About Great Sand Dunes
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.
Things to do: Arts and Culture · Craft Demonstrations · Live Music · Auto and ATV · Auto Off-Roading · Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Mountain Biking · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) · Group Camping
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. In the app, tap one to log it.
- High Dune Trail0.6 mi
- Mosca Pass Trail3.6 mi
- Montville Nature Trail0.5 mi
- Sand Ramp Trail0.6 mi
Camping
Approximately 88 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (April – October).
Best time to visit
Peak season: April – October. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
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.
Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — Fees are charged only when the entrance station is open in the spring, summer, and fall seasons or when the visitor center is open in the winter season. Fees can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Passes may also be purchased in advance online through recreation.gov .$25
- Entrance - Non-commercial Groups — 15+ passenger vehicle, age 16+$15
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.$20
- Commercial Entrance - Sedan — This fee is for a commercial group of 1-6 people in a smaller vehicle. Valid for 7 days.$25
- Commercial Entrance - Van — This fee is for a commercial group of 7-15 persons in a van. Valid for 7 days.$40
Annual Entrance - Park: $45. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: Alamosa, CO. Park center: 37.730°, -105.510°.
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.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $25. Entrance - Non-commercial Groups: $15. Entrance - Motorcycle: $20.
When is the best time to visit Great Sand Dunes?
Peak season is April – October. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. 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.
Can you camp in Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Yes — about 88 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Alamosa, CO is the nearest major city. 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.
What are the best hikes in Great Sand Dunes?
Popular trails include High Dune Trail (0.6 mi), Mosca Pass Trail (3.6 mi), Montville Nature Trail (0.5 mi), Sand Ramp Trail (0.6 mi). The park has roughly 18 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.