GREAT SAND DUNES LODGE, Mosca

Great Sand Dunes Lodge is at the entrance to Great Sand Dunes National Park, near Alamosa. Every room includes a patio with a view of the mountains, valley, and sand dunes. Standard rooms have two queen beds and accommodate four guests; roll-away beds are available for an extra charge of $10 per night. Amenities include a refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer, high-definition satellite TV, heating, air conditioning, and wireless internet. Bathrooms have showers in the tub. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Pets are allowed in limited standard rooms with advance notice. Other rooms available: 2 Queen with 1 Sofa Bed and Portable kitchen, Deluxe 1 King Room with Trundle Bed, Deluxe 1 King Accessible Room with 1 Sofa Bed, Deluxe Plus 1 King Room with 1 Sofa Bed-North, Deluxe Plus 1 King Room with 1 Sofa Bed-South, Deluxe Plus 1 King Room with 2 Sofa Beds, Deluxe Plus 1 King Room with Full Kitchen and 1 Sofa Bed.

The Lodge has Papa Murphy's Pizza (Buy 'N' Bake) available, offering cheese, cowboy, pepperoni, and veggie pizza. The Oasis Restaurant is within walking distance, open May through September with limited hours in September. Other dining options are in Blanca (21 miles), Fort Garland (25 miles), and Alamosa (32 miles).

The lodge offers sleds and boards for rent at $25 per day, with same-day returns by 7:00 PM. There is a covered designated Barbeque area with gas grills in front of the lodge. A short hike leads to Zapata Falls. The San Luis Valley provides opportunities for hot springs, hiking trails, lakes, and photography. The lodge is 55 km from San Luis Valley Regional.

The Great Sand Dunes Lodge is at the entrance of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, not in the town of Mosca. Look for the lodge sign at the 16-mile marker on Highway 150. Turn right and follow the signs uphill to the lodge. Nearby attractions include the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, Royal Gorge, and Zapata Falls.

The lodge provides all necessary dishes and utensils, as well as crock pots, for guests. Hummingbirds can be seen on the patio from late April to early September. Minimum 2-night stay for Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend. The lodge is not responsible for loss of money, jewelry, or valuables.