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Backpack – Great Sand Dunes National Park

Trip

Backpack – Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Contacts

Jan Dudley
Jan Dudley
Primary Leader
  • Fri, Sep 22, 2023 — Sun, Sep 24, 2023
  • Gore Range
  • Backpacking, Hiking
  • Adults
  • Easy
  • Easy
  • Pace: 1.5 mph

On the way to the Great Sand Dunes NP, we will visit "Orisons" at 11 AM. Orisons is an outdoor sculpture installation near Hooper. More info and link below. There are no restrooms or trash facilities at Orisons. 

From there, we will drive to the GSDNP. Entrance to the NP is at your own expense. We will meet at the entrance to the Visitor's Center at about 2 PM. If the weather is good, we can spend some time there before moving to our designated permit parking at the Amphitheater lot. We need time to hike to the Buck Creek camp site, set up and have dinner. Sunset is about 7 PM.

On Sat & Sun, we will day hike, details TBD. Bring a day-pack for Sat & Sun hikes, subject to participant preferences.

Leader's notes

By signing up for this hike you agree to have your e-mail address shared with other participants and photos of you shared in Facebook or other media.

If you have any known medical conditions that may manifest themselves during this activity, please notify the leader via e-mail prior to the trip.

160 acres of sculptures are on display in rural Colorado through June 2025 - Black Cube, a Denver-based nomadic art museum, helped produce Marguerite Humeau’s “Orisons,” the largest earthwork by a single female artist. Orisons is a self-guided experience that is on foot and may take up to 2 hours. Navigating around Orisons requires modest physical exertion by foot, as the terrain is sandy, rough, and extremely uneven. There are no sidewalks or pathways. Please mind your step, as some sandy areas may be unstable due to holes dug by animals. Attire – Wear proper attire depending on the season. Expect high wind and sun exposure. We recommend close-toed shoes that reach your ankles, sun protection, and staying hydrated. There is no access to water on site—be sure to bring plenty of water. No entrance fee, but donations are appreciated. 

https://coloradosun.com/2023/08/02/orisons-marguerite-humeau-san-luis-valley-black-cube/?utm_source=The%20Colorado%20Sun%20Newsletters&utm_campaign=SUNRISER_20230803&utm_medium=email

Easy 1 mi backpack to a permit camp site at GSDNP. Optional visit to "Orisons" outdoor sculpture installation. Day hikes from camp site TBD.

Optional: "Orisons" outdoor sculpture viewing at 11 AM on 9/22/23. Orisons is accessible via a dirt road by vehicle only. 

After visiting "Orisons", we will meet at the GSDNP Visitor's Center entrance at about 2 PM.

Our BP permit assigned parking is the Amphitheater Lot at GSDNP. 

https://goo.gl/maps/b9JViJWQoSThjmvD6

Route/Place

Route-Place TBD

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

10 essentials. Smaller pack for day-hiking. 

Clothing appropriate for the weather, trail lunch/snacks. 

Backpacking gear. Individual food and meal plans.

Partial Rules from GSDNP https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm

  • Camp in designated locations, within 50 feet of the metal arrowhead post. No trenching around tents.
  • No pets, hammocks, or glass containers.
  • Gas stoves, only. No campfires allowed.
  • Pack out trash including food items such as orange peels and shells.
  • Use a bearproof container or hang food/scented items in a tree at least 10 feet (3m) up and 5 feet (2m) out from the trunk. 
  • Bury human waste 6 inches deep, 200 feet from water and trails. Pack out toilet paper.
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