The hot season is coming here to Arizona. The dry wind makes me think back to a trip we took to the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. I was younger then and didn’t even know sand existed yet. My folks warned me that we had a long drive ahead of us since we lived in Loveland at the northern end of the state. The quickest way to the Great Sand Dunes was to follow I-25 S to US-160 W in Huerfano County. Take exit 50 from I-25 S and continue on US-160 W to CO-150 N in Alamosa County. Look for signs to the entrance.
Your humans will need to have a National Park’s Pass or pay $25 per vehicle to get in. Pets are welcome but remember once summer hits, the sand surface becomes extremely hot and can burn puppy paws. Pets must be on leash and are allowed on designated trails.
Spring is the perfect time to go because Medano Creek usually has water. I smelled it as soon as we got out of the car! It was strange to see large mountains in the background yet a bunch of sand on the ground. It was like one big playground. Woof! Off we went, and I couldn’t contain myself. I had to go swimming! Humans were enjoying the cool, refreshing stream as well.
Then we began hiking up that sand. Whoa. It was moving! Every step I took, I sunk down. It was trying to swallow me up, I swear! Mom assured me it wouldn’t, but I wouldn’t take any chances and kept moving. For humans who struggle walking on normal ground, this might be too much. The good news is they can watch from the creek and see for miles.
Although we were continuing on to Spotted Fever Ranch (see my blog on that), camping sites were available. 
The park is open both day and night. I can only imagine the starry sky here. The park also has bikes for rent, horseback riding, and other activities for the entire family. For us, this was just a quick, fun stop.
Should you want to make a loop out of it, you could return to northern Colorado via 285. Bring plenty of water and watch the temperatures. Once they rise, it becomes uncomfortable for man and beast.
Hi! I am Kumaito (Kuma for short), a multi-tan Shiba Inu. My breed is one of the oldest and purest from Japan. I personally was born in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, moved to Friendswood, Texas, and now call Phoenix, Arizona home. I enjoy running or hiking almost every day with my mom, chasing rabbits out of my neighborhood, playing with toys, pestering my brother Edmond, eating, napping … well, I love just about everything and everyone!
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith (Founder of the FIT Leader Formula™) is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, business consultant, executive coach, behavioral-wellness expert, and author of eight published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/ and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog?ref=hl
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
