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A short, scenic interpretive trail by the Visitor Center.


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Map Key

0.4

Miles

0.6

KM

Loop

8,170' 2,490 m

High

8,140' 2,481 m

Low

21' 7 m

Up

30' 9 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

5%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly A very easy loop trail located right by the visitor center with benches and informational signs to keep the kids interested.

Description

This short loop trail from the Visitor Center is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the grassland ecosystem and formation of the dunes. With many interpretive signs and benches along the trail, this loop is a great opportunity to spend some time learning about the impressive landscape of the park before heading out to hike the dunes.

Flora & Fauna

Mostly grasses, shrubs, and cacti such as rabbitbrush, prickly pear, and yucca.

Elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, rabbits, coyotes, kangaroo rats, bullsnakes, short-horned lizards, and a variety of birds such as hawks and vesper sparrows.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  2.7 from 3 votes

#45025

Overall
  2.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
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2 Star
33%
1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#3,238

in Colorado

#45,025

Overall
2 Views Last Month
288 Since Sep 29, 2015
Easy Easy

100%
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Photos

Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center gives you an awesome view of the Dunes.  You can see people hiking the dunes in the distance, looks like ants.
Jan 9, 2016 near Crestone, CO
Learn about the area during your hike through the interpretive trail.
Jan 9, 2016 near Crestone, CO
View from the visitor center.
Sep 29, 2015 near Crestone, CO
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Apr 1, 2020 near Crestone, CO
A cloudy day at the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center.
Feb 15, 2016 near Crestone, CO
Snow and stormy skies looking back at the visitor center.
Feb 15, 2016 near Crestone, CO

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Weather


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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 20, 2022
Patti Cross
Sep 6, 2022
Ann Smith
Sep 19, 2021
Erin Cullum
0.4mi
Jun 22, 2019
David Hitchcock
Fun to watch the shadows from the clouds move over the sand dunes. 0.4mi
Sep 5, 2018
Aurora Owen
Jul 29, 2018
Lindsey Shirack
Jun 28, 2018
Jennifer Livengood
Oct 21, 2016
Katie Gallagher
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