The Great Sand Dunes National Park has the tallest dunes in North America and their magnitude is amazing. From the moment that you turn down State Highway 150 in Mosca, you will be able to see these amazing dunes in the distance with the mountains framing them from behind. The Dunes are a result of the San Luis’ Valley wind patterns resulting in 30 square miles of sand with the highest peak at 750 feet high. You can spend from a couple of hours here to a day or two. It is a 10-15 walk from the parking lot to reach the Dunes. During certain times of the year the Medano Creek will be flowing in front of the Dunes.
The Sand Dunes provide a unique experience unlike any other National Park you have been to with some uncommon things to do.
5 THINGS TO DO AT THE DUNES
FEEL THE SAND BETWEEN YOUR TOES
Once you enter the park, go past the Visitor Center and turn left into the parking lot. From the parking lot walk out to the dunes. Depending on the season there may be water running through Medano creek. Stroll through the creek and then onto the sand dunes. It is about a 10-15 minute walk from the parking lot. It is important to be prepared for the elements. If you are arriving mid-day during certain months, the sand can reach upwards of 150 degrees so be prepared with the proper footwear.
SANDBOARDING AND SLEDDING
How many places are you going to be able to experience sandboarding or sledding on sand?! Well this is your opportunity! This was our favorite thing to do here at the Dunes. You will want to rent boards and sleds from some of the local shops. We rented ours from the Oasis Store which is just outside of the park entrance. You will be able to rent from spring to early fall. You will not be able to rent a board if the sand is wet in order to protect the boards.
We visited in August and we would highly recommend boarding and sledding in the morning or in the evening. By 11am the sand was heating up to uncomfortable temperatures.
If you have younger children, sledding may be a better option for you. We rented one of each and enjoyed trying both options. We would also recommend having an extra set of clothes and a towel for your children as they may be covered in sand if they have thrown themselves into the fun.
HIKE HIGH DUNE ON FIRST RIDGE
High Dune is not the tallest dune in the park but it is the most popular hiking destination. It is approximately 693 feet to the top. The average time it takes to hike High Dune is 2-2.5 hours and as much as 4 hours so ensure you have proper hydration and sun protection.
DRIVE 4WD MEDANO PASS PRIMITIVE ROAD
Medano Pass Primitive Road is only for those with a 4WD high clearance vehicle. The road goes through soft,sandy sections and crosses Medano Creek nine times to the summit. It is important to check the road status to ensure it is open as it does close during the winter season. The road is a rough 22 miles long and connects the Great Sand Dunes with the Wet Mountain Valley and Colorado State Highway 69. The average driving time is about 2.5 – 3 hours. Tire pressure should be reduced to about 20 psi if the sand is dry and soft. A tire station is available near the south entrance to the road only in warmer months (7am-9pm). In order to drive over the rocks in Medano Canyon you will need your own air compressor to reinflate your tires.
Camping is permitted along the roadside at 21 campsites in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, starting at 5.2miles from Pinon Flats Campground. These sites are first come first serve.
Fat Bikes are permitted on the Medano Pass Primitive Road for day use and overnight camping. Check conditions as if the sand gets too soft and dry, travel on fat bikes may not be possible. Off-road biking is not permitted.
You may rent a 4WD vehicle if you are visiting and are looking to experience the Primitive Road. Mountain Master Off-Road Tours and Great Sand Dunes Lodge are two places to check out for Jeep rentals.
CATCH A FALLING STAR – EXPERIENCE THE NIGHT
One of the most spectacular experiences at the Great Sand Dunes is viewing the Milky Way. The best times to view is early morning during the spring or in the evening hours from mid summer to early fall. The Great Sand Dunes became a certified International Dark Sky Park in 2019. It is recommended to use a red light as to not affect night vision. It is important to remember to bring warm clothing as the tempertures do drop at night.
Children (ages 5-12) can become Junior Ranger Night Explorer and earn a Night Explorer patch by completing an activity booklet.
HOW TO GET TO THE DUNES
Denver: 225 miles, 4 hours
Colorado Springs: 165 miles, 2.5 hours
WHERE TO STAY
- Inside the park there is camping at Pinon Flats Campground. The next closest lodging options are:
- Great Sand Dunes Lodge which is a modern motel just south of the main park entrance.
- Oasis Camping Cabins which are rustic primitive cabins with no water and shower facility nearby. They are located just south of the park entrance. They are open April through October.
- Zapata Ranch which is a rustic but elegant historic ranch a few miles south of the main park entrance.
There are hotels in Alamosa which is 38 miles south west of the Dunes or approximately 35 minutes. We stayed at the Fairfield Inn and Suites during our stay. There are several other options as well: Best Western Alamosa Inn, Comfort Inn of Alamosa, Hampton Inn and more.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Try to be at the Dunes in the morning or in the evening to avoid the hot sand and sun.
Always check the National Park website for weather conditions and park conditions
Bring water and food for a picnic.
Reserve your sandboards and sleds in advance.
The park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
You may purchase you park pass online or at the gate for $25 for a 7 day pass, website to purchase online. If you are a military family like us make sure to check out the Interagency Passes for Active Duty Military and Veterans and Gold Star Families. There are also free passes for the permanently disabled and the 4th Grade Pass so make sure to check these out to see if you are eligible.
Download a free Great Sand Dunes Visitor Guide.
Let us know if you have any questions about the Great Sand Dunes National Park in the comments below.
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