Driving from Denver, Colorado, through mountain towns and across the plains, you’ll suddenly come upon massive sand dunes. This is Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Colorado’s four national parks. The park is know as having the tallest sand dunes in the United States. In 1932, President Hoover designated it as a national monument to protect the dunes from gold and sand mining. Later in 2004, it was established as a national park to preserve the area’s natural beauty.
Great Sand Dune is a natural wonder created over millions of years by tectonic shifts, volcanic activity, sediment deposition, glaciers, and rain. From a distance, it’s hard to grasp the height of the dunes but standing at their base, you’ll be amazed by their towering presence!
Now, let’s explore how to make the most of your visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park!
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How to Get to Great Sand Dunes National Park
Located in southern Colorado, the closest airport to the park is San Luis Valley Regional Airport (ALS) in Alamosa, about 40 miles (64 km) away. From Denver International Airport (DEN), it’s a 250-mile (400 km) drive, taking approximately 4 hours.
Driving Directions from Denver
Quickest Route:
1. Take I-25 South toward Colorado Springs.
2. Continue on I-25 South past Pueblo.
3. Take Exit 50 for US-160 West toward Alamosa.
4. Continue on US-160 West until you reach CO-150 North.
5. Turn right onto CO-150 North and follow the signs to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Scenic Route:
1. Take US-6 West.
2. Merge onto CO-470 East toward Colorado Springs.
3. Take the exit onto US-285 South toward Fairplay/Buena Vista.
4. Continue on US-285 South through the San Luis Valley.
5. Turn left onto CO-17 South and continue until you reach CO-150 North.
6. Turn left onto CO-150 North and follow the signs to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
The scenic route offers breathtaking landscapes that will make you feel like you’re in another world!
Park Entry:
As of 2024, you don’t need reservations to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park. There’s an entrance fee you can pay at the gate. Just check the official website for the latest road and park conditions before you go.
Great Sand Dunes National Park Admission
Private Vehicle Pass: $25
Motorcycle: $20
Great Sand Dunes Annual Pass: $45
America the Beautiful National Parks Pass: $80
Great Sand Dunes National Park Visitor Center
Make sure to swing by the visitor center—it’s a fantastic spot to dive into the rich history and culture of the area. Once you walk through the building, you’ll discover an incredible viewpoint that offers a full panorama of the sand dunes. Trust me, the breathtaking view will absolutely blow you away!
Things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Sledding at Great Sand Dunes
One of the coolest activities you can do at Great Sand Dunes National Park is sledding down the massive dunes. You can rent sleds from a store nearby, but feel free to bring your own if you have one. Just remember to apply plenty of wax (included with the rentals) to the sled before you start for the best experience.
Funny story—once, I tried using a pizza box to slide down some dunes at another park, and it didn’t move an inch (lol). Trust me, regular sleds just don’t work on sand, so make sure you get a proper sand sled for the ultimate ride!
Sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes
You can also rent sandboards here, and it’s a blast for both kids and adults! Having some snowboarding experience, I was really excited to try it out. But as soon as I strapped on the board, I was hit with a wave of fear. All I could think about was, “What if I get hurt?!” That fear definitely overshadowed the fun for me. Meanwhile, the kids were fearlessly gliding down the dunes and having the time of their lives.
For any adults looking to give sandboarding a shot, make sure you’re in decent shape—it’s quite the workout! Also, I found it much easier to slide without shoes. Just wear socks, and you’ll have a much smoother ride. Enjoy!
Great Dunes Oasis
7800 Highway 150 North
Mosca Colorado 81146
Sleds and Sandbord Rental fee: $20 each
Hiking at Great Sand Dunes
Get ready for a unique hiking experience—trekking up the sand dunes! With the elevation changes and the challenge of walking on sand, it’s wise to plan for more time than you might think. There are no designated trails, so you’re free to wander towards any destination that catches your eye.
I managed to hike up to the nearest dune, which was quite the workout! Meanwhile, the kids have hiked further and raved about the amazing views from the top. They say the panoramic scenery is absolutely breathtaking. One day, I hope to make it to the top myself!
Splashing in Medano Creek
From late April to around June, snowmelt creates a seasonal creek at Great Sand Dunes, turning the area into a fun water playground. During this time, you’ll need to cross Medano Creek to reach the dunes. Depending on when you visit (late May to early June), the water level can get up to 20 inches (50 cm), so it’s a good idea to wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
When we visited in mid-June, the water was about ankle-deep for adults. We saw some folks with inflatable tubes having a blast floating down the creek—it looked like so much fun!
As the creek starts to dry up from late June to early July, mosquitoes can become a real issue. If you’re planning a visit during this time, make sure to bring plenty of bug spray and take all the necessary precautions to keep those pesky mosquitoes at water.
