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Our quest to visit as many nearby national parks as we can while living in Colorado brought us to the enchanting Great Sand Dunes National Park in Southern Colorado. The park is just under 170 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, making it a fun but exhausting day trip for us. It just about three hours from Colorado Springs and four hours from Denver.
This hidden gem is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, set against a stunning backdrop of rugged mountains and wide-open skies. Whether you’re up for sandboarding, hiking, or just soaking in the unreal scenery, this park is a must-see.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit — from what to pack and where to stay to the best activities for the whole family. Ready to explore one of Colorado’s most surreal landscapes? Let’s dive in!
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Reaching Colorado’s Majestic Sand Dunes
Getting to Great Sand Dunes National Park isn’t complicated, but you’ll definitely need to plan ahead. The most straightforward option is driving. The park sits about 35 miles northeast of Alamosa via Highway 150.
If you’re coming from Denver, set aside about four hours for the drive south, and honestly, the scenery along the way makes the time fly by. We visited from Colorado Springs, which is about a three-hour drive each way.
As for flying, you’ve got options, but they all involve some driving afterward. The closest airport is the tiny San Luis Valley Regional in Alamosa, but flights are super limited. Most people find it easier to fly into Colorado Springs (about 2.5 hours from the dunes) or Denver International (about four hours away) and then rent a car. I’d recommend the Denver option if you’re coming from far away since you’ll have way more flight choices.
The park is pretty remote, so there’s basically no public transportation. A few tour companies in Alamosa run trips, but you’ll still have to drive to the town. Whatever you choose, try to time your arrival for late afternoon if possible — that’s when the light hits the dunes just right for photos.
Unforgettable Experiences in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Start at the Visitor Center
The visitor center at any national park can often be overlooked, but they offer a wealth of information and invaluable tips from knowledgeable park rangers. A bonus of the Great Sand Dunes National Park visitor center is its incredible view of the dunes. Plus, we always have to visit to stamp our National Park Passport.
I love seeing the interactive displays at the visitor centers, even as an adult! If we haven’t mentioned this before, we’re also magnet collectors, and our national park magnet collection has grown quite a bit since we’ve been living in Colorado!
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Sledding and Boarding the Dunes
Sledding down the dunes has got to be the most exciting part about visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park! We rented our boards from The Great Sand Dunes Oasis, about five minutes outside the entrance to the park. We went on 4th of July weekend and didn’t make reservations. I say we got there at about 10 am, and while there was a line, we were able to secure two sleds and two boards.
Board and sled rentals were $20 for the entire day, which is a great deal. They will take your credit card information and put a hold on your account. We saw kids at the dunes using boogie boards, but those didn’t seem to slide too well, so I think renting a board or sled is well worth it.
Once you leave the visitors center, it’s just a few minutes’ drive to the dunes’ main parking lot. Be sure to douse yourself in bug repellent — there are a ton of mosquitoes in the area!
The first section of the dunes near the parking lot is completely flat, but the dunes get larger and steeper the further you head out. We stayed by the dunes closer to the parking lot because, remember, you’ll have to trek all the way back when you’re done. Additionally, the steeper the hill you board down, the steeper the trek is back up the hill. Honestly, we were all pretty beat after our second or third ride down the dunes.
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Medano Creek
If you visit the park in late May or early June, you’ll most likely be treated to the seasonal Medano Creek, which runs in front of the dunes and close to the parking lot. The creek’s annual flow is created from mountain snow melting and coming down through the valley. For the warmest waters, you’ll want to visit in June.
Since Medano Creek only appears for a few weeks yearly, it is one of the most popular times to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park. Consider visiting on a weekday for less crowds and more access to parking.
Medano Pass Road
If you love yourself some off-roading, you’ll certainly want to check out the Medano Pass Road. The road is only open seasonally, usually from late May to November, and 4WD is required. The pass crosses the creek nine times through water and sandy paths.
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Camping under the stars
We were short on time so we did not stay in the park overnight, but Woodrow and I cannot wait to go back to camp under the stars. The park is designated as an official Dark Sky Park, meaning it sees little light pollution and has ideal conditions for viewing the incredible night sky.
There are 88 campsites within the park but they book up fast, so be sure to book far in advance! Visitors can also enjoy some backcountry camping for free with a permit from the visitors center. I will definitely update this section once we get to experience camping in Great Sand Dunes for ourselves!
Where to Eat Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
I’m not gonna lie — food options are pretty few and far between near the Sand Dunes. To be frank, the best option is to bring your own meals and snacks for the day (and don’t forget lots of water!).
We had an early drive, spent a few hours sledding and boarding down the dunes, and by the time lunchtime rolled around, we were starving! With few options and no snacks (a huge mistake!), we returned to the board rental place because we remembered that there was a restaurant there. If you don’t want to bring your own food, I highly recommend it!
It’s called The Great Sand Dunes Oasis Restaurant, and while it’s pretty unassuming, the food was absolutely delicious! Their menu consists of typical American fare, including burgers, chili, burritos, and more.
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Best Accommodations Around Great Sand Dunes
The nearest place to stay to Great Sand Dunes National Park is Great Sand Dunes Oasis, which sits just outside of the park entrance. If that’s not your vibe, there’s a Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn & Suites, and a Hampton Inn, all located in the nearby town of Alamosa.
We stayed at the Hampton Inn during one of our trips to the dunes and it was a great base! It’s close to Alamosa’s downtown and about 45 minutes to the Great Sand Dunes visitors center.
If you just want to spend the day in Great Sand Dunes without staying overnight, it is a doable day trip from Colorado Springs or Denver.
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Insider Tips for an Epic Great Sand Dunes Adventure
- Wear appropriate attire. The sand dunes can get super hot, so I recommend wearing leggings or breathable pants, a T-shirt, and covered shoes.
- Bring bug spray. The mosquitoes are absolutely intense near the main parking lot. Wear bug spray to avoid dozens of annoying bites.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses. It’s a high-elevation area, so sunburn can happen much easier here. Also, the light reflecting off the sand makes it super bright, so sunglasses are an absolute must.
- Stay hydrated. Again, with the high altitude, it is paramount that you stay hydrated during your time in the dunes or risk suffering from heat stroke or altitude sickness.
- 4WD and high clearance recommended. If you want to drive through the stunning Medano Pass, you’ll need a car with four-wheel drive and high clearance. You’ll also want to reduce your tire pressure to 20 psi if the sand is dry. There is a free air station near the south entrance to the road.
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FAQs
When is the best time to visit Great Sand Dunes?
Late May through June is absolutely magical at the dunes. That’s when Medano Creek is typically flowing at its peak, creating this incredible natural beach environment right at the base of the dunes. It’s like nature’s water park! Fall (September-October) is another sweet spot with mild temperatures and smaller crowds.
How hot do the sand dunes get?
Oh boy, those dunes can get HOT in summer! Sand surface temperatures can soar to 150°F (65°C) on sunny summer afternoons. We learned this lesson the hard way while visiting on a July afternoon. Plan your dune hiking for early morning or evening during the summer months.
How do I get to Great Sand Dunes National Park?
The park is tucked away in southern Colorado, about 35 miles northeast of Alamosa. Most visitors approach via Highway 160 and then Highway 150. It feels pretty remote as you’re driving in – I remember thinking, “Are we going the right way?” until those massive dunes suddenly appeared on the horizon. Pure magic!
Can you camp inside Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Yes! Piñon Flats Campground inside the park has 88 sites, but they fill up FAST, especially during spring and summer weekends. Backcountry camping on the dunes themselves is also permitted with a free permit from the visitor center.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle to visit Great Sand Dunes?
For the main visitor areas, nope! Any vehicle can access the main parking lot and dune field. However, if you want to drive the Medano Pass Primitive Road, you’ll definitely need 4WD with high clearance.
