Great Sand Dunes

The highest dunes in North America are nestled right up against a 14,000 foot mountain range at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Explore the 30 square mile dunefield by hiking up the highest dunes, sand boarding back down, and then cooling off in Medano Creek. Or, drive the 11 mile primitive road to Medano Pass for a transition from high desert to high alpine. A stop at this park means a stop in one of the most unique landscapes anywhere in Colorado.

There are no designated trails in the dunefield, so explore as you see fit! Three popular destinations are Medano Creek, located just past the parking lot; High Dune, 2 miles round trip; and Star Dune, the highest sand dune in North America and a 5 mile round trip hike. Hiking in deep sand is hard work, so don't plan on traveling any faster than 1 mile per hour. Plan your dune hike to avoid the midday heat, carry lots of water, and cover up with lightweight clothing.

On hot days, head for nearby Zapata Falls or explore the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the Medano Lake or Mosco Pass trail.

Backpacking and camping are allowed anywhere in the dunefield except for in the day-use areas (close to the road). Permits are first-come, first-served and can be picked up at the visitors center. There is a limit of 10 parties per night on the dunefield, so the permits may fill up on summer weekends. Avoid camping in the dunes when high winds blow the sand around or during periods of severe thunderstorms.

Other backcountry sites can be found along Sand Ramp Trail. These sites sit along the eastern edge of the dunes, transitioning from sand to forested mountains. Only 1 party is allowed per night in each site. More details about each site can be found on the NPS Backpacking page.

A 4-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle enables you to explore the eastern side of the sand dunes and Sangre de Cristo Mountains by following the historic Medano Pass route. This primitive road begins north of Pinon Flat Campground, follows Medano Creek for 11 miles (crossing it 9 times), then climbs over the 10,040 foot Medano Pass. Long stretches of loose sand, creek crossings, and rocky terrain make this an exciting but challenging drive. Make sure to check up on current conditions before attempting. Primitive backcountry campsites are found along the route, which is a great option for those desiring some solitude.

Since bikes are only allowed on established park roads, the best way to enjoy biking in the park is to ride down Medano Pass Primitive Road. Extra fat tires will help you navigate sections of deep sand. This adventure can be done as a day trip or by camping overnight in one of the established primitive sites.

For folks who have their own horses, riding in Great Sand Dunes can be quite the experience. Most of the park is open to horse use, with the only exceptions being in the high use areas. As you are enjoying riding, pay special attention to steep dune faces, because they can be potentially treacherous.

Overnight guests at Zapata Ranch can enjoy a guided riding tour. This is currently the only permitted commercial operator for horseback tours in the park.

The park has a very useful brochure detailing where and when to get the best photographs. Early morning and just before sunset are the best times to capture dramatic pictures of the mountains and dunes -- shadows and warm light make the contours of this landscape pop, while allowing the photographer more comfort due to lower temperatures.

One activity unique to Great Sand Dunes is sand boarding or sand sledding. A wooden board turns the high angled dunes in a sledding run (just like snow!). You can rent specially designed boards and sleds from Great Sand Dune Oasis (just outside the park), or Kristi Mountain Sports (in Alamosa). Masonite boards also work, but they are not recommended by the park due to the difficulty steering them and their hard edges.

Avoid midday when sand temperatures can reach 150F -- the morning and the evening are much better options. Sand boarding is allowed anywhere there isn't vegetation. A 0.7 to 1.25 mile walk is required to access the dunes from the main parking lot.

A full moon hike on the dunes is a truly magical experience. Make sure to bring a headlamp, along with your usual essentials. But try not to use any light except for the moons to guide your way. Or, try to visit when there is no moon at all. The night sky is amazingly clear here due to high elevation, low humidity, and no nearby cities. Bring along a tripod and your camera for some spectacular night sky photography.

Pinon Flats is the only established car campground in the park. You'll find Pinon Flats one mile north of the Visitors Center. The campground contains 88 individual campsites (of which, 44 are reservable), and 3 group campsites (which are all reservable). Each site is equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, with communal flush toilets and potable water located throughout the campground. Max occupancy is 8 people with 2 vehicles. The campground is open from April through October. Cost is $20 per night.

There are numerous private campgrounds located just outside the park.

Free primitive camping can be found along Medano Creek road in Great Sand Dunes Preserve. See this brochure for details on where you can camp. A high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle is required to access these campsites.

Free backcountry camping is available with a permit in the dune area and along the Sand Ramp Trail. Stop at the visitors center to pick up a permit. Campsites must be located outside of the day use area in the dunes.

There is an abundance of lodges, hotels, inns, and motels located within 30 miles of the park entrance. For the most up-to-date list, visit the NPS Lodging page.

The Oasis Restaurant is the only dining option in immediate proximity to the park.

Alamosa, located 30 miles to the southwest, offers the most options when it comes to dining, lodging, gas, shopping, and other town amenities.

Far fewer services can be found in Blanca and Fort Garland to the southeast.

In fear of having the dunes spoiled by the mining and concrete industries, residents of Alamosa and Monte Vista sponsored a bill proposing the dune become a national monument. Local support caused the bill to pass and the land was protected in 1932.

In 1976, a majority of the monument was granted wilderness status -- the highest level of public land protection. Then, in 2000, President Bill Clinton signed the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act with the eventual goal of national park status. The park was officially established as the 58th National Park in 2004.

• Star Dune, standing 750 feet tall, is the largest sand dune in North America.
• When triggered by humans or wind, the dunes can create a "singing" sound.
• There are no poisonous snakes, scorpions, or spiders found in the park.
• Over 100 Ponderosa Pines have been designated as a National Historic Register site from when native tribes peeled back the bark for food and medicine.
• Great Sand Dunes is home to at least seven endemic species of insects.

Average Temperature
(fahrenheit)

Average Precipitation
(inches)

Due to the park's elevation of over 8000 feet, temperatures can range widely from day-to-day, and day-to-night. Summer is the busiest time in the park, especially from mid-June to mid-August when Medano Creek is running. Temperatures during this time average in the low 80s as a high, though sand temperature on the dunes can easily reach 150 degrees on sunny days. Expect regular afternoon storms in July and August, often with lightning can be especially dangerous due to the lack of tree cover.

For fewer crowds, try visiting in September or early October when the temperatures are very pleasant (though it can get cold at night). A hike into the National Preserve is great this time of year to appreciate the autumn colors.

The park can be visited year-round, but expect it to be cold in the winter and early spring months.

Average Visitation
(persons)

• CAMPGROUNDS
• Pinon Flats
• SHORT HIKES
• High Dune
• Medano Creek
• Zapata Falls

• HALF-DAY HIKES
• Mosca Pass
• Star Dune
• LONG HIKES
• Medano Lake

• VISITORS CENTERS
• Great Sand Dunes
• PICNIC AREAS
• Medano Creek
• Ramada Group Picnic Areas

• As the day progresses, the sand heats up dramatically. Make sure to wear or bring shoes to protect your feet.
• Carry at least 2 liters of water at all times. 4-5 liters isn't unreasonable for long, hot hikes.
• Protect your skin from the sun with lightweight clothing, broad brimmed hats, and zinc oxide based sunscreen.
• Aim for just after sunrise and just before sunset for the best photography. The low light accentuates the shadows and curves of the dunes.