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Location Icon Colorado

Great Sand Dunes Audio Tour: Drive & Hike at Your Pace!

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Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo Great Sand Dunes Self Guided National Park Audio Tour lets people walk around the tallest sand dunes in North America and see the park on their own. A friendly voice tells stories about how the wind and rivers made these big dunes and about the people who lived there a long time ago.

People can start at the Visitor Center and then climb the dunes, feel the sand, and slide down. They can hike to Zapata Falls or walk the Montville Nature Trail under trees and also go to the Dunes Overlook Trail for big views. If there is more time, people can walk the Mosca Pass Trail. The tour works without needing phone service. It gives directions and tips while exploring. It also does not end, people can use whenever. It includes hours of stories about places like Blanca Wetlands, the UFO Watchtower, the Colorado Gator Farm, and Fort Garland Museum. Key stops along the way include the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, Montville Nature Trail, Wellington Ditch Trail, Medano Pass Primitive Road, Sand Ramp Trail and the San Luis Wildlife Area.

The tour lets people walk in the sand and tell their friends about dunes, waterfalls, and stories of Great Sand Dunes National Park. It gives the freedom to enjoy the park the way someone wants to. This tour includes an offline map, turn-by-turn directions using GPS, and audio that plays automatically. It does not include private transportation. Quotes Logo

Highlights

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Explore at Your Own Pace: Enjoy the freedom to discover Great Sand Dunes National Park on your own schedule.

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Offline Map & GPS: No need for cell service! The tour works completely offline with GPS directions.

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Hours of Audio Stories: Listen to fascinating stories, travel tips, and music as you explore.

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Never Expires: The tour never expires, use it anytime.

Sentiment Analysis

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Customers generally enjoyed the self-guided audio tour of Great Sand Dunes National Park, finding it informative, flexible, and convenient. The offline functionality and engaging stories were particularly appreciated. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon Visitors loved that they could explore at their own pace.

    Positive Highlight Icon The audio guide was very informative and easy to follow.

    Positive Highlight Icon Many people appreciated that the tour worked offline, without needing cell service.

    Positive Highlight Icon People thought the stories and tips shared during the tour were interesting.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some visitors wished there were more specific directions for certain trails.

    Negative Highlight Icon A few people mentioned that the audio could be a bit repetitive at times.

The Journey

1

Blanca Wetlands

Discover the restored Blanca Wetlands, a testament to ecological revitalization in the San Luis Valley. This Bureau of Land Management project, initiated in 1965, showcases the crucial role wetlands play in supporting water quality, soil health, and wildlife migration. Wander through this oasis to witness the San Luis Valley's pre-agricultural landscape and observe the diverse birdlife that thrives here. Note that the wetlands are closed during nesting season (February through July) to protect the fragile ecosystem.

2

UFO Watchtower

Celebrate the strange and unexplained at the UFO Watchtower, a haven for believers and curious minds alike. Perched in the heart of the San Luis Valley, known for its high volume of reported UFO sightings, this quirky roadside attraction offers a chance to connect with fellow alien enthusiasts and scan the skies for interstellar visitors. For a small fee, immerse yourself in the mystery, share your own experiences, and contemplate our place in the cosmos.

3

Colorado Gator Farm

Experience the unexpected at the Colorado Gator Farm, a unique wildlife refuge born from a tilapia farm's innovative waste management solution. Originally intended to control dead fish, the farm acquired baby alligators that eventually transformed into a public attraction. Today, witness these prehistoric predators thriving in the high desert, along with a surprising array of rescued exotic animals, including tortoises, snakes, and even sharks. It's an educational and unforgettable encounter with wildlife in an unlikely setting.

4

Fort Garland Museum

Step back in time at Fort Garland Museum, an 1858 military fort nestled in Colorado's San Luis Valley. Explore the well-preserved adobe complex, which once protected settlers and served as a base for the legendary Buffalo Soldiers. Delve into exhibits showcasing frontier military life, the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, and the rich cultural heritage of the San Luis Valley. Experience the atmosphere of the Old West and learn about the challenges and triumphs of the pioneers who shaped this region.

5

Zapata Falls

Uncover the hidden beauty of Zapata Falls, a tucked-away waterfall cascading within a cave. Embark on a short, adventurous hike to reach this natural wonder, splashing through water and scrambling over rocks. The 25-foot falls provide a refreshing and unique experience, rewarding your efforts with a glimpse into a cool, shadowy grotto. Waterproof shoes are highly recommended for this unforgettable exploration.

6

Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center

Begin your adventure at the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, the perfect starting point for exploring this extraordinary park. Discover exhibits detailing the park's unique geology, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural history. Gather maps, watch an engaging orientation film, and receive valuable tips from park rangers on the best trails and activities. Prepare to be amazed by the towering dunes and the breathtaking landscapes that await.

7

Montville Nature Trail

Embark on the Montville Nature Trail, the shortest and easiest forest hike in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Traverse the former Montville townsite along a quick half-mile loop through shady aspen forests. Reach the highpoint, offering a sweeping view of the dunes from above the trees. This short, rewarding trail provides a great introduction to the park's natural beauty and historical significance.

8

Mosca Pass Trail

Challenge yourself with the Mosca Pass Trail, a moderately difficult 7-mile hike that extends from the Montville Nature Trail. Journey through shady forests towards a pass in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. While not the most visually striking trail, it offers a peaceful escape into nature. Consider this option if you have ample time to explore the park's backcountry.

9

Wellington Ditch Trail

Hike the Wellington Ditch Trail, a relatively flat, two-mile (one-way) journey through piñon and juniper woodlands. Follow an old, hand-dug irrigation ditch created by the Wellington family in 1927, offering unique vantage points overlooking the majestic dunes. End your hike at the serene Pinon Flats Campground, immersing yourself in the park's quiet beauty and historical heritage.

10

Medano Pass Primitive Road

Embark on a rugged, 22-mile backcountry adventure along Medano Pass Primitive Road. Traverse sandy creek crossings and lush meadows in a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Stop at Castle Creek Picnic Area for stunning views of the dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and elk. Experience the seasonal floods of Medano Creek, creating a temporary beach with surging waves. This thrilling ride offers an unparalleled way to explore the park's remote beauty.

11

Sand Ramp Trail

Trek along the Sand Ramp Trail, a moderate 11-mile (one-way) path winding along the base of the Great Sand Dunes. Enjoy sweeping vistas of the sand formations and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. For the first few miles, the trail parallels the Medano Pass Primitive Road, offering a peaceful and quiet escape into nature. While not as visually dramatic as other trails, it provides a serene and reflective hiking experience.

12

San Luis Wildlife Area

Discover the San Luis Wildlife Area, a lesser-known yet ecologically rich area in southern Colorado. Managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, this area features a diverse mix of wetlands, grasslands, and riparian habitats, providing essential refuge for migratory birds, waterfowl, and various other wildlife species. Explore this natural sanctuary and witness the region's biodiversity firsthand.

Know Before You Go

This audio tour includes hours of narration, travel tips, and music that plays automatically as you drive, as well as an offline map with turn-by-turn GPS directions. The tour never expires, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Private transportation is not included.

Hot Tip

Download the tour before arriving at the park since cell service can be spotty. Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike the dunes.

From $8 Price

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As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.