14ers.com

Hi folks,

I'm taking a little road-trip the first week in November with my pups. I'll probably head up to Lily Lake one day and hang out at the sand dunes for part of a day I mention "dog friendly" because I don't think they are allowed on the hikes at the Great Sand Dunes NP.
Lake Como? Spanish Peaks?

Looking for something maybe 5-10 miles with some water ideally. Something within a reasonable (45min-1hr) distance from Alamosa.

Thanks!

Dogs are actually allowed on the dunes, but need to be leashed. This is a good time of the year, as the sand is so hot in the summer/early fall that I worry about paw burns. Take bags to clean up and pack out any "accidents."

According to their website:

Pets are permitted in the main national park day use areas and in the national preserve as long as they are kept on a leash less than 6 feet long. They are not permitted in the national park backcountry.

I assume when they say backcountry, they are referring to their trails like Medano Peak, Sand Creek Lakes etc. I'll have to give them a shout tomorrow to clarify.

It is hard to tell from the map on the website how far into the dunes dogs are allowed. We have taken our dogs up to the High Dune multiple times, assuming that was within the permitted area.

This is the link to the national parks pet info for the dunes.

http://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/pets.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Zapata Falls trailhead is closed (locked gate from the Dunes road) until the 1/1/2011. Another great hike in the area but you'll need to wait.