Colorado’s most curious beach is starting to take shape.

As April was turning to May, Medano Creek was making its annual appearance at the foot of North America’s highest sand dunes. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve reported “a shallow, gentle flow,” with initial snowmelt yielding “braided channels” running 20 feet wide and an inch deep.

Medano Creek will swell as more snow runs off the surrounding mountains. Typically around late May and early June are the best chances for “surges,” when kids might ride small waves on inflatables and parents look on from lawn chairs — all beating the San Luis Valley heat in the cold water.

But snowpack determines the size and duration of the creek. At the start of May, the national park reported snowpack above the dunes hovering around 60% of average. In average years, without significant rains, Medano Creek starts to fade in late June.

From Memorial Day weekend and on, the creek is known to draw the masses — “with long lines of traffic, overflowing parking lots, a crowded beach and full campgrounds,” the national park warns. Weekdays are recommended. The park also warns of mosquitoes usually around mid-June.

For the latest conditions and more information, check the park website: https://tinyurl.com/zfx4jx4k