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All the United States Colorado Alamosa Medano Creek
AO Edited

Medano Creek

A picturesque (all-natural!) beach in a landlocked state.

Alamosa, Colorado

Added By
Marian Bull
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The creek lays at the feet of a series of dramatic sand dunes.   Christian Collins on Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
The creek lays at the feet of a series of dramatic sand dunes.   Christian Collins on Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
In the fall, the creek goes technicolor.   Great Sand Dunes National Park on Flickr
Medano Creek has sometimes been called “Colorado’s natural beach”, thanks to its proximity to sand dunes.   Great Sand Dunes National Park on Flickr
A beaver dam in Medano Creek.   Great Sand Dunes National Park on Flickr
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About

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is known for its dramatic, sweeping dunes set against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. But during the warmer months, when the snowpack in the mountains begins to melt, it’s also home to a rare sight in landlocked Colorado: a beach.

When snowpack melts, the water flows down the mountains, into Medano Lake, and downstream towards the feet of the Great Sand Dunes, where it creates a temporary, seasonal body of water called Medano Creek. (Medano is the Spanish word for “sand dune,” and it’s pronounced MED-ah-no.) While water usually begins flowing in mid- to late April, the month of May usually sees the creek’s peak water flow.

The water in the creek often looks like waves, or even small rapids, which is a phenomenon called “surge flow.” Underwater sand ridges continuously build up then break roughly every 20 seconds, sending a wave downstream. And while the water begins very cold up in the mountains, the shallow, wide stream of Medano creek makes it far more temperate. 

This rush of water turns the picturesque dunes into a pristine beach and each spring and summer, you’ll find locals and tourists alike setting up tents, chairs, and even inner tubes like they’re on the ocean. While the water doesn’t get particularly deep, its active movement makes it ideal for inner tubing or skimboarding.  

Related Tags

Summer Dunes Mountains Beaches National Parks Water

Know Before You Go

Since Medano Creek’s water comes from the nearby mountains’ melting snow, the best time to enjoy the creek to the fullest is spring and early summer. The water’s flow usually peaks during May, but crowds—and traffic—often hit their peaks in June. If you’re planning to visit in May or June, note that weekdays are far less crowded.

Community Contributors

Added By

marianbull1

Edited By

traceywilson

  • traceywilson

Published

May 14, 2024

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Sources
  • https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/medano-creek.htm
  • https://www.alamosa.org/things-to-do-in-alamosa/alamosa-outdoor-activities/861-medano-creek
  • https://www.alamosa.org/great-sand-dunes-national-park/medano-creek
Medano Creek
Alamosa, Colorado
United States
37.813772, -105.46928
Visit Website

Nearby Places

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Alamosa, Colorado

miles away

Crestone Ziggurat

Crestone, Colorado

miles away

Zapata Falls

Alamosa County, Colorado

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Alamosa

Alamosa

Colorado

Places 3

Nearby Places

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Alamosa, Colorado

miles away

Crestone Ziggurat

Crestone, Colorado

miles away

Zapata Falls

Alamosa County, Colorado

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Alamosa

Alamosa

Colorado

Places 3

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