Great Sand Dunes by RV: SANDBOARD, Sunrise, and stargazing in Colorado

We just got back from an adventure that was sandy, scenic, and a little buggy. Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado offered something we hadn’t experienced before: a massive sea of sand at the base of snow-capped peaks. From climbing High Dune to hunting for Bark Ranger badges, we packed a lot into a few days. And even though the stars didn’t show up, the park definitely delivered.

Home Base: Great Sand Dunes Journey KOA

We based ourselves at the Great Sand Dunes Journey KOA, about 35 minutes from the park. It’s a bit on the older side, but it was well-stocked, had great service, and the boys had fun renting pedal cars and racing around a hay-lined track. They also rent sandboards and sleds here, which made it super easy to gear up for the dunes.

What We Hiked (And What We’d Recommend)

• 🏜️ High Dune Hike -We kicked off our trip by hiking to the top of High Dune. It’s steeper than it looks—and the altitude doesn’t help—but the views from the top were absolutely worth the grind. Surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges, it felt like standing in another world.
• 🏂 Sandboarding & Sledding -The kids rented both a sandboard and sled, and took turns surfing and sliding down the dunes. Pro tip: rent both a sled and and a sandboard because the sandboard is very hard to get right and the sand is not as soft as it looks. Either way, it’s a workout—and a blast.
• 🌅 Sunrise by the Park Sign – We’d read that one of the best sunrise views is right next to the “National Park” entrance sign. They were right. The soft red glow of the sun rising over the dunes, with the mountains behind them, was nothing short of stunning. A must-do.
• 🌄 Dunes Overlook Trail– We hiked this one near sunset, and while we didn’t stay out late (a juvenile mountain lion had recently been spotted nearby), the views were still beautiful. We stuck close together, made a lot of noise, and mostly just saw one very unimpressed deer. It was a very nice, short, hike.
• 💦 Zapata Falls Trail – This short hike ends at a hidden waterfall and a cold stream—perfect after a hot day. It’s under a mile, which means it’s popular. Go early, bring bug spray, and wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
• 🌲 Montville Nature Trail + Bark Ranger Duties – On our last day, sore from climbing sand, we opted for the lush, shaded Montville Trail. It’s dog-friendly and was the last task needed for Jax to earn his Bark Ranger badge. He rocked it. He also left the park with a new collapsible water dish and poop bag holder. Distinguished and prepared. Lucas also earned his second Junior Ranger badge – they’re tied!
• Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge – This one was near the KOA but outside the park. We took a quiet, scenic drive that winds through wetlands and open fields teeming with birds and wildlife. We stayed in the truck (the mosquitoes were out in full force), but the peaceful views and wide-open skies made it worth the detour. If you’re into birdwatching—or just want a calm, off-the-beaten-path stop—we’d recommend it.

The One Thing We Didn’t Get to See…

I was especially excited that Great Sand Dunes is a certified Dark Sky Park. With its high elevation and low light pollution, it’s one of the best places in the U.S. to see the Milky Way. I rented a great wide-angle lens from my absolutely favorite rental shop, ProPhoto Rental, in preparation for incredible Milky Way shots. I pored over sky apps, like Night Sky and Stellarium, to ensure I would be photographing in the right direction. I re-watched YouTube videos on camera settings and angles – I was ready.

I got up at 4am. Twice. Camera gear ready. Stargazing apps open. What I got? Thick clouds both nights. No stars. No Milky Way. Just me, the dark, and a headlamp. I had the same thing happen in another Dark Sky park, Bryce Canyon, all clouds, no Milky Way.

Next time, I’ll try again. Third time’s the charm, right?

Junior Rangers, Tiger Beetles & Fun Facts

The Visitor Center is a great first stop. We picked up Junior Ranger booklets for Lucas and a Bark Ranger guide for Jax. We learned about the Great Sand Dunes tiger beetle, a species found nowhere else on Earth, and how the shifting dunes are shaped by mountain winds and a hidden water table. Apparently, a shallow river flows through the dunes in early spring when the underground aquifer overflows. We missed it this time, but it sounds magical.

Let’s talk about the one big downside: mosquitoes. They were everywhere. If you stopped moving, they found you. Long sleeves and pants helped, but honestly—bring all the bug spray. It’s the one thing that kept us from lingering outside the RV for long.

TL:DR – Great Sand Dunes by RV

• High Dune = hard but worth it. Stunning views, sore calves.

• Sandboarding & sledding? Yes. Do both. Rent from the KOA.

• Sunrise by the park sign = gorgeous. Go early for the red glow.

• Zapata Falls = short + crowded. Still worth it for the cool-down.

• Montville Trail = Bark Ranger approved. Jax left with gear and a badge.

• Visitor Center = surprisingly awesome. Tiger beetles, underground rivers, and a Junior Ranger booklet that kept everyone engaged.

• Stargazing? Not this time. Cloud cover crushed my Milky Way dreams (even at 4am—twice).

• Mosquitoes = relentless. Bring bug spray. Like, a lot.