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Group Sites: Colorado > Colorado Community Areas

Quick Facts

Pinyon Flats Group Site

Elevation:	8,200 Feet (2556.1 Meters)
Length of Stay:	14 Days
Number of Sites:	3
Reservation Contact:	Visitor Center
Reservation Remarks:	Reservations can be made starting January 2nd for the coming year.
Reservation Status:	Required

General Description

Some group sites are available in Piñon Flats Campground. It is extremely popular and reservations are required. Since these sites are in such high demand, call the Visitor Center early. You can reserve a site beginning January 2nd for the coming year. The group sites can accommodate 12 - 40 people. If you have a large group, get organized early. The campground can accommodate trailers up to 35 feet.

Directions from Visitor Center: The entrance to Pinyon Flats Campground is just under 1 mile from the Visitor Center and is located to the right of the Dunes.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: Year-round (NOTE: Visitor Center open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Summer months; varying hours in the Winter.) .

Fee Information

Type	Price	Remarks
Group fee	Call for Current Fee	Per Person. Accommodates 12-4

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Backpacking	Eight backcountry sites in the Monument; free permit from Visitor Center required.	No
	Family Camping	Pinyon Flats Campground	Yes
	Fishing	Medano Creek; Rio Grande National Forest	No
	Four-Wheel Driving	Medano Pass Primitive Road	No
	Group Picnicking	South Ramada (reservations required) and North Ramada	No
	Group Camping	Pinyon Flats Group Site	Yes
	Guided Touring	Concessionaire conducts tours on Medano Pass Primitive Road in the summer.	No
	Hiking & Walking	Numerous trails in the area	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Park at Amphitheater, Montville or Point of No Return; stay out of main public use areas	No
	Animal Identification	Look for tracks in the sand, especially in early morning.	Yes
	Firewood Gathering	Not permitted in the Monument; purchase from concessionaire in summer and from Visitor Center in winter.	No
	Viewing Interpretive Signs	Picture Point Trail, Montville Nature Trail	No
	Lodging	Alamosa, Monte Vista and Ft. Garland	No
	Mountain Biking	Only on Medano Pass Primitive Road; some difficult sandy stretches	No
	Mountain Climbing	Blanca Peak, Little Bear and the Crestones	No
	ATV Riding	Only on Medano Pass Primitive Road, if vehicle and driver are licensed.	No
	Motorcycle Riding	Only on Medano Pass Primitive Road, if vehicle and driver are licensed.	No
	General Information	Visitor Center	No
	Picnicking	Next to Dunes Parking Area, Sand Pit and Castle Creek sites	No
	Downhill Skiing	Trying skiing the dunes, even in summer.	No
	Attending Talks & Programs	Summer programs at amphitheater; programs in Visitor Center year-round	No

Nearby Services

Gas (available in summer months): The Oasis (Private-profit) Directions: Located at the Monument's south boundary

Restaurant (open April-October): The Oasis (Private-profit) Directions: Located at the Monument's south boundary

Basic: Campground concessionaire (Private-profit) Directions: In Pinyon Flats Campground during summer months

Related Activities

Amphitheater and Parking Area - The amphitheater is on the right, just before Piñon Flats Campground. Nightly campfire programs are offered from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A wheelchair platform is located in the center of the seating area.

Dunes Overlook - The Dunes Overlook is a short side trail off Little Medano Creek Trail. It is about 1/2 mile in length and gives visitors a magnificent view of the Main Dune Mass.

Great Sand Dunes National Monument Visitor Center - Before venturing out to the dunes, stop by the Visitor Center. Here you can pick up information on the dunes and other park features. The center is opened daily, except on federal holidays in the winter.

Main Dune Mass Trail - A climb to the top of the tallest dune (not quite 750 feet from the base) takes about one hour. From the top you may gaze upon miles of picturesque topography.

Medano Pass Primitive Road - The Medano Pass Primitive Road is a four-wheel drive road that begins in the park and goes north to Medano Pass and the Rio Grande National Forest.

Pinyon Flats Campground - Piñon Flats Campground is open all year on a first-come, first serve basis. Each site has a picnic table and fire grate. Facilities include water fountains and spigots as well as restrooms with sinks and toilets.

Pinyon Flats Trail - This trail connects the main Dunes Parking Area with Piñon Flats Campground.

Wellington Ditch Trail - This one mile trail can be accessed from Loop 3 of the Piñon Flats Campground if you park in the Amphitheater parking area. You can also park in the Montville parking area and start from Mosca Pass Trail.