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Great Sand Dunes National Park

A view of Great Sand Dunes National Park

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The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located in south-central Colorado. Its 100,000+ acres include a 30-square-mile field of the tallest sand dunes in North America, some of which reach as much as 750 feet in height. The preserve offers a variety of other landscapes to experience as well, such as grasslands, wetlands, conifer forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. You can also splash, swim, and cool off in the park’s seasonal Medano Creek.

The weather at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve varies considerably with the seasons, and is affected by the area’s significant altitude, which ranges from 8,000 to over 11,000 feet. In the summertime, daytime temperatures often hover between 70-80F, but sand surface temperatures can reach a scading 150F on summer afternoons. Because of the altitude, these high daytime temperatures can drop into the 40s and 50s in the evening, so layered clothing is recommended. In spring and fall, daytime temperatures are closer to 50-70F, and nights can go down to the 20s. (Spring can also bring high winds in the afternoons.)

The park is open all year round, so you can also visit in winter -- but be prepared! Daytime highs are usually in the teens-30s, and lows can dip well below 0. Always check the forecast before you head to the park, and make sure you have the proper clothing and gear to enjoy yourself safely.

Great Sand Dunes is situated in quite a remote area, but there are a variety of small towns in the vicinity to explore. The town of Mosca is the closest at 23 miles southeast of the Visitors Center, and offers basic facilities like a gas station, restaurant, post office, and motel. Ten miles further along at the junction of US 285 and US 160, you’ll find the village of Alamosa, the county seat and most populous city in the area with just shy of 10,000 inhabitants. You can also reach the relatively large city of Pueblo, Colorado within a two-hour drive of the park.

As far as activities are concerned, the park is perhaps best known for its unique opportunity to slide down its epic dunes on sleds and sandboards. However, there’s a lot more to Great Sand Dunes than summery sleigh rides. Although there are no designated trails within the 30-square mile sand dune field, visitors are welcome to hike and backpack anywhere in it they wish; there are also ample forested and trails to explore in the surrounding preserve area. Great Sand Dunes’ remote location makes it an excellent spot for stargazing, and the park offers some dedicated night programs to orient guests to the depths of the night sky. The rangers also offer a variety of free daytime interpretive and educational events; check the official park calendar for full details.

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Weather
  • Spring 50-70 F
  • Summer 70-80 F
  • Fall 50-70 F
  • Winter 30 F
Location & Hours
  • Coming soon
Park Info
  • Coming soon

RV Rentals Near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Nearby RV Rentals

Great Sand Dunes National Park Hiking Trails

Great Sand Dunes National Park Hiking Trails

While the sand dunes themselves are free to explore at will, there are a variety of designated hiking trails within the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve property. As always, be sure to grab your sunscreen and an ample supply of water before you head out!

Things to do Outside Great Sand Dunes National Park

Things to do Outside Great Sand Dunes National Park

Don’t get us wrong, there’s plenty to see inside the park proper. I mean, we’re talking about over 100,000 acres of preserved land to explore! But even the woodsiest camper needs to eat every once in a while. (And hey, you may just want to catch a show or hit a museum while you’re at it.) Here’s what to see, do, and eat in the Great Sand Dunes National Park area.

Restaurants

Shopping

Sightseeing

RV Resorts & Campsites near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve only offers one on-site campground with RV-friendly spots -- and even these are limited in number and don’t offer hookups.

However, there are also a number of other area campgrounds to choose from, both public and private.

RV Resorts & Campsites near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Campgrounds Near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Find the Best Dumpstations Near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Find the Best Dumpstations Near Great Sand Dunes National Park

An unglamorous but necessary aspect of RVing? Dump stations. Knowing where the best dump stations are near you will allow for more ease and less stress in your travels. Dump stations are an easy and convenient way to clear waste from your RV. Use our guides to find dump stations on your route, so you can get back to the good stuff – exploring, relaxing, and making memories on the road.

Dumpstations Near Great Sand Dunes National Park

How to get to Great Sand Dunes National Park

How to get to Great Sand Dunes National Park

Although Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located in a remote area, modern technology makes it easily accessible no matter where you’re coming from.

Most visitors will take I25 to Walsenburg, and from there head west on US160 and then north on State Highway 150. However, it’s important not to rely on your GPS for remote Rocky Mountain driving, as these systems often lead travelers astray. Click here for more detailed directions from a variety of other locations.

Commercial airlines do service the small Alamosa airport, only 38 miles from park boundaries; you can also fly into the relatively nearby cities of Denver, Colorado Springs, or Albuquerque.

FAQ Icon
Frequently Asked Questions
    Is Great Sand Dunes National Park accessible for disabled visitors?

    Yes, Great Sand Dunes National Park is accessible for disabled visitors. Parking closest to the dunefield is one mile north of the visitor center. An accessible mat leads from the dunes parking area to the edge of Medano Creek. There are also sand wheelchairs available for loan to explore the dunes further. The Visitor Center building and restrooms are accessible as well as a picnic area.

    Are pets allowed at Great Sand Dunes National Park?

    Yes, pets are allowed at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Pets are allowed in the Preserve and main use areas of the park. They are not allowed inside the visitor center or bathrooms, in the backcountry of the dunefield, off the Dunes Overlook Trail, north of the Castle Creek Picnic Area except along Medano Pass Primitive Road, north of the Point of No Return, and in any backpacking campsites in the park.

    What are the top things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park?

    Top things to do at Great Sand Dunes National Park include standing on top of the tallest sand dune in North America, going sand sledding, splashing in Medano Creek in season, stargazing, and driving Medano Pass Primitive Road.

    Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Great Sand Dunes National Park?

    Yes, you have to reserve a camping spot at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Campgrounds book up quickly during Medano Creek's peak flow in early summer, and you'll have fewer waits and crowds on weekdays than weekends.

    What is the best time of year to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park?

    The best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park is May and June, when Medano Creek is at its fullest. However, late spring visitors will also have more crowds. Another good time to visit the park is in early fall. There will be fewer crowds but the weather is still warm enough to explore the park.