National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS/Patrick Myers · Public domain
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Stay on a moonless night to experience countless stars in this International Dark Sky Park! Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week year-round. There are no timed entries or reservations to visit.
Entrance Fees
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Great Sand Dunes Entrance Station (opens in a new tab)
Great Sand Dunes Entrance StationMain
Mosca, CO · Open year-round, 24 hours
Airports
- ALS
San Luis Valley Regional Airport · Alamosa, CO
ClosestSmall airportSmall airport. Denver Air Connection flies daily to Denver (Essential Air Service).
- COS
Colorado Springs Airport · Colorado Springs, CO
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Activities
Top Hikes
2.5 mi · 688 ft gain · out & back
The most popular dune destination, climbing the first ridge for a panoramic view of the entire 30-square-mile dunefield.
Starts at: Main Dunes Parking Lot
6 mi · 736 ft gain · out & back
Long trek to the second-tallest dune in North America with a distinctive pyramid shape formed by multidirectional winds.
Starts at: Main Dunes Parking Lot
7 mi · 741 ft gain · out & back
The tallest dune in North America with a deceptive false summit. A challenging all-day trek requiring excellent navigation.
Starts at: Main Dunes Parking Lot
1 mi · 100 ft gain · out & back
Easiest forest hike in the park, a shady trail named for a late-1800s settlement with views of Mount Herard.
Starts at: Montville Trailhead
Upcoming Events
PM Visitor Center Ranger Talk
Explore a variety of topics about Great Sand Dunes. Topics posted at visitor center lobby bulletin board. (20 minutes)
7:30 pm Amphitheater Evening Program
Join a park ranger for a talk on some of the fascinating aspects of our park and its surroundings.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes
Best time to visit: May–June, September
The best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is May–June and September. Medano Creek usually flows at the base of the dunes from mid-May to early June; September is mild before cold weather sets in.
In those months, average highs are 65–77°F at Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center. June is the busiest month on average, while September is noticeably quieter.
Monthly averages at Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center (8,170 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
Temperatures are relatively cool all year at the park elevation 8000 ft. Conditions are most often calm, but winds can arise, especially in spring and during storm fronts. Daytime temperatures feel warmer here year round due to intense high-altitude sunlight, and mid-day summer sand surface temps can be 160 degrees F! Plan to explore the dunes morning or evening during summer. Nights are cool in summer, and frigid in winter. Visit https://nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/weather.htm for details
