Great Sand Dunes

Open 24/7 year round! There are no limitations, timed entries, or reservations to visit. 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!

To access the main park area, including the Dunes Parking Lot, Visitor Center, and Pinon Flats Campground, take US 160 to CO 150 from the south, or CO 17 to Lane 6 to CO 150 from the west. The national park is at the north end of CO 150.

Temperatures are relatively cool all year, thanks to the park and preserve's high elevation. 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 a scorching mid-day summer sand surface. Plan to explore the dunes morning or evening during summer. Nights are cool in summer, and frigid in winter. Visit the Great Sand Dunes website for the most accurate weather forecasts.

Rent specially designed sand sleds to slide on the dry sand. Note: cardboard, snow sleds, saucers, and other items don't slide on dry sand.

Elk are sometimes seen by visitors along the park entrance road or County Lane 6, primarily fall through spring.

Spectacular alpine lakes are part of the backcountry of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

Sand Creek Basin, part of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, contains lush forests and alpine lakes.

Fall is a pretty time to visit the park, with great colors and generally nice weather.

Experiencing Great Sand Dunes in the quieter seasons of fall and winter can be a rewarding experience.

Visitors can float Medano Creek's waves during late spring peak flow, in years of good snowpack