The visitor center at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
The entrance fee at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is $25 per private vehicle, $20 for motorcycles, and free for those under 16. Annual passes are $45, and interagency passes are also accepted. Individuals on foot or bike pay $15-$25.
From Alamosa, take US-160 east, then CO-150 north, and immerse yourself in towering dunes and serene landscapes.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the main Dunes Parking Lot is about half a mile north of the Visitor Center. Smaller lots are at the Mosca Pass Trailhead, Visitor Center, and Amphitheater. Limited RV parking is available, but large RVs/motor homes must park on the road. No overnight parking in lots; parking is free with entrance pass. Motorcycles can park in designated areas. No parking fees beyond entrance pass.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
In the heart of south-central Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur, where the tallest sand dunes in North America rise majestically against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Range. This diverse landscape unfolds like a tapestry, interweaving grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra into a single, breathtaking entity.
The dune field, spanning 30 square miles, is a golden expanse that shifts with the wind, its tallest peak, Star Dune, towering 750 feet above the valley floor. Here, visitors can sandboard down the dunes or hike to the summit, feeling the sand sift through their fingers as the sun casts a golden glow at dusk.
Beyond the dunes, the park offers a rich tapestry of experiences: hiking trails like Mosca Pass, where wildlife abounds and views are spectacular; the mysterious Medano Creek, which appears and disappears with the seasons; and challenging four-wheel drives through Medano Pass. For the more adventurous, there are 14,000-foot peaks like Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak, beckoning skilled mountaineers.
During the summer, the park comes alive with events such as the Summer Concert Series and Junior Ranger Day programs. Local outfitters like Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa and the Oasis Store near the park entrance offer equipment rentals for sandboarding and sand-sledding, ensuring that every visitor can partake in the fun.
Nearby, the town of Alamosa offers a charming respite, with its quaint shops and the Sand Dunes Recreation & Hot Springs Pool, a perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring. The Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge are also within reach, providing additional opportunities to observe the region’s diverse wildlife.
- Area (mi²)
- 299
- Annual visitors
- 437 000
- Established year
- 1932
Top 3 Facts about Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
The dunefield contains approximately 6.5 billion cubic meters of sand, stabilized by a 7% moisture content below the dry surface and opposing wind directions. This unique balance maintains the height of the dunes, including the 750-foot tall Star Dune.
In this high-elevation haven, over 250 bird species soar alongside 78 animal species, including elk, mule deer, and pronghorn. Seven unique insect species, like the Great Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle, call this place home. Amidst alpine tundra and warm water wetlands, hundreds of plant species thrive. Spot tiny short-horned lizards in sandy grasslands and fine gravels of the subalpine forest, a dwarfed population half the size of those elsewhere. This diverse ecosystem is a tapestry of life, waiting to be explored.
In the heart of this breathtaking landscape, alpine lakes and tarns, found between 11,700 and 13,604 feet in elevation, shimmer with crystal-clear water, providing a habitat for trout and high-altitude amphibians. The surrounding mountains, peaking over 13,000 feet, cast a dramatic silhouette against the sky, while the harsh yet beautiful alpine tundra supports hardy wildflowers, pikas, and bighorn sheep.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Volunteer & Stewardship
- Youth Conservation
- Scouting Partnerships
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan a few days to explore, especially during spring when Medano Creek is in flow. Arrive early, park at the main area, and visit the visitor center. Anticipate sandy terrain and hot middays; pack sun protection and layers for cooler evenings. Bring water and snacks as options are limited.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for unpredictable high-altitude weather, sturdy hiking boots, and a waterproof tent if camping. Bring a multi-tool, headlamps, and plenty of water. Check the season for specific gear needs.
Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from wildlife, at least 25 yards, to avoid stressing animals. Never feed them and dispose of trash properly to preserve their natural habits. Stay on trails and respect the environment, especially during sensitive seasonal periods.
Stay Informed
Wear closed-toe shoes, check weather forecasts, and avoid deep hole digging. Seek shelter during storms and monitor sand temperature. Contact park authorities at 911 for emergencies. Stay informed about fire restrictions and park rules.
Seasons
In spring, warmer weather and high winds greet visitors, with April temperatures ranging from 20s to mid-50s and May highs in the 60s to 70s. Medano Creek’s peak flow in May is perfect for tubing. Early mornings are best to explore the dunes before the heat sets in.
Summer brings warmth to these towering dunes, with temperatures often in the 80s and 90s. Cross the dry Medano Creek and hike to Star Dune or enjoy sand sledding. Witness the Milky Way in crystal-clear nights. Attend the Junior Ranger Day in summer for an immersive experience.
Experience autumn’s golden glow from September to October, with daytime highs in the 60s-70s and crisp nights. Enjoy leaf peeping, hike to High Dune, and witness aspen groves at peak color. Fewer crowds and sunny skies make it an ideal time to visit.
Winter brings a serene landscape, with January temperatures in the teens to low 30s and occasional blizzards. Snow-covered dunes invite sledding, while mountain trails are inaccessible. A unique, icy beauty for the adventurous. December to February. Bundle up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest town is Mosca, Colorado, while the nearest city is Alamosa, Colorado, which is about 34 miles away. Alamosa offers commercial air service and various amenities for visitors.
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The Dunes Trail Overlook is a great hike for kids, as it is a moderate 2.7-mile roundtrip trail with a gentle climb to a ridge offering a sunset view. The Montville Nature Trail is another option, a short 0.5-mile loop through a forested area with easy walking and good chances to see wildlife. The Sand Sheet Interpretive Trail, a short and easy less-than-half-mile walk behind the Visitor Center, is also suitable for families.
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Dogs are not allowed in the backcountry areas. They are only permitted in main use areas such as Piñon Flats Campground, Dunes Overlook Trail, and along the Medano Pass Primitive Road, and they must be leashed at all times.
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Parking is included with admission for vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, camper vans, and motorhomes, as long as the entrance pass is valid. There are no additional parking fees for visitors with a valid entrance pass.
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The main must-see spot is the Square Tower site, located near the visitor center, which features impressive stone structures built by the Ancestral Puebloan people between AD 1200 and 1300. This site includes a variety of unique towers and dwellings that are significant to the area’s prehistoric history.