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Group Sites: Colorado > Great Sand Dunes National Park

Quick Facts

Dunes Picnic Ground

Elevation:	8,000 Feet (2493.8 Meters)
Handicapped Accessible:	One site
Reservation Status:	Not Accepted
USGS Maps:	Zapata Ranch, Liberty

General Description

The picnic area is located right next to the Dunes Parking Area which is at the edge of the dunes. Tables, grills (charcoal fires only please), water and restrooms are provided.

There is one wheelchair accessible site with a trail to an accessible comfort station. The site is shaded by cottonwood trees. Nearby Mosca Creek flows year-round.

This area also has group sites available. South Ramada requires reservations while North Ramada does not.

Directions from Visitor Center: The picnic area is next to the Dunes Parking Area. From the Visitor Center, follow Highway 150 north for less than 1/2 mile and turn left. Follow this road for about 1/2 mile to the parking lot.

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.) .

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Family Camping	Pinyon Flats Campground	No
	Fishing	Medano Creek; Rio Grande National Forest	No
	Four-Wheel Driving	Medano Pass Primitive Road	No
	Group Camping	Pinyon Flats Campground	No
	Group Picnicking	South Ramada (reservations required) and North Ramada	Yes
	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.	No
	Firewood Gathering	Not permitted in the Monument; purchase from concessionaire in summer and from Visitor Center in winter.	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	Yes
	Downhill Skiing	Trying skiing the dunes, even in summer.	No
	Backpacking	Eight backcountry sites in the Monument; free permit from Visitor Center required.	No
	Attending Talks & Programs	Summer programs at amphitheater; programs in Visitor Center year-round	Yes
	Viewing Interpretive Signs	Picture Point Trail, Montville Nature Trail	No
	Guided Touring	Concessionaire conducts tours on Medano Pass Primitive Road in the summer.	No

Related Activities

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.

Main Dunes Parking Area - This is the main parking area for the Great Sand Dunes and it is located only a few yards from the dunes. A picnic area for families and groups is located here and restrooms and water are available.

North Ramada Group Picnic Ground - Reservations are not required at this picnic area and the site can between 50-70 people. Busses should park in the main Dunes parking area. Groups can then walk to the site.

Picture Point Trail - The Picture Point Trail is located at the Visitor Center and begins to the north of the building. It is wheelchair accessible and has trailside interpretive exhibits.

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

South Ramada Group Picnic Ground - Reservations are required at this picnic area; they can be made by calling the Visitor Center. The site can between 50-70 people. Busses should park in the main Dunes parking area.