Your Guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to some of the world's largest sand dunes, including Star Dune. These incredible hills tower more than 700 feet above the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Sand dunes provide an unforgettable experience and offer numerous recreational opportunities. To maximize the pleasure of your visit, plan to arrive early and avoid possible afternoon thunderstorms.
This amazing National Park can be visited year-round, but the best times to visit are during fall and spring when temperatures are milder. Come winter, it can get very cold, and if the sand freezes, the local shops will not rent sandboards.
And during summer? Expect very high temps during midday! Having said that, due to the climate, early mornings in the height of summer can still be quite cool, so dress in layers before heading out.
Walk on the Dunes
Great Sand Dunes National Park draws so many visitors worldwide for one main reason: to explore its namesake sand dunes. Climb Star and Hidden Dune as the sun sets and watch shadows dance across their wind-sculpted ridges.
Hike along Montville Nature Trail for breathtaking treetop views of the dunes’ lush vegetation. Additionally, park trails provide views of nearby mountains and alpine lakes.
Be sure to wear sunscreen and layer up when visiting the dunes, and watch out for hot sand temperatures, cacti, and wildlife as you explore. It is best to visit early or late in the day in order to avoid crowds. The dunes serve as the focal point of an expansive landscape made up of grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, and alpine lakes.
Hike the Tallest Dune in America
Hiking up one of Great Sand Dunes National Park's dunes is one of the highlights of any visit. Additionally, this park contains forests, grasslands, wetlands, tundra and alpine lakes at higher elevations.
Many hikers choose High Dune for its steepest ascent at the park and second-highest elevation in North America. Be sure to bring along a map and plenty of water; its ascent may prove more challenging than expected!
Visit the park early morning or in the late evening when temperatures are cooler; otherwise afternoon sand temperatures may reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit and make climbing dunes nearly impossible.
Go Sandboarding on the Dunes
Great Sand Dunes National Park's vast sand dunes provide an exciting playground, and the ideal way to experience them is on a board or sled that you can use to "surf" them. Additionally, this park includes trails and visitor centers where you can learn more about these fascinating natural formations.
Sandboard rentals can be found near the visitor center in the park. If you're new to sandboarding, start small by practicing on smaller dunes until you feel confident; once ready, try more challenging ones.
Bring along a camera to capture every step of your adventure and wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect from sun rays reflecting off golden sand, which can burn your eyes. Ideally, go sandboarding either in the early morning or evening when temperatures are more comfortable.
Spend the Night Under the Stars
Those looking to visit Great Sand Dunes by night should plan a visit in spring or early summer when crowds and temperatures are lower, offering optimal comfort and less chance for injury.
Great Sand Dunes National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, providing visitors with incredible stargazing on clear nights. Make sure to check the weather forecast before making plans to visit!
Photograph the Great Sand Dunes
Great Sand Dunes National Park offers photographers many photo opps for capturing abstract sand/shadow patterns, epic views of dunes framed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains or majestic snow-capped peaks - each season brings different vegetation and wildlife species in the park!
While Great Sand Dunes National Park's mountain landscapes make for stunning color photos, their intricate patterns and simplistic lines can also produce spectacular black-and-white shots. Late afternoon is ideal for taking black-and-white shots; long shadows help create striking contrasts.
Drive the Medano Pass Primitive Road
For an in-depth experience of Great Sand Dunes National Park, it is necessary to venture off the beaten path. Medano Pass Primitive Road provides the only means of viewing its entirety and is best enjoyed during summer months with a high clearance 4WD vehicle. This backcountry road links up with Wet Mountain Valley and Colorado State Highway 69 and is roughly 22 miles.
Visit Zapata Falls
As part of your visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, don't forget to make time for Zapata Falls; a gem worth exploring with its striking 30-foot waterfall. Although slightly off the beaten path, its beauty makes the short drive south on BLM land well worth your while. Simply hike through some steep but short terrain for an enjoyable hike! Best seen during spring when water levels are at their highest; though this is enjoyable year-round with appropriate footwear such as waterproof hiking boots!