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Great Sand Dunes Oasis: Your Gateway to Adventure

Your basecamp for adventure at Great Sand Dunes National Park, offering camping, cabins, dining, and essential services near the towering dunes.

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Located just outside Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Great Sand Dunes Oasis offers a convenient basecamp for exploring the towering dunes and surrounding landscapes. With camping, cabin rentals, a restaurant, and a general store, it provides essential amenities and a comfortable stay for visitors seeking adventure and relaxation in the San Luis Valley.

A brief summary to Great Sand Dunes Oasis

Local tips

  • Arrive early to the park, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds and secure parking.
  • Rent sandboards or sand sleds at the Oasis to experience the thrill of sliding down the dunes.
  • Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as the sun can be intense and shade is limited.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
  • Explore the park beyond the dunes, including hiking trails, Medano Creek, and scenic drives.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From within Great Sand Dunes National Park, head towards the main park road (Medano Pass Road). Follow signs to CO-150. Turn right (south) onto CO-150 and continue for approximately 5 miles. The Great Sand Dunes Oasis will be on your left at 7800 CO-150. There is no fee to access the Great Sand Dunes Oasis; however, to enter the national park, a vehicle pass is required. A standard pass costs $25 and is valid for 7 days. An annual pass for Great Sand Dunes National Park costs $45. Parking is available at the Oasis.

  • Bicycle

    If you are biking from within Great Sand Dunes National Park, take the park road back to CO-150. Carefully ride south on CO-150 for about 5 miles until you reach Great Sand Dunes Oasis. Be cautious of traffic, as this road can be narrow with limited shoulders.

  • Public Transportation

    Public transportation options are limited in this remote area. The best option is to take a bus to Alamosa, Colorado, the nearest city with public transit. From Alamosa, arrange for a taxi or ride-share service to the Great Sand Dunes Oasis. The taxi fare from Alamosa to the Oasis is approximately $30-$40, and the ride takes about 30 minutes.

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Discover more about Great Sand Dunes Oasis

The Great Sand Dunes Oasis is more than just a place to stay; it's a gateway to the wonders of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Situated a short drive from the park's entrance, this multifaceted facility provides lodging, camping, dining, and essential services for travelers eager to explore the tallest sand dunes in North America. Whether you're planning to hike the towering dunes, sandboard down their slopes, or simply soak in the stunning views, the Oasis offers a range of accommodation options to suit your needs. Choose from RV sites with full hookups, tent sites for a more rustic experience, or cozy cabins for added comfort. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing a convenient option for fueling up before your adventures or relaxing after a day of exploration. The general store stocks groceries, gasoline, souvenirs, and other essentials, ensuring you have everything you need for a memorable trip. The Great Sand Dunes themselves are a sight to behold, rising nearly 750 feet against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. These dunes were formed over thousands of years by wind and water eroding the surrounding mountains, creating a unique and ever-changing landscape. Beyond the dunes, the park and preserve offer a diverse range of ecosystems, including forests, alpine lakes, and tundra, providing ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The area surrounding the Great Sand Dunes is rich in history and culture, with evidence of human habitation dating back 11,000 years. Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Apache, and Ute, have long held a deep connection to the dunes, and their traditions and stories are woven into the fabric of the region. European explorers and settlers arrived in the area centuries ago, leaving their mark on the landscape and contributing to the area's diverse heritage.

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