Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a stunning landscape in southern Colorado, featuring the tallest sand dunes in North America set against a backdrop of forests, alpine lakes, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This park offers a unique blend of geology, ecology, and recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve protects North America's tallest sand dunes along with diverse ecosystems including grasslands, forests, and alpine peaks. Visitors can hike, camp, splash in creeks, and explore dynamic dune landscapes year-round.
Overview
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve was established to protect an extraordinary landscape of towering sand dunes, lush valleys, and rugged mountain peaks. The dunes reach heights of up to 750 feet and constantly shift and change due to wind and water activity. The park encompasses over 30,000 acres of dune field plus adjacent grasslands, wetlands, and subalpine forests.
- The park preserves a unique geological feature formed by millions of years of erosion, wind, and water activity that deposited sand against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
- Multiple ecosystems coexist here, including dune fields, prairies, riparian areas, and high-elevation forests and lakes.
- The area is managed for both preservation and public enjoyment, with opportunities for hands-on exploration and solitude .
Plan Your Visit
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is open year-round, offering seasonal activities such as dune hiking, creek play, stargazing, and snowshoeing. The main visitor center provides maps, orientation, and current conditions.
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center, located on Highway 150 near the park entrance, is the hub for trip planning, orientation, and educational displays.
- Visitors can obtain maps, learn about dune formation, and get the latest on Medano Creek flow conditions.
- Ranger programs and information on park rules and safety are available here.
- The center is the starting point for many dune area trails and medano creek access points .
PiƱon Flats Campground
PiƱon Flats Campground, located near the base of the dunes, offers tent sites, RV sites, and amenities such as vault toilets and potable water.
- This is the primary campground within the dune area, giving direct access to dunes for sunrise and sunset exploration.
- Reservations are recommended during peak season; it provides a base for dune hiking and Medano Creek play .
Medano Canyon
Medano Canyon is a favored spot for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts (permit required), as well as families who enjoy wading in Medano Creek and exploring sandbar beaches.
- The area provides scenic trailheads for both shallow creek wading and more challenging dune adventures.
- Permits regulate vehicle entry to protect sensitive areas and ensure visitor safety .
Highland Mary Lakes Trail
This backcountry hike leads into the preserve area, gaining elevation above the dunes to subalpine lakes and forests.
- Hikers experience a dramatic transition from sand dunes to mountain peaks, with opportunities for solitude and wildlife viewing.
- The trail is used for backcountry permit holders aiming to camp in high-elevation, lake-adjacent sites .
Recreational Activities
The park offers a variety of activities for all ages and fitness levels, from dune play to mountain hiking.
Dune Exploration
Visitors can climb, slide, or simply wander the vast dune field. The terrain shifts underfoot, making every visit unique.
- Popular routes include the Dunes Nature Trail and the challenging Star Dune Trail.
- Bring sturdy shoes and be prepared for changing temperatures and wind .
Medano Creek
Medano Creek, which flows seasonally along the base of the dunes, is ideal for wading, tubing, and family fun.
- The creekās shallow, sandy flow creates natural beaches and mini-rapids.
- Flow conditions vary daily; the Visitor Center provides updates on current depth and accessibility .
Hiking
Trails range from dune area strolls to strenuous mountain hikes.
- The Dunes Nature Trail offers close-up exploration of dune ecology.
- Highland Mary Lakes Trail rewards hikers with views of alpine lakes and mountain scenery .
Camping and Lodging
The park provides camping options within the dune area and preserves for backcountry adventure.
PiƱon Flats Campground
As noted above, PiƱon Flats Campground is the main developed campground and provides easy access to the dunes.
- Amenities include water, restrooms, and established campsites.
- Reservations are advised in spring and summer due to high demand .
Backcountry Camping
With a permit, visitors can camp in remote locations such as the dunes, Medano Pass, or near Highland Mary Lakes.
- Permits help manage site use and protect sensitive habitats.
- Backcountry campers must follow Leave No Trace principles and store food securely .
Geology
The Great Sand Dunes were formed by a combination of geological processes over millions of years.
- Erosion from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains supplied vast amounts of sand that was carried by wind and water into the San Luis Valley.
- The sand accumulated against natural barriers, creating the tallest dunes in North America.
- Ongoing wind activity constantly reshapes the dunes, while Medano and Sand Creeks influence their formation and movement .
Flora and Fauna
The park supports diverse plant and animal life adapted to dune, grassland, and mountain environments.
- Plant species include drought-tolerant grasses, piƱon and juniper woodlands, and alpine wildflowers.
- Wildlife includes mule deer, red foxes, kangaroo rats, and a variety of bird species.
- Aquatic insects and amphibians thrive in Medano Creek and high-altitude lakes .
Management and Preservation
The park is managed by the National Park Service with a focus on preserving unique dune landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and opportunities for public enjoyment.
- Ranger-led programs and interpretive signs help visitors understand the parkās geology, ecology, and history.
- Resource management includes monitoring dune movement, protecting sensitive habitats, and managing water resources.
- Permits regulate backcountry camping and vehicle access to protect natural resources .
Additional Resources
For more detailed information, visit the official National Park Service pages:
- Plan Your Visit - Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
- Camping and Lodging
- Dunes and Hiking
- Contact: (719) 378-6395 | Visitor Center: 11999 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146 .
Links
Hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025
