The Great Sand Dunes are a national treasure. They are nestled in the San Luis Valley against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and are a stunning departure from the fertile valley and forested mountains that surround it. The Castle Creek Picnic Area is a location to the East of the dunes and signage strongly recommends 4×4 vehicles to get from the main parking lot and visitor center to the picnic area. There are other areas that can be reserved for weddings, so if this one isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, contact the admin authority and ask about their other sites. The temperatures on the dunes are typical of normal Colorado weather. The only thing to really watch out for is the temperature of the sand. Sunny days can see the sand temp rise to 150°F (66 °C) even when the air temp is 75–80 °F (24–27 °C). If you’re willing to stay after dark, the remote location boasts a great view of the stars. The main park area and dunes are highly trafficked and very popular. There are strict rules about what can and can’t be done on the dunes themselves as they are a protected wilderness area. Due to both Medano Creek and the dunes themselves it’s probably a good idea to consider your footwear and foot cleaning options depending on your plans.