Facilities withing Great Sand Dunes
Showers
Next to the parking lot, you’ll find showers where you can rinse off the sand. These are the push-button type showers you often see at public beaches. It’s really convenient to wash off your feet and get rid of the sand after a day of fun. Just remember to bring your own towel, as none are provided.
Changing Rooms
There are separate changing rooms for men and women, but with a unique twist—they have no ceiling! Rainy days will be quite challenging!
Restrooms
Next to the changing rooms, you’ll find flush toilets. Having flush toilets is a real blessing, especially on those hot summer days.
Camping at Great Sand Dunes
If you’re looking to extend your adventure, the park offers a campground where you can stay overnight. Be sure to make your reservations through Recreation.gov. It gets pretty busy during the time when Medano Creek is flowing, so it’s best to book early. Summer is a great time for camping, but be cautious—the temperatures can soar to dangerous levels. Stay hydrated and take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience!
Piñon Flats Campground Official Website
Reserve Piñon Flats Campground
Lodging Near Great Sand Dunes
While Great Sand Dunes National Park offers campgrounds, there are no hotels within the park itself. However, you can find several accommodations just outside the park. Check out options on sites like Expedia.
We haven’t stayed at any of these places yet, but here are two that caught our eye. Both have excellent reviews, convenient locations, and offer a glamping experience. We’ll update you with our experience once we’ve stayed there!
Rustic Resort
13254 Lane 5 N, Mosca, CO 81146
Frontier Drive Inn
105 E County Road 11 North, Center, CO 81125
Store nearby
Just before you enter Great Sand Dunes National Park, there’s a general store that doubles as a rental shop. Here, you can rent sand boards and sleds, and even pick up some light snacks like pizza. However, there aren’t many other stores, restaurants, or hotels nearby. So, make sure to stock up on essentials or grab anything you might need on your way in. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
When is the Best Season to Visit?
The best times to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park are late spring (from late May to early June when Medano Creek is flowing) or just before fall. When we visited in June, the temperatures were quite pleasant, and the creek was flowing, making it a perfect time for a visit.
Be cautious during late summer as the creek starts to dry up, leading to a surge in mosquitoes. Additionally, the sand can reach scorching temperatures, so be prepared to avoid getting burned. Fall is also a great time to visit, offering milder weather and fewer crowds.
Whether you’re planning to splash in the creek, hike the dunes, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views, late spring and early summer or early fall are ideal times to experience all that Great Sand Dunes has to offer.
What to Wear for Your Visit to Great Sand Dunes
When visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park, dressing appropriately for the unique conditions is key to having a great experience. Here are some detailed recommendations:
1. Pocketless Clothing: Opt for pocketless shorts or leggings, similar to what you might wear for sports. This helps avoid sand getting stuck in pockets. However, be mindful that the wind can sometimes blow sand around, so too much exposed skin can be painful during a sandstorm.
2. Footwear: Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must. Avoid beach sandals since they’re not suitable for climbing the dunes; instead, go for hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction. When Medano Creek is flowing, water shoes or waterproof hiking shoes with secure heels are ideal. Even if you’re wearing sandals, bring socks to protect your feet from the hot sand. The walk from the parking lot to the dunes is longer than it looks, especially on sand, so make sure your footwear is up to the task. During the hotter months, fully covering your feet is crucial to avoid burns, as water shoes alone may not offer enough protection from the scorching sand.
3. Layers and Quick-Dry Clothing: Wear layers to adjust to temperature changes. Quick-drying, lightweight fabrics are ideal for dealing with both the heat and potential water exposure. Avoid heavy fabrics like jeans, which can be uncomfortable when filled with sand.
Great Sand Dunes Packing List
Having these items will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit to the park.
Final Thoughts
Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest sand dunes in the United States, is a bit of a drive from Denver, but it’s absolutely worth the trip! While there are other sand dunes in America, the sheer height of the dunes at Great Sand Dunes is truly awe-inspiring.
You can enjoy unique activities like dune hiking, sand sledding, and sandboarding. The park is accessible by car up to the visitor center and the parking lot near the dunes, making it a great option even if you have limited time or aren’t keen on strenuous exercise.
Remember to bring essentials like a hat, water, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the elements. The drive from Denver takes about four hours, but the scenic route offers beautiful views that make the journey enjoyable.
Looking for more attractions near Great Sand Dunes?
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3 thoughts on “Great Sand Dunes National Park: Exploring the Tallest Sand Dunes in the USA”
Great pictures! Thanks for sharing, makes me want to go visit!
Thanks Thomas!
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