Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Overview

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, reaching heights of up to 750 feet. Visitors can explore the dunes, hike, sandboard, and enjoy the diverse wildlife and plant life in this unique desert landscape.

The park protects the tallest dunes in North America and offers a unique desert ecosystem.

Outdoor Recreation Nature Preserve

Location

Address

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mosca, Colorado

Neighborhood: San Luis Valley

Coordinates

37.720600, -105.844000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

tuesday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

wednesday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

thursday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

friday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

saturday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

sunday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$25/vehicle

Children

Free (under 15)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

June-August

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

3 hours

Recommended

1 day

Full Experience

2-3 days

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm

• Wildflowers
• Medano Creek begins to flow

summer

Warm to hot

• Medano Creek in full flow
• Extended daylight

autumn

Cooler, crisp air

• Fall colors
• Cooler temperatures

winter

Cold, possible snow

• Snow-covered dunes
• Winter wildlife

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check weather conditions
Bring plenty of water
Wear appropriate footwear

What to Bring

essential

Water Sunscreen Hiking shoes

seasonal

Warm layers Swimsuit Sandboard

not allowed

Drones Pets in certain areas

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate to high for dune hiking

• Hydrate frequently
• Watch for weather changes

Medical facilities: First aid available at visitor center

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit Card

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $25/vehicle

parking Free

food $10-20

souvenirs $5-50

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable, Layered clothing, hat, sunglasses, Hiking shoes or sandals, Inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• Not required, but recommended for campsites
• Official website
• Varies by booking type
• Not applicable

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Great Sand Dunes NPP

Size: 30 MB

Features: Park map, Event calendar, Camping info

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Camping areas

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Alamosa San Luis Valley Regional Airport

Distance: 35 km

Travel Time: 40 minutes

taxi

$60 40 min

public_transport

$10 1 hour

From City Center

Distance: 25 km

car

Gas 30 min

bus

$5 1 hour

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique desert landscape, great for outdoor activities.

Historical Significance: Ancient sand dunes, historic ranch lands.

Insider Tips

Visit early for the best photography
Check out the night sky for incredible stargazing

Local Recommendations

• Try the local green chile
• Visit the nearby town of Alamosa

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is ¿Dónde está?

how_much ¿Cuánto cuesta?

beautiful Bonito

ticket Boletos

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

High Dune

Best Time: Sunrise

Tips: Wide angle for the expansive view

Result: Breathtaking landscape

#GreatSandDunes #NationalPark

Medano Creek

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle for the water reflection

Result: Serene water scenes

#MedanoCreek #WaterScapes

Stars Over Sand Dunes

Best Time: Night time

Tips: Wide angle for the starry sky

Result: Stunning night sky

#NightPhotography #Stargazing

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas

prohibited areas Visitor center, private areas

flash photography Allowed outdoors, not indoors

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Permit required

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Zapata Falls

Distance: 30 km

Walking: N/A

Type: Waterfall

Great Sand Dunes Ranch

Distance: 5 km

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Historic Site

Alamosa

Distance: 40 km