Colorado is home to more natural wonders than we can count, so we often take it for granted that we can visit these gems whenever we want. However, some of these natural wonders are only around for a few short weeks each year. If you want to take advantage of one of these seasonal attractions while you still can, we recommend visiting this one-of-a-kind Colorado beach that will only be around for a short period of time.
You know the Great Sand Dunes for its 149,028 acres of soft, white sand, but did you know that it also houses its own private beach?
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
Welcome to Medano Creek, a seasonal stream of water that begins flowing in the early spring (late March to early April), peaks in June, and then disappears for another year come August.
Google/Inez Jernberg
What causes this summertime phenomenon? It is due to the area’s snowfall and runoff from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which results in a flow of this clean and clear stream of water.
Flickr/Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
While Medano Creek typically peaks in late May to early June, this year’s creek is predicted to be a bit delayed due to above average snowfall so late in the year.
Flickr/Christian Collins
Despite its peak being moved back a few weeks, Medano Creek is flowing stronger than ever at an estimated 160% of the average in terms of both depth and duration.
Flickr/Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve As of this publication, Medano Creek is currently flowing at 20 to 40 feet wide and 1 to 4 inches deep.
In addition to just wading through and sitting in Medano Creek, this stream of water is popular for tubing, surfing, and even skimboarding!
Flickr/Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Since it’s surrounded by sand, it is also a great place to soak up some sun or build sandcastles.
Admission to the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Medano Creek costs $25 per non-commercial passenger vehicle with all occupants.
Flickr/Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Address: 11999 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Since you’re visiting the area, be sure to also read up on This Jaw Dropping Place In Colorado Will Blow You Away.
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
Google/Inez Jernberg
Flickr/Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Flickr/Christian Collins
As of this publication, Medano Creek is currently flowing at 20 to 40 feet wide and 1 to 4 inches deep.
Since it’s surrounded by sand, it is also a great place to soak up some sun or build sandcastles.
Address: 11999 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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