GREAT SAND DUNES
NATIONAL PARK

AREA - 107,341 ACRES,

EST. 03 17 1932

COLORADO

Planning a Trip to
Great Sand Dunes
National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique and beautiful place, located in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado. It is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, as well as a diverse range of plants and animals. The park is known for its dramatic and ever-changing landscape, with the dunes reaching heights of up to 750 feet. Visitors can explore the dunes on their own or take a guided tour, and there are also opportunities for camping, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-see for anyone looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

"the grandest of all special temples of Nature" and "the only one of the world's great parks that could not be improved."
- John Muir

"In God's wildness lies the hope of the world - the great fresh unblighted, unredeemed wilderness. The galling harness of civilization drops off, and wounds heal ere we are aware.
-Theodore Roosevelt

BEST TIME TO GO

Spring is the best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park. The weather is mild, the days are longer and the snow has melted away allowing visitors to explore the sand dunes and the surrounding areas. During this season, the park offers a variety of activities such as camping, hiking, and sand sledding.

Summer is a great time to visit the park as well. Temperatures can get hot during the day, so visitors should plan to get out early and take advantage of the cooler morning and evening hours. Hiking, swimming, fishing, and sand sledding are popular activities during this season.

Fall is another great time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park. The temperatures are cooler and the days are shorter, making it perfect for exploring the dunes and the nearby trails. The park also offers a variety of activities such as camping, hiking, and fishing.

Winter is the least popular time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park. Temperatures can be very cold and the days are shorter. However, the park offers a variety of winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The best time to go to Great Sand Dunes National Park depends on what activities you plan to do. For camping, the best time is from May to September, when the weather is warm and dry. If you're looking to hike, May through October is the ideal time for that. For wildlife watching, winter and early spring are the best times to visit, as the animals are more active during this time. For photography, the best time for clear skies and vibrant colors is from late spring through late summer. If you're planning on sand boarding or sledding, the best time is from winter to late spring when the sand is cold and the snow is fresh. No matter what activities you plan to do, the Great Sand Dunes National Park is a beautiful place to visit year-round.

OVERVIEW

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a spectacular natural wonder located in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. It is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, towering up to 750 feet above the valley floor. The park offers a variety of activities, from hiking, camping and fishing to off-roading and sand sledding. Visitors can also explore the unique alpine lakes, wetlands, grasslands, and forests that make up the stunning landscape of the park. The best part about Great Sand Dunes National Park is the opportunity to explore untouched nature and experience the beauty of the great sand dunes in all their glory.

WEATHER

Great Sand Dunes National Park experiences a wide range of weather throughout each season. During the spring, temperatures can range from the mid 30s in the evenings to the mid 70s during the day. Summer temperatures can reach up to the mid 90s with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoon. In the fall, temperatures cool off and can drop below freezing at night and reach the mid 60s during the day. Winter brings cold temperatures and snow, with temperatures ranging from the single digits to the mid 40s during the day. No matter the season, visitors should always come prepared for changing weather conditions.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to a diverse ecosystem, with a wide variety of plants and animals. The park is located in the San Luis Valley, at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and has unique habitats such as sand dunes, grasslands, wetlands, and forests. These diverse habitats support a variety of flora and fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. The park also provides a critical habitat for species of concern, including the Preble's meadow jumping mouse and the Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizard. Visitors to the park can take part in a variety of educational programs to learn more about the ecology of the park, and the importance of protecting its unique habitats.

GEAR

1. Hiking boots - The Great Sand Dunes National Park offers many great opportunities for hiking, so make sure to bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots.

2. Sunscreen - The sand dunes can get very hot in the summer, so don't forget your sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburns.

3. Hat - A wide-brimmed hat is great for keeping the sun off your face and neck.

4. Water - Make sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated when exploring the dunes.

5. Camera - Capture all your amazing experiences with a good camera.

6. Flashlight - A flashlight can come in handy when exploring the sand dunes at night.

7. Snacks - Don't forget to bring some snacks to keep your energy up during your visit.

8. Sunglasses - Sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the sun's rays.

9. Binoculars - Bring binoculars to get an up-close look at the wildlife that lives in the park.

10. Insect Repellent - Bug spray is a must when exploring the dunes, as there are lots of insects that can be a nuisance.

When camping at Great Sand Dunes National Park, it is important to bring the right gear. Here are the top 10 pieces of gear to make your camping experience as enjoyable as possible:
1. A tent that can handle sand and wind.
2. A good sleeping bag to keep you warm.
3. A camping stove for cooking meals.
4. Hiking boots for exploring the dunes.
5. Sunscreen and a hat for protection from the sun.
6. Water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized.
7. A first aid kit in case of an emergency.
8. Insect repellent to keep the bugs away.
9. A flashlight or headlamp for night time navigation.
10. A camera to capture all your memories.

GEAR UP

HISTORY

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve was established in 1932, making it one of the oldest national parks in the United States. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, towering up to 750 feet in height. The sand dunes were created over millions of years by wind and water erosion of the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The park also includes alpine lakes, grasslands, and forests, making it a unique and diverse ecosystem. Visitors to the park can explore the sand dunes on foot, or take advantage of the nearby Medano Creek for swimming and tubing. The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a truly unique national treasure.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to a number of legendary stories. One of the most famous is the legend of the Sand Dune Monster, a giant creature that is said to lurk in the depths of the dunes. Local Native Americans also tell tales of the Sand Dune Woman, a mystical figure who is said to protect the dunes and bring rain to the area. Other legends include the tale of the Ghost Ship, a phantom vessel that is said to sail across the dunes at night, and the tale of the Lost City, a mysterious city that is said to be hidden beneath the sand. These stories have been passed down through generations, and remain a part of the culture of the area.

RECOMMENDED

Great Sand Dunes National Park offers some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the country. Here are the top 10 trails to explore this magnificent landscape.

1. Mosca Pass Trail – Moderate difficulty
2. Sand Ramp Trail – Easy difficulty
3. Sand Pit Trail – Easy difficulty
4. Medano Pass Primitive Road – Easy to moderate difficulty
5. Music Pass Trail – Moderate difficulty
6. Star Dune Trail – Moderate difficulty
7. Castle Creek Trail – Moderate difficulty
8. Little Sand Creek Trail – Moderate difficulty
9. Sand Creek Trail – Moderate difficulty
10. Pinyon Flats Trail – Moderate difficulty

1. Hike the Mosca Pass Trail for incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
2. Take a guided tour of the sand dunes to learn about their formation and ecology.
3. Go star gazing and take in the incredible night sky views.
4. Visit the Zapata Falls and take in the majestic views of the cascading waterfall.
5. Explore the Medano Creek and take a dip in the shallow, natural pool.
6. Go camping and enjoy the serene views of the dunes and mountains.
7. Take a guided tour of the Great Sand Dunes Oasis and learn about the unique ecosystem.
8. Take a jeep tour and explore the backcountry roads and trails of the park.
9. Visit the Montville Nature Trail and explore the diverse plants and wildlife.
10. Take a drive up to the summit of Mount Herard for stunning views of the dunes.

GET HERE

PLAN YOUR VISIT

1. Hiking - Explore the dunes and the surrounding area on foot, taking in the breathtaking views and unique terrain.

2. Sand Boarding - Slide down the dunes on a board for an unforgettable thrill.

3. Stargazing - With little light pollution and clear night skies, the park is an ideal spot for stargazing.

4. Wildlife Watching - Spot wildlife such as elk, deer, and coyotes in their natural habitat.

5. Fishing - Cast a line into Medano Creek and try your luck at catching trout, bass, and other fish.

6. Sunrise & Sunset - Catch the sunrise or sunset to get a beautiful view of the park.

7. Backpacking - Spend a night or two backpacking in the dunes to really get to know the park.

8. Photography - Capture the park's beauty with your camera for memories that will last a lifetime.

9. Picnicking - Relax in the park and enjoy a picnic with friends and family.

10. Camping - Pitch a tent and stay a while to experience the park in its entirety.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to some of the most stunning campsites in the United States. Here are the top 10 campsites at Great Sand Dunes National Park: 1. Piñon Flats Campground – offers spectacular views of the dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. 2. Zapata Falls Campground – offers breathtaking views and easy access to the Zapata Falls Trail. 3. Sand Ramp Campground – offers easy access to the dunes and excellent views of the mountains. 4. Sand Creek Campground – offers great views of the dunes and easy access to the trails. 5. Sand Creek Group Campground – offers group camping and stunning views of the dunes and mountains. 6. Sand Pit Campground – offