Is Great Sand Dunes National Park Wheelchair Accessible?
Typically, when a wheelchair user or even someone with limited mobility thinks of sand, they don’t think of it being accessible. However, that doesn’t prevent them from wanting to go to the beach or even experience sand dunes like everyone else. Many people still wonder though, is Great Sand Dunes National Park wheelchair accessible?
I am pleased to say that Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado offers a great getaway for everyone! Here is my accessible guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Where is Great Sand Dunes National Park Located?
Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the four national parks in Colorado. It is located below Colorado Springs and in the southern center area of the state.
What to See at Great Sand Dunes National Park
The sand dunes of this national park are located between two different mountain ranges and are the result of erosion collecting in the valley. These dunes are massive… it’s really hard to describe just how big they are. From the parking lot, we saw what looked like ants walking up the dunes…. turns out they were people!
4 Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
In this section, I’ll talk about the popular things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park as well as their accessibility for people with mobility issues and wheelchair users in order to help answer the question on whether Great Sand Dunes National Park is wheelchair accessible.
1. See the Temporary River in the Spring
In the spring, when water runs off the mountains, a small stream or pond collects at the base of the dunes, allowing people to cool off for a bit. Typically, this water feature is only available in the spring. Afterwards, the heat evaporates the water, and the stream dries up.
This activity is wheelchair accessible using rubber mats and the beach wheelchairs available at the visitor’s center.
2. Ride the Sand Dunes
It’s very popular for people to climb to the tops of the dunes and then sand board or sled down them. There are several rental companies just outside of the park if you want to give this adventurous activity a try.
I opted to skip the sand sledding as it didn’t really look accessible to me, however, sledding may be an option for people with limited mobility if you use the beach wheelchair to get up the dunes. I was able to get out to the dunes to watch my parents give it a go.
3. Go to the Base of the Dunes and Be Amazed
When you see the dunes for yourself, you’ll be amazed at their gigantic size. You get an idea of this from the parking lot but viewing them from their base is an incredible experience. This was made possible because the park has beach wheelchairs that you can sign out for free for either full or half-day use.
Important Information: The sand wheelchairs are manual, so you will need someone to assist you. You will also need to plan to leave a copy of your driver’s license at the visitor center as a deposit.
I would recommend requesting a beach wheelchair in advance to ensure availability. They have a couple of different sizes and styles available for you to choose from. You can email or call 719-378-6395 to reserve a beach wheelchair.
Getting Out to the Dunes as a Wheelchair User
Accessible parking is located at the Dunes Parking area (about 1 mile from the visitor center) as well as at the visitor center itself. There is an accessible mat from the dunes parking area to the edge of the Medano Creek and the sand but after that the beach wheelchair will be necessary to get closer to the dunes.
4. Take a Scenic Off-Road Drive
There is a scenic drive within the park, but it requires a 4WD vehicle and comfort driving in sand. We had rented a jeep for our visit and my stepdad loves to go off-roading, so we gave it a try. All I can say is I got my work out that day!
As you are driving and sand and crossing over creek beds, it is VERY bumpy. I was holding on for dear life. If you even think about attempting this, make sure you have a high clearance vehicle and 4WD vs all-wheel drive.
I will say that the scenery was pretty though. The dunes take on different shades and hues depending on how the sun hits them. It’s very interesting to see just how different they look depending on the time of day.
Is Great Sand Dunes National Park Wheelchair Accessible?
Given the nature of this park, I was pleasantly surprised by its accessibility. You could spend a few hours or half a day here easily. If you attempt climbing the dunes, know that they are steep in many areas and should be attempted earlier in the day to avoid the heat.
Is Great Sand Dunes National Park Worth Visiting as a Wheelchair User?
Deciding whether a park is worth visiting is a personal decision. As someone who wants to visit as many national parks as possible, it was worth it for me. While accessibility is limited, it was still fun to see the sand dunes and watch people try to sled down them.
Pro Tip: Entry into Great Sand Dunes National Park is FREE with your Access Pass!
Going to the park prepared with an idea of what to expect and the limitations to accessibility will help you to manage expectations and decide for yourself whether Great Sand Dunes National Park is worth visiting.
When to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park
If you’d like to see the temporary stream at the dunes, plan to visit in the spring. Spring will also bring milder temperatures but roads in Colorado may have some snow.
Summer will bring the hottest temperatures which can lead to incredibly hot sand. If you visit during the summer, plan to arrive early in the morning to avoid the extreme temperatures and get the most out of your visit.
It is not advised to visit in the winter due to the weather.
For more tips on planning your national park trip, check out this post!
Final Thoughts on Whether Great Sand Dunes National Park Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes, Great Sand Dunes National Park is accessible, and if you’re in Colorado to check out its national parks, then this place is worth a visit. I hope this guide has helped to let you know what to expect here and to assist you in planning your own accessible visit.
