Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

I have heard that the Great Sand Dunes NP is one of the best places in the U.S. to view the night sky. There will be a new moon on Friday, January 24 (i.e., no moon) which will be a great time to get in some quality viewing.

The plan is to fully enjoy the night sky on this trip by hiking into the sand dunes within the NP. To do that, we will hike at least 2 miles up and into the dunes area from the parking area near the Visitor Center. If the Medano Pass Primitive Road is open, maybe we will enter the dunes from a point further north. We can decide that on the day of the trip.

We will hike into the dunes until we find a good spot to camp for the night. There will be no access to water, so everyone will want to carry all the water they will need. I will likely carry between 4 and 6 liters. I will update the trip details once I know more about the weather.

There are no campfires allowed in the dunes, so the evening will be cold. Depending on the weather, I will plan on bringing my best cold-weather gear. The trip also depends on two other things: wind and clouds. I understand the sand dunes are no place to be if its windy so the trip will be postponed (till the next new moon?) if the forecast calls for wind. Also, the purpose of the trip will be to view the night stars...if it is cloudy, the trip will be postponed.

There is a fee to access the National Park. Depending on your status, the fee can vary. Plan on $25 to be safe.

This is a local Meet-Up event. To sign up, click here: GSDNP Meet-Up Event . Meet at the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center at noon on Friday.

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