I think we want to plan a trip to the Sand Dunes. Is there anything else to do around that area other than SD?
I am wondering if we need to make this a two part trip where we do SD on the way to seeing something else?

Thoughts? It looks beautiful!

I think definitely on the way to or from something. They are interesting and beautiful and remote. We were on our way to Mesa Verde.

Where are you staying? The accommodations I am pulling up via Google look less than thrilling! There isn't a single outdoor pool at a hotel yet.

We stayed a couple of nights at the Mt Princeton Hot Springs Resort. About an hour North from the Dunes, Very nice resort.

Yes, Mt Princeton is nice, but further away than an hour, more like 1:40 (about 101 miles). If you're going that far north you'll have several options a bit up the road from Mt Princeton in Buena Vista, otherwise you might consider staying in Alamosa, which is 38 miles south of the Sand Dunes and the closest town.

Overnight options near the dunes are pretty limited. Best seen while camping or on your way elsewhere IMO.

BTW the scenery around Buena Vista is gorgeous (see photo below). Can't say the same for the Sand Dunes, which are located in a less than stunning part of the state.

It is in kind of a remote place in Custer County. There is nothing around it. That is some of the appeal. Unless you are going there to go camping or to climb on the sand dunes, a couple of hours will cover it. You might look in Alamosa for motels.