Accessibility

Visitors with mobility handicaps can rent sand-friendly wheelchairs from the visitor center.

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Accessibility Details

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve exemplifies a commitment to accessibility, ensuring that visitors with mobility issues have the opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring natural features of the park. This focus on inclusivity is evident in several innovative measures designed to accommodate all visitors, regardless of physical ability. Accessible Features at Great Sand Dunes * Dunes Parking Area Accessibility: The park has installed an accessibility mat in the Dunes Parking Area, located a mile north of the Visitor Center. This mat extends to the edge of Medano Creek and the edge of the dunes, allowing visitors with mobility issues to experience the stunning views and the unique environment of the dunes up close. While the nature of the dunes' landscape — with its loose and occasionally deep sand — poses challenges for traditional wheelchair access, this mat provides a valuable point of access to the park's signature landscapes. * Sand Wheelchairs: Understanding the limitations posed by the dune's sandy terrain, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offers two specially designed sand wheelchairs, one suitable for adults and the other for children. These wheelchairs are equipped with large, inflatable tires that navigate the sandy environment more effectively than standard wheelchair tires. Available for rent at the Visitor Center, these sand wheelchairs make it possible for visitors with mobility issues to venture beyond the accessibility mat for short trips into the dunes. Reservations can be made in advance by contacting the Visitor Center, ensuring that these resources are available for those who need them during their visit. * Visitor Center Facilities: The Visitor Center itself is fully accessible, featuring captioned films for those with hearing impairments and equipped with accessible restrooms to accommodate visitors with disabilities. This ensures that all visitors can enjoy the educational resources and amenities of the Visitor Center. * Accessible Camping and Trails: The Pion Flats Campground and the Sawmill Canyon Backcountry Campsite are designed to be inclusive, with accessible toilets and hardened trail surfaces that accommodate visitors with mobility issues. These facilities ensure that the camping and backcountry experiences are available to a broader range of visitors. Tips for an Accessible Visit 1. Plan Ahead: Contact the Visitor Center in advance to reserve a sand wheelchair and inquire about the current conditions of accessibility features. 2. Visit the Accessibility Mat: Even if you do not require a sand wheelchair, the accessibility mat at the Dunes Parking Area provides a chance to experience the edge of the dunes and Medano Creek. 3. Explore the Visitor Center: Take advantage of the accessible educational resources available at the Visitor Center to learn more about the park's natural and cultural history. 4. Check Campground Accessibility: If planning to camp, inquire about the specific accessible features available at Pion Flats Campground and Sawmill Canyon Backcountry Campsite to ensure they meet your needs. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve's commitment to accessibility allows visitors of all abilities to explore and appreciate the unique beauty of the dunes and surrounding landscapes. By taking advantage of these accessible features and planning ahead, visitors with mobility issues can enjoy a fulfilling and memorable experience in one of America's most remarkable natural settings.1.

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