is a fairly short hike up to the falls area. Zapata Falls is actually located back in a cave, and to get in to see it, one has to walk through the stream to get in there.
When we were last there, we had some wading boots that we wore to go into the cave.
Link to images of the falls. Zapata Falls
If I were at home, I could provide photos for you of the falls area and of Great Sand Dunes. The best I can do at this stage is post a link to another forum where you could see a few pictures of the area, although none of the falls themselves.
Terry's Photos of Zapata Falls area
Terry
We stayed for 2 nights at the Blanca RV Park, which is a Passport America park at $15 per night, and drove our toad into the park for a day trip.
Like others have said, one day at the park is plenty to see and do everything. We're not "hikers", so we didn't make the trip to the top of the dunes. Did enjoy the park though and thought it was worth seeing and learning about.
Jim