Sand, Stars, and Solo: Finding Strength at Great Sand Dunes National Park

The late afternoon sun, a painter with a golden brush, streamed through the aspen trees as I navigated the winding road. Colorado's beauty never fails to take my breath away, but today, a knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach. Could I really do this alone? Three days in the wilderness with two small kids and no backup? Leo, 8, and Mia, 6, were bouncing in the backseat, fueled by anticipation and gummy bears. My husband, deployed overseas, was always the outdoorsy one. Now, with him gone, it was up to me. I gripped the steering wheel tighter, reminding myself of the smiles to come. As the road opened up, the landscape transformed. The dramatic silhouette of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rose against a vast, sandy expanse – Great Sand Dunes National Park. This family adventure at Great Sand Dunes was happening, and I would make it an unforgettable experience for my kids.

Adventure awaits… I hope! #GreatSandDunes #SoloParenting

Campsite Chaos and Kingdom 6

Pulling into Piñon Flats Campground, the reality of our solo mom camping Great Sand Dunes adventure hit me full force. Surrounding me were seasoned camping veterans with their tricked-out RVs and perfectly organized setups. My station wagon, on the other hand, looked like a gear explosion. The kids, faces already smeared with dirt and sunscreen, were "helping" unpack, which mostly involved running around in circles. First task: the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 tent. The instruction manual looked simple enough… on paper. I spread it out on the picnic table, furrowing my brow as I tried to decipher the pole configurations. A gust of wind nearly blew everything away, scattering tent pegs and instructions across the campsite. Leo and Mia, bless their hearts, were "helping" by tripping over guy lines and using tent pegs as swords. After what felt like an eternity (and several muttered curses under my breath), the tent was finally erected, bathed in the golden light of late afternoon. It wasn't perfect – a little lopsided, maybe – but it was home for the next few days. It was an easy camping start for beginners to the Great Sand Dunes and we managed to secure an accessible campsite to make it even more convenient.

Park Rules: Leave No Trace

Being responsible stewards of this incredible landscape was paramount. The park rangers stressed the importance of packing out everything we packed in, and staying on designated trails to protect the fragile ecosystem. "Leave No Trace" became our mantra. Good thing I brought extra Ziploc bags! The sheer volume of sand infiltrating every nook and cranny was astounding. I swear, I was still finding sand in my hair a week later! Great Sand Dunes single parent travel requires extra preparation, so knowing the rules are helpful!

Campground Bathrooms: A Necessary Evil

Let's be honest – campground bathrooms are rarely a highlight. The facilities at Piñon Flats Campground were… well, they were campground bathrooms. Clean enough, but definitely bring your flip-flops for the showers! Expect a little wait during peak hours, and earplugs might be a good idea if you're a light sleeper. The ambient noise of other families and the occasional generator hum can be surprisingly loud.

Sand Sledding at Sunset: Pure Joy

Sand sledding was the main event, the reason we braved the wilderness. We rented sleds from a local shop and trudged towards the tallest dune we could find. The crunch of the sand under our feet was strangely satisfying. The climb was tougher than I expected, but the view from the top was breathtaking. The San Luis Valley stretched out below us, a vast expanse of green and gold.

Then, the moment arrived. We launched ourselves down the dune, the wind whipping through our hair. Leo and Mia's uninhibited laughter echoed across the dunes, a sound that filled my heart with joy. The gritty feel of the sand against our skin and the taste of it in our mouths – it was all part of the experience. The incredible panoramic views and the sheer thrill of the ride made it all worthwhile. Sand sledding at Great Sand Dunes with kids will be an experience the family will never forget!

Stargazing Under a Velvet Sky

As darkness descended, the sky transformed into a velvet canvas sprinkled with diamonds. Far from city lights, it was the darkest sky I'd ever seen. Even Mia, usually bouncing off the walls, was captivated. I set up our Celestron telescope, eager to explore the cosmos. The Milky Way, a river of light, stretched across the heavens. I pointed out Orion's Belt to the kids, telling them stories of the hunter in the sky. Stargazing Great Sand Dunes National Park is truly special. It felt like we were the only people on Earth. A cool night air settled in, and in the distance, we heard the faint howls of coyotes. It was magical. The Great Sand Dunes is a designated Dark Sky Park, so seeing the night sky here is an unforgettable experience.

Zapata Falls: A Chilling Adventure

The next morning, we embarked on a short excursion to Zapata Falls. The trail was easy enough for the kids, but be prepared for some scrambling over rocks. The unique experience of wading into the icy water to see the falls cascading down the narrow crevice was… bracing, to say the least. The water was shockingly cold – my teeth were chattering within seconds! But the sight of the falls hidden inside the rock was absolutely worth it. Be cautious, and wear waterproof shoes! Hiking to Zapata Falls with kids is another amazing activity to do at Great Sand Dunes with kids.

Gourmet S'mores: Campfire Delights

After a long day of sand sledding and hiking, nothing tasted better than a gourmet s'more. I had prepped some homemade marshmallows for a luxury treat!

Here's the recipe: Combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until fluffy and doubled in volume. Spread in a greased pan and let cool before cutting into squares.

We used Ghirardelli Intense Dark chocolate squares for an extra touch of decadence. The smoky aroma filled the air, and the sticky sweetness of the marshmallows was heavenly.

Jetboil Flash Java Kit: Morning Savior

The Jetboil Flash Java Kit was a lifesaver! Within minutes, I had a steaming cup of coffee in my hands, and the kids were happily sipping hot chocolate. It made our mornings so much easier. I highly recommend this Jetboil Flash Java Kit for your next family adventure Great Sand Dunes. The convenience and portability of the kit are unmatched, especially when you're juggling kids and camping gear.

Finding Strength: A Solo Parenting Triumph

As we drove away from the park, late afternoon sun streaming into the car, Leo and Mia were asleep in the back seat, exhausted but happy. I reflected on the trip. It wasn't always easy – the sand, the setup struggles, the moments of doubt – but the incredible memories we created, the bond we strengthened, and my newfound confidence in my ability to solo parent made it all worthwhile. Budget-friendly family camping Great Sand Dunes is possible, and it's a treasure to behold. It wasn't always easy, but watching my kids laugh as they tumbled down the dunes, and seeing the wonder in their eyes as they gazed at the stars – those moments made it all worthwhile. I proved to myself that I could do this, and we came home stronger than ever.

Plan your own adventure to Great Sand Dunes National Park and create memories that will last a lifetime! Find your strength amidst the sand and stars. The park is located at 11999 State Highway 150 Mosca, CO 81146. Go get your fill of inspiration and excitement!