# @uchealth on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DRffj-9ksYx
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/37349088-uchealth-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/17419a9e8c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-11-25T20:00:00.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UCHealth (@uchealth) — https://gondola.cc/uchealth

## Caption

Save this Guide to Backpacking the Great Sand Dunes🏔️

📍4 hours from Denver
📅 Permit for “Dunes Backcountry” required.
🥾 It’s at least 1.5 mile hike from the visitor center. You’re allowed to camp if you can no longer see the visitor center. 

What to Bring:
🧊 Warm layers (it can get cold at night) 
🚰 1 gallon of water per person (no water source)
🥾 We hiked barefoot in wool socks, but hiking boots are fine too. The sand is cold during the winter or hot during the summer
⛺ Sand stakes instead of regular tent stakes
🔦 Headlamp 
🧢🕶️☀️ Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) 

Things to Know:
♻️ Pack out your trash
🥾 Hiking in sand is TOUGH! Especially with a heavy pack. Come prepared. 
🗓️ Best season: possible year-round, fall/spring for mild weather. Winter is doable with warm gear!
⛈️ Check the wind forecast 
🚙 Park pass required 
🏔️ Acclimate if you’re coming from low elevation (risk of altitude sickness) 

Is this backpacking trip on your bucket list? 

#ReadySetCO #coloradohikes #greatsanddunesnationalpark #backpackingtrails

## Stats

- **Views:** 4,445
- **Likes:** 148
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 29

## Tags

greatsanddunesnationalpark, backpackingtrails, readysetco, coloradohikes

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