🏕️ Overnight Adventure: Camping in the Sand Dunes/ Zapata Falls/ hot Springs

🏕️ Overnight Adventure: Camping in the Sand Dunes National Park

Join us for a unique overnight camping experience in the stunning sand dune field at Great Sand Dunes National Park! This is an unforgettable opportunity to explore, hike, and camp under the stars in one of Colorado’s most incredible landscapes.

🌄 What to ExpectWe’ll hike into the dune field, set up camp, enjoy sunset views, and relax under a sky full of stars. Expect a peaceful but adventurous experience—this is primitive camping in a dynamic environment.

💧 Bonus Adventure: Zapata Falls (Optional Stop)For those interested, we can also visit Zapata Falls—an easy but fun short hike to a hidden waterfall tucked inside a rocky canyon. Be prepared to get your feet wet if you want to reach the falls!

📍 LocationGreat Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (exact meetup location and time will be shared with confirmed attendees)

🚗 Transportation / CarpoolingCarpooling is encouraged! Please coordinate with other attendees in the comments if you’d like to share a ride. Drivers and riders assume all responsibility for their own travel arrangements.

🎒 Required Gear (You MUST bring your own)This is a self-supported trip. You are responsible for bringing all your own gear, including but not limited to:

Tent and sand-appropriate stakes

Sleeping bag (rated for overnight temps)

Sleeping pad

Plenty of water (no water sources in the dunes)

Food/snacks for duration of trip

Headlamp/flashlight

Warm layers (temps drop significantly at night)

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

Portable stove if needed (check park regulations)

Trash bags (Leave No Trace)

****** I have some extra items if something needs to be borrowed and can fit everyone’s food items in one bear vault********

⚠️ Important Notes

This is primitive backcountry-style camping in sand—conditions can be challenging (wind, temperature swings, soft sand hiking).

There are no amenities in the dune field.

You should be in good physical condition and comfortable hiking in sand while carrying your gear.

Important: This is a Backpacking / Camping Trip

Please note that this is not a car camping trip. We will be backpacking into the dune field and everyone must carry all of their own gear (tent, sleeping gear, food, water, etc.).

To reach our camping area, we will need to cross the highest dune, which is approximately 700 feet of elevation gain in soft sand. Hiking in sand can be slow and physically demanding, especially while carrying a full pack, so please come prepared for a challenging but rewarding trek.

Wind & Tent Setup
The dune field is often very windy, and regular tent stakes typically do not work well in sand.

It is highly recommended that you bring a few plastic bags that can be filled with sand to create sandbags. These can be placed on the corners of your tent to help keep it anchored.
Alternatively, you may use other heavy items or specialized sand stakes, but your tent should have some form of weight or anchoring at all times to prevent it from blowing away.

Please plan accordingly and make sure your gear is suitable for backpacking and windy desert conditions.

🛑 Liability & ResponsibilityBy attending this event, you acknowledge that you are voluntarily participating in outdoor activities that carry inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, illness, property damage, or death.

You agree that:

You are solely responsible for your own safety, decisions, and well-being.

You have the proper gear, preparation, and experience to participate.

The event organizer is not a guide and assumes no responsibility or liability for any incidents that may occur before, during, or after the event.

You participate at your own risk.

🌿 Leave No TraceWe will follow Leave No Trace principles—pack out everything you bring in and respect this fragile environmentx.

If you’re up for a one-of-a-kind adventure, come join us!