Great Sand Dunes: Flood Watch in Effect, Plan Your Visit Carefully

If you're planning a getaway to Colorado's dunes, it's worth checking the forecast first. A flood watch is currently in effect for Great Sand Dunes and the San Luis Valley. The park expects steady rain over the next three days, with 2 to 3 inches forecast. On terrain made of sand, creeks, and low ground, that's not something to shrug off.

In practical terms, the scene can change fast. A creek that's calm in the morning, like Medano Creek along the base of the dunes, can swell by afternoon. The lowest areas and the access roads are the first to go. So we'd recommend you stay clear of creek beds and washes during any rain, and don't set out on a trail you don't know when the sky clouds over.

Nothing points to a park closure at this stage, but conditions are shifting hour to hour. The official guidance is simple. Follow the National Weather Service advisories, posted at Weather.gov, before and during your trip. That's the habit that'll keep you from getting stranded or caught off guard by rising water.

The visit still makes plenty of sense otherwise. These late-summer showers pass, and they often leave behind gorgeous light and skies over the dunefield. We'd just suggest you take it day by day, pack rain gear, and leave some slack in your schedule.

If you're still in the planning stage, take a moment to read the Great Sand Dunes park guide to lock in your timing and your access points. And if you're building a bigger trip through the region, this park fits nicely into our road trip itinerary that runs through it.