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Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado

A seasonal creek brings fun to a beautiful park surrounded by mountains

Best time: April–June

Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Each year Medano Creek at the Great Sand Dunes National Park transforms into a water lover’s paradise due to a rare natural phenomenon. Surge flow in the park occurs when melting snow from the nearby mountains cascade down onto the sand ridges. This makes the sand create underwater ridges, which will produce waves every 20 seconds. This kind of surge flow can only take place in a sandy creek bottom without pebbles or stones, because sand will form antidunes when water cascades over it, creating little ridges that result in waves. This creates ideal conditions for tubing and wakeboarding.

When snowfields in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains begin to melt in the spring a surge of water floods the shallow creek, and the Great Sand Dunes National Park starts to look like it hosts a beach party. People set up tents and have picnics while children enjoy the water and have fun with inflatable tubes. People call Medano Creek "Colorado’s natural beach" with beautiful sand dunes completing the picture.

The flow in Medano Creek occurs between April and June, peaking from late May to early June. It usually dries up by the end of July.

Practical info

When can visitors experience surge flow in Medano Creek?

From April to June, visitors to Medano Creek can experience surge flow when the snow from the nearby mountains melts and floods the sand ridges. This results in the creation of underwater ridges that produce waves every 20 seconds. By the end of July, the creek usually dries up, so visitors should plan accordingly if they want to witness this natural phenomenon. Show more

What is the source of water for Medano Creek?

Medano Creek is fed by the melting snowfields of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains during spring. This leads to the flooding of the creek, which creates surge flow. The flow of water over the sand ridges produces unique underwater ridges that lead to the formation of waves every 20 seconds. Medano Creek is the only place where this phenomenon can be witnessed, thanks to the sandy bottom free of pebbles or stones. Show more

Why is tubing and wakeboarding popular in Medano Creek?

Medano Creek is a popular destination for tubing and wakeboarding due to the surge flow that creates ideal conditions for these activities. As the water cascades over the sand ridges, it forms antidunes and little ridges that produce waves. This effect is unique to Medano Creek as it is the only place with a sandy bottom free of stones. Additionally, the waves created by the antidunes make it the perfect spot for wakeboarding while the shallow waters are ideal for tubing. Show more

Are there any regulations on inflatable water toys at Medano Creek?

There are no restrictions on inflatable water toys allowed at Medano Creek. Visitors to the creek can bring inflatable tubes, rafts, and other water toys to enjoy the water. However, since there are no lifeguards, visitors should take caution when swimming. It is also advisable to wear water shoes or sandals since the sand or rocks that can be encountered at the creek's bottom may cause injuries. Show more

What are the camping and picnic facilities available near Medano Creek?

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has several camping and picnic facilities near Medano Creek. The Pinyon Flats Campground has 88 campsites, including a group campsite that's available year-round. The national park has five picnic areas with restrooms, tables, and grills. The park also offers backpacking sites and backcountry areas for visitors who prefer to spend their nights under the stars. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin