By:
Submission
Reconnect with yourself and nature at this unforgettable escape. Enjoy amazing views and awesome picture perfect sunsets every night.
\*\*THE YURT IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE\*\*
Use the tent, bring and stay in your campervan or pitch your own tent. Pack in what you pack out.
**The Tent**
A large 8-10 person waterproof canvas bell tents on top of a 16 ft x 18 ft platform - 16 feet in diameter. The tent has low profile windows that go around the perimeter of the tent and a large netted door with double zippers for privacy. There is a propane heater that you can use on cooler nights but propane is not provided. The heater takes the little green cans. There is also one air mattress with a battery power air pump if you wish to use it. The batteries may or may not be good so if you are planning on using it please make sure to bring 4 D batteries just in case. Parking space next to the tent so you wont have to carry your gear very far. This is a primitive site and does not have water or electric. Please pack in what you pack out.
**The Property**
The property is marked off with green poles with pink flag tape on the tops. You are free to roam anywhere inside this area. During the summer months rattlesnakes are active in the area so please be aware of what is around you when walking around. Also the tent is guidelines around the whole tent for support. Please do not mess with the guidelines and be careful when walking around them so you don't trip.
There is a fire pit in front of the tent to use when you are allowed. Please check local weather for "Red Flag Warnings" in area 225 (San Luis Valley). If there is a warning for that area it is illegal to outside open fires.
**Popular hikes**
- Zapata Falls and South Zapata Lake -30mins away
- Great Sand Dunes National Park -40 mins away
- Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area -25 mins away
\*\*Popular Attractions \*\*
- The UFO Watch Town -35 mins away
- Colorado Gators Reptile Park -35 mins away
- The Town of Fort Garland -15 mins away
\*\*Ski/Snowboarding \*\*
- Taos -1 hr away
I will share exact driveway GPS coordinates on the day of check in.
The less frequently explored “Escape Dunes” offer unique views of Great Sand Dunes National Park from an area of forest that has been choked from sand escaping into the area. Over the years, sand has successfully jumped Medano Creek and built smaller dunes amongst the forests that encircle the park leaving behind remnants of skeletal trees.
To get here, drive north into the park and take the last road on the left, just before Piñon Flats Campground. From here be prepared, AWD or 4WD is required. The road is single lane and devoid of jagged rocks, instead, the terrain is problematic due to sand accumulations. We made it just fine in a 2016 Subaru Legacy sedan though a few moments we got in some deep pockets. About 2.5 miles/10 mins of drive, you will reach the Castle Creek Picnic area. Once here, Park your car and head up the dry river bed. You won’t miss it.
If you found this helpful, please be sure to give it a thumbs up. Happy Travels!
