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As you read in our story in the May 2004 issue of Ranger Rick, Luke and Chris had a lot of fun at the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado. It's OK to walk, run, leap, roll, ski, and snowboard down these dunes—at least in places where there aren't any plants.

If you fall, the sand is soft, so it's hard to get seriously hurt. But if you weigh much more than 70 pounds you won't have much luck skiing or boarding on the sandy slopes. Why? Your weight will make you sink in—not skim over—the sand. Whatever you do, be careful!

When to Go:
The best time to visit is May or June. That's when the nearby Medano Creek is flowing. This makes a great playground for kids. In most places it isn't very deep. You can make terrific sandcastles alongside it or just splash around in the water.

What to Do:
There aren't any hiking trails through the dunes, but you can go almost anywhere you want on them. Just avoid harming the plants and be sure you're with at least one adult. Also keep an eye on the weather, as high winds are common here. They often blow stinging sand in the face. Also if you see lightning or hear thunder, get off the dunes. You don't want to be out there in a thunderstorm.

In the area beyond the dunes, there are several hiking trails. They include an easy half-mile loop along a nature trail, with nice views of the dunes. For those who like a challenge, there's a tougher trail that's seven miles round trip. It climbs uphill nearly 1,500 feet to Mosca Pass. The views from the top are terrific!

You can camp at the nearby Piñon Flats campground or go backcountry camping—with a permit from the visitors' center—in the high country of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve.

As for what animals you might see while visiting here, check out the official Dunes' web address: http://www.nps.gov/grsa/resources/sandsheet.htm

For other details about visiting the Great Sand Dunes, check out their home page on the web at: http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm

Or have an adult contact the The Great Sand Dunes National Monument and Preserve Visitor Center:
11999 Highway 150
Mosca , CO 81146
Tel. 719-378-6399 or 719-378-6399
GRSA_Interpretation@nps.gov