Bike Rental, Great Sand Dunes Area?

[Honkylicious]

The wife and I are going to The Great Sand Dune NP this summer for a week or so, and I was wondering if there are any places to rent dual sport bikes in the area? I do realize that there is no riding on the dunes in the NP, but how about surrounding areas? How about good campimg areas, primitive or roadside prefered. I am in the very early stages of planning, and any advice on the area is appreciated.

Thanks, Robert

[Tha Rick]

Originally Posted by Honkylicious

The wife and I are going to The Great Sand Dune NP this summer for a week or so, and I was wondering if there are any places to rent dual sport bikes in the area? I do realize that there is no riding on the dunes in the NP, but how about surrounding areas? How about good campimg areas, primitive or roadside prefered. I am in the very early stages of planning, and any advice on the area is appreciated.

Thanks, Robert

I'll bite.
Ummm..well. The dunes are a nice place to take a break when traveling. Maybe even camp for a night, if you like dune camping(windy sand, dry, etc.) If you like desolation, that's a good place to start, and head south down the San Louis valley.

I'd say stay there a night, and if it's what suit's ya then stay. otherwise,then head north for a few hour's. and follow the Arkansas river, it's more "Colorado scenic" along that route. Maybe even take a road over a pass like Monarch, Cottonwood, etc..

Hope you have a great trip!

Edit- I've heard that those dunes were created erosion due mostly to winds..it get's a bit breezy. And unless you contact Ron to have a bike delivered, you're looking at pedal bikes.

[MountainsandRivers]

I agree with Tha Rick. A week could be a long time at the dunes. I have camped at the park campground. I remember it being basic, but we were just tent camping anyway. We were there to snowboard on the dunes, which was pretty fun. Best done at night, when the sand is coldest, find the steepest spot, lots of turns and silicone spray helped! Anyway, i think from there the nearest bike rental may be in Salida. I had heard there is a place there renting dual sports, or maybe it is just dirtbikes. Durango has a Harley dealer, so maybe you could get a street bike there. There are a lot of good roads to tour down around there!

[grub]

Agreed, I live here, can see the dunes from my house and I think a week would be a long time. Nice primitive camping on Medano Pass east of the dunes, and it would be fun to spend a day riding on the pass but no rentals that I know of. Good fly fishing in Medano Creek, a little tougher after the erosion from the fire but still plenty to enjoy for a day or two. A world of hiking, Cold Creek, Sand Ramp Trail, Big South Canyon, Mount Herard, etc., enough to keep someone busy for a summer if you wanted. Personally I could enjoy a few days fishing, and hiking on Medano Pass , and a day doing the doing the national park thing on the dunes proper but then would move north to the Salida area or west to South Fork/Creede/Lake City and finish my time over there. I would be happy to answer any San Luis Valley/Rio Grande national forest questions you have, just shoot me a note.

Pat

[Hair]

Question: There isn't any direct motorized access to the dunes is there?

I guess that one can always bomb Blanca. It's been a while for me. I would love to ride it again.

[grub]

No dune access. I once pulled off the road to let some jeeps go by and was lambasted by one of the rangers for "disturbing micro ecosystems". Based on existing tracks I was 7 feet off the traveled way .

Blanca is a hoot, I have been up to Como on the 400 but never tried going past the first little group of cabins at the top of the switchbacks (Commodore) on the 650. If you get this way give me a shout, I'd love to go up there with you. It's good recreation watching the jeeps

[RideFreak]

Rainbow trail heads north from the vicinity of the dunes, I hear it's pretty nice trail.

[Honkylicious]

Thanks for all the input guys. Spending a week in the sand seems long to me too, but the wife is looking forward to it......... I think I can talk her into staying in and exploring other areas as well though. I'll Google some of yall's suggestions, but may just contact you via pm. This is my first trip out west, and hope to make the best of it. I'll keep an eye on this thread.

Thanks, Robert

[Hair]

Since no one suggested it, TinCup and Pitkin isn't all that far away. Taylor park is a great place to spend a day or two.

The area around the sand dunes is more scrub brush and desert. The higher you go the greener it gets. The drive between South Fork and Creed is one of my favorites. I like high green vistas.

Enjoy your stay.

[Hayduke]

If this is your first trip out west, I agree: don't spend it all at the dunes!

These guys rent bikes (including small dualsports like DRZ's and XT's) in Salida, about 80 miles away from the Dunes, with more riding to do, too.

http://www.rockymountainjeeprentals.com/

I don't think bikes are listed on the site, but give them a call.

[Honkylicious]

Thanks 'Duke, I'll give them a call. I'll try to Google Tincup, Pitcin, and Taylor park today.

[Hayduke]

Originally Posted by Honkylicious

Thanks 'Duke, I'll give them a call. I'll try to Google Tincup, Pitcin, and Taylor park today.

[Oldwin1]

I rent bikes out of Boulder/Lafayette. I have DR650s, Vstrom 650s and 1000s and BMW F800 GS. Give me a call.
Ron

[Honkylicious]

Originally Posted by Oldwin1

I rent bikes out of Boulder/Lafayette. I have DR650s, Vstrom 650s and 1000s and BMW F800 GS. Give me a call.
Ron

Checked out your web site, the dr650 would be my choice from your herd. I will only be riding one day, unless the ol' lady lets me ride more. We will be out that way end of June, beginning of July. I'be in touch.

[modette]

I heard the wind at the dunes is strong, strong enough it knock your tent flat at night and you end up sleeping in your vehicle...LOL