Plan Around Swimming
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Swimming Details
Medano Creek generally flows gently along the eastern edge of the dune field near the Castle Creek Picnic Area. This is is a seasonal stream with water levels that fluctuate based on snowmelt from year to year. The creek is a great place to cool off in the summer, especially after a few hours spent in the hot dunes. Depending on the water level, you can enjoy splashing, wading, skimboarding, floating, and sand sculpting. Note that the creek can be very crowded (and buggy) in the busy month of June. Unless there are significant rains or above-average snowmelt, the creek begins to retreat in July, and in August, the creek is usually completely dry in the area near the Dunes Parking Lot. For the latest Medano Creek flow condition, check the[ National Park Service website](https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/medano-creek.htm).
Difficulty
Open
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Activities
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