Medano Creek Is The Most Unique Beach Near Denver

With temperatures in the 90s, it is time to find cool ways to cool off! Instead of wasting the day away inside of your air-conditioned home (or wasting countless hours in line at one of our local water parks), make plans to take a drive to this Colorado beach that is truly unlike any other in the world:

No matter your whereabouts in Colorado, one of the most essential of must-see locations is that of the Great Sand Dunes; a National Park and Preserve near Alamosa that houses the tallest sand dunes in America.

Flickr/Jack McLane

(Now, I know what you’re thinking and yes, the Great Sand Dunes are a bit of a drive from Denver, but stick with us or you will miss out on this one-of-a-kind beach!)

Flickr/Patrick Alexander

While the Sand Dunes are obviously home to A LOT of sand (nearly 100,000 acres), you may not realize that the park is also home to the cool and delicate waters of Medano Creek, which emerge in late March to early April, peak in June, and then disappear for another year by August.

Flickr/theobine

Brought on by snowpack and rains, Medano Creek — like the Great Sand Dunes themselves — is a true gem that features fast-moving, yet shallow waters that are perfect for both little kids and kids at heart!

Flickr/Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

As if Medano Creek on a regular day wasn’t spectacular enough, the waters are currently experiencing surge flows, meaning that visitors can now enjoy mostly gentle, yet sometimes thrilling waves atop the water.

Flickr/Great Sand Dunes National

Medano Creek is located within the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve with entrance fees beginning at $15 per vehicle. For more information, please visit the National Park Service’s website.

Flickr/rjcox

For even more beach fun, check out 7 Of The Best Beaches Around Denver To Visit This Summer!