Day 10: Mesa Verde National Park to Great Sand Dunes National Park

On Thursday, September 22, 2022, I checked out of Retro Inn at Mesa Verde and drove to Best Western Alamosa.

There are two routes from Cortez, CO, to Alamosa, CO: US Highway 160 all the way, or a combination of US Highway 160 and US Highway 84, which dips briefly into New Mexico before re-entering Colorado. I had read that Highway 160 can be a dangerous road to drive on, particularly the stretch beyond Highway 84 known as Wolf Creek Pass, as it features steep 7% downhill grades and dangerous hairpin turns. Since it was raining heavily that day, I opted for the Highway 84 route.

I left Retro Inn at Mesa Verde around 9:00am and arrived at Best Western Alamosa around 12pm. Once again, luck was on my side, the room was ready, and they allowed me to check in early.

I chose to stay there because it was only a mile from downtown Alamosa, the closest town to Great Sand Dunes National Park, and just a 32-mile drive to the park. It was also relatively affordable, costing $350.04 for three nights in September 2022.

After checking in, I headed out to explore downtown Alamosa, taking a relaxing walk around town. Knowing the next day would be a long one, I returned to the hotel around 5pm to unwind and get an early night’s rest.