Area Attractions
The Great Sand Dunes Lodge is the perfect home base for exploring all that the San Luis Valley has to offer during your Colorado vacation. There are many attractions and activities nearby, such as the Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, the Royal Gorge, and Zapata Falls.
To start planning your visit, feel free to visit the links below. Then be sure to contact us at the Lodge to make reservations. We look forward to hosting your stay!
The Great Sand Dunes National Park: the tallest sand dunes in North America — rise in a corner of the high mountain San Luis Valley in the Colorado Rockies. These dunes have built to heights of nearly 750 feet from billions of grains of sand blown across the valley by wind. The dunes cover about 39 square miles. To understand the immensity of the dunes, you don’t need facts and figures. Come visit.
Zapata Falls: Five miles down the highway from our lodge, falls over 30 feet tall cascade down sheer rocks. A short hike from the day use area is necessary to reach the falls.
Mosca Pass Trail: This is the most popular trail among many. Approximately 3 miles one way and 1500 feet elevation gain. Moderately strenuous. Beautiful scenery along the hike. Trail head is inside the Park.
4 Wheel Drive Tours: Explore the Primitive Medano Road in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains behind the Sand Dunes. Experience Colorado in its pristine beauty as you drive through its breathtaking wilderness of forests, rushing creeks and majestic mountain peaks. Please visit pathfinders4x4.com or call 719 496 6288.
Mt. Blanca Peak: Colorado’s fourth highest summit, overlooking Fort Garland. Four-wheel drive road open, weather and conditions permitting.
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad: Narrow gauge railroad from Northern terminal at Antonito, CO. Ride 64 miles through beautiful scenery much the same way as pioneer travelers did in the 1880s. One day and overnight trips are offered.
Fort Garland, CO: Restored to its original appearance, the fort commanded by Kit Carson in 1866 and 1867, displays numerous relics, many donated by families of past generations from the valley.
San Luis, CO: Colorado’s oldest town, established in 1851, the museum and cultural center display its history. Recently completed by a local artist, you may visit the “Stations of the Cross”, a long tradition of the Catholic Church.
Conejos, CO: Claims to be the oldest church in Colorado. In near-by Manassa, CO., visit the home of Jack Dempsy, the “Manassa Mauler”. Local citizens have restored the 1895 birthplace of the famous fighter.
Alamosa, CO: The Alamosa Chamber of Commerce has information on community events, lodging, and historical sites.
Alligator Farm: Located between Mosca and Hooper on Highway 17, geothermal waters maintain a constant temperature of 87 degrees for alligators and unusual fish.
Joyful Journey: Enjoy the innate qualities of the 3 natural geothermal springs (98-108°) which Native Americans have used for centuries for medicinal and ceremonial purposes, with the lovely Sangre de Cristo mountains in the distance.
Sand Dunes Swimming Pool: This is another example of a nearby Olympic-size geothermal pool which is especially enjoyable to children.
Colorado Directory: The Colorado Directory has information about lodging and many other activities in Colorado. We also have an information page located on their site. Click Here to view it.