National Park Guide

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Colorado, US

North America's tallest sand dunes rise against the rugged backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

149,137

Acres

Trails

2004

Established

600,000

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

$25 per vehicle

Nearest Airport

San Luis Valley Regional Airport (ALS), 45 minutes

Best Months

May, June, September

Highlights

Hiking to the summit of Star Dune
Medano Creek seasonal beach and surge flow
Sandboarding and sand sledding on the dunes
Sangre de Cristo mountain alpine lakes
Night sky viewing at International Dark Sky Park

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Great Sand Dunes National Park

High Dune Trail

Strenuous

2.5 miles round trip

650 ft gain

Star Dune Trail

Strenuous

5.0 miles round trip

750 ft gain

Mosca Pass Trail

Moderate

7.0 miles round trip

1,400 ft gain

Montville Nature Trail

Easy

0.5 miles loop

50 ft gain

Sand Ramp Trail

Moderate

11.0 miles round trip

500 ft gain

About Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve protects the tallest sand dunes in North America, with Star Dune reaching approximately 755 feet. The dunes were formed over hundreds of thousands of years as wind carried sand from the San Luis Valley floor against the Sangre de Cristo Range. Beyond the dunes, the park encompasses alpine lakes, tundra, forests, wetlands, and grasslands, creating one of the most diverse landscapes in the National Park System. Medano Creek provides a unique beach-like experience at the base of the dunes each spring.

In-Depth Guide

Great Sand Dunes Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Colorado's towering dune field.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Hotels

3 options near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Great Sand Dunes Lodge

The closest lodge to the park, located right at the only vehicle entrance. Features 18 spacious rooms with patios and dune views, continental breakfast, and seasonal operation from March to November.

2 min drive$130-250/night

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Hampton Inn Alamosa

Comfortable hotel in Alamosa with 80 guest rooms, free full breakfast, indoor pool, high-speed WiFi, and a convenient location 45 minutes from the park.

45 min drive$120-200/night

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Best Western Alamosa Inn

Affordable gateway to the dunes with heated indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, free breakfast, and rooms with microwaves and refrigerators in the San Luis Valley.

45 min drive$70-140/night

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Compare Great Sand Dunes National Park

See how Great Sand Dunes National Park stacks up against other national parks

Great Sand Dunes National Park vs White Sands National Park

Choose Great Sand Dunes for the tallest dunes in North America with a stunning mountain backdrop. Choose White Sands for surreal white dune landscapes and a more family-friendly experience.

See full comparison