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National Park & Preserve

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

CautionOct 23, 2026

Creek Crossings on Medano Pass Primitive Road Have Deep and Swift Water

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InformationAug 22, 2026

Great Sand Dunes Currently at Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

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Grasslands, large dunes, and snow-capped peaks at sunset

The view at the park entrance contrasts giant dunes and snow-capped mountains.

Photo: NPS/Patrick Myers

About

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.

Activities

Arts and CultureCraft DemonstrationsLive MusicAuto and ATVAuto Off-RoadingAstronomyStargazingBikingMountain BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
Group Camping
RV Camping
Climbing
Mountain Climbing
Compass and GPS
Orienteering
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Fly Fishing
Food
Dining
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Hands-On
Arts and Crafts
Volunteer Vacation
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horse Camping (see also camping)
Horseback Riding
Hunting and Gathering
Hunting
Junior Ranger Program
Tubing
River Tubing
Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing
Downhill Skiing
Snow Play
Snowshoeing
Swimming
Freshwater Swimming
Water Skiing
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store
Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Directions

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.

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Weather

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

News

Great Sand Dunes to Host Hispanic Culture Event Sept. 18
Sep 10, 2026

Great Sand Dunes to Host Hispanic Culture Event Sept. 18

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area welcome visitors to experience the Hispanic culture of the San Luis Valley through a series of music and dance performances Friday, Sept. 18, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Great Sand Dunes Piñon Flats Amphitheater.

Lower Sand Creek corridor to close temporarily for native trout restoration
Jul 21, 2026

Lower Sand Creek corridor to close temporarily for native trout restoration

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will temporarily close the area within 20 yards of Sand Creek between the Music Pass Trail and Sand Ramp Trail from July 26 through August 2 while crews conduct a native trout restoration project.

Great Sand Dunes Celebrates Junior Ranger Day Saturday Aug. 1st
Jul 17, 2026

Great Sand Dunes Celebrates Junior Ranger Day Saturday Aug. 1st

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is celebrating the annual Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$25.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$20.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan$25.00