A National Park
Celebration
We Love our National park
Join us in Alamosa this April as we celebrate the 6th year of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Appreciation Month! We love our local National Park, and every April, we dedicate the month to celebrating the Great Sand Dunes a grounded, soulful place of adventure and wonder where you can truly find your connection to the land.
Throughout the month, you’ll discover Sand Dunes-themed specials and unique offerings at restaurants, shops, and attractions that celebrate our local flavor and history.
We also invite you to show your love for the landscape by participating in the Show Your Love Stewardship Challenge, a meaningful way to help protect and preserve our National Park for generations to come. Visit the Welcome Center anytime in April for information on what is happening during the celebration, then head out to explore, experience, and see what you discover.
Show The Love Stewardship Challenge
Protect the Connection: The Stewardship Challenge
As the gateway to the Great Sand Dunes, we recognize that protecting our public lands is the foundation of a meaningful travel experience. This year, we invite you to move beyond being a spectator and take part in the We Love Our National Park Stewardship Challenge, a month-long initiative that bridges the gap between visiting a place and truly connecting with its soul. By practicing “Care for Colorado” Leave No Trace principles, you help preserve the awe-inspiring scale of nature that defines our valley, ensuring that the grounding sand beneath your feet and the infinite dark skies above remain for generations to discover.
Join the Humanscape
Make a tangible difference in the Great Sand Dunes and the Alamosa community by engaging in simple, impactful stewardship actions. This challenge is your opportunity to immerse yourself in our “Humanscape” and show a commitment to the hospitality and resilience that make the San Luis Valley so vibrant. Whether you are staying on designated trails or supporting the local businesses that share a love for this land, your actions ensure that the past remains present and the beauty of the valley stays rooted in its natural state.
Your Stewardship Journey: How It Works
- Take the Stewardship Pledge: Commit to honoring the night sky, respecting nature, and practicing the kindness that defines our community. You can sign the pledge in person at the Welcome Center (610 State Ave) or digitally to show your support for our public lands.
- Get Your Stewardship Passport: Pick up a physical passport at the Welcome Center or download a digital version directly from this page to track your progress.
- Seek Out Connection Points: As you explore the park and our downtown, look for QR codes that lead to local stories and sounds. These “Connection Points” enrich your experience while you complete stewardship actions in the park and around the community.
- Inspire Others: Tag @VisitAlamosa and use #WeHeartOurNationalPark + #VisitAlamosa to share your photos and videos of responsible travel.
- Visit the Welcome Center: Stop by to get your passport stamped, share your journey with our local guides, and learn more ways to support the deep cultural currents that shape the West.
International Dark Sky
In Alamosa, nature offers a scale that restores your perspective, and nowhere is this more profound than under our vast, unpolluted night skies. As the sun sets over the Great Sand Dunes, the landscape transforms into a theater of stars. This is the “Galaxy” part of your journey—a soulful, awe-inspiring experience where the grounding sand beneath your feet meets the infinite dark above. In April, the crisp air and high-altitude clarity provide a window into the universe that you simply can’t find anywhere else. It is a moment to slow down, leave the digital world behind, and feel a deep connection to something much larger than yourself.
Honoring the Dark Skies at The Colorado Welcome Center
Our commitment to the land extends far beyond the trails and into the heavens. As part of our community’s shared values, we invite you to help us protect this rare resource by honoring the night sky: minimizing light pollution so everyone can experience the brilliance of the stars. To help you bring this practice home, visit the Colorado Welcome Center (610 State Ave) throughout April to build your own dark sky light. It is a hands-on way to ensure the past is present in the very same constellations that have guided generations.
While you are there, find your connection to our “Humanscape” by chatting with our local guides and taking a turn at our spinning wheel for a chance to win unique local prizes. Whether you are taking the stewardship pledge or crafting your own light, you will find that the best travel memories are made when you engage with the heart of the community. Stop by, breathe it in, and see what you discover: we want you to come as a visitor and leave as a local.
Discover the Park
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is one of Colorado’s four National Parks and is located conveniently near Alamosa in the Mystic San Luis Valley. The park contains the tallest sand dunes in North America and its vast dune field covers more than 30 sq. miles! The park is further distinguished by its unique biological diversity, as visitors can explore wetlands, forests, tundra, and more ecosystems all within a single afternoon.
Aligned Organizations:
Thank you to all the amazing organizations that work tirelessly to keep our public lands beautiful, accessible, and safe for everyone to enjoy. Your unwavering dedication to preserving these natural spaces ensures that future generations will get to experience their wonder just as we do today. Whether you are maintaining trails, organizing cleanups, or educating the community, your efforts do not go unnoticed.
Go Local On Your Next Adventure
This April, celebrate Great Sand Dunes National Park by supporting local businesses that share our love for this incredible place! Enjoy Great Sand Dunes Specials All Month Long at participating locations. Many local businesses are offering special promotions throughout April to celebrate our National Park. Visit the Colorado Welcome Center (610 State Ave) to learn more about the celebration and find out how you can receive a voucher in person.
Participating businesses will be finalized by March 18th.
