Teachers' Guide

Overview

Lesson List
and Standards

Visiting
The Dunes

Foundation
for Planning

Cross-reference

Technical
Guide

Visiting the Dunes

The easily-accessible southeast corner of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve provides a great variety of locations for outdoor learning. Close at hand, students can encounter cottonwood riparian ecosystems at Mosca Creek, examples of succession ecology at the Escape Dunes, a recently burned forest, a pristine grassland ecology around the Visitor Center, and, of course, the tallest sand dunes in North America!

(Printable Map)

1. Visitor Center - Exhibits, park film, and other hands-on learning opportunities are available for students. Short nature trail through grassland and connecting trail to the dunes. Inquire at desk or call ahead, (719) 378-6399, for availability of dunes wheelchair or to schedule an education program with a park ranger.
2. Dunes Parking Area and Mosca Creek Picnic Area - The main dunefield is accessible from this location. During peak flow months (May and June) Medano Creek may be flowing near the parking lot.
3. Montville Trail - A short, half-mile loop trail along Mosca Creek. Suitable for habitat and plant comparisons. Accompanying trail guide (available at trailhead or Visitor Center) provides information on historic uses of the area.
4. Escape Dunes - A short walk from the campground or amphitheater parking lot will take you to the Escape Dunes, a dynamic part of the dunefield. Inquire for more information.
5. Group Camping - Three group campsites 12-40 people each, may be reserved by calling the Visitor Center, starting on January 2nd each year. Within walking distance of the Wellington Ditch Trail, the Dunes, and the Sand Ramp Trail.
6. Amphitheater - Evening programs are offered spring through fall (weekends only early and late in the season). Inquire at Visitor Center for schedule.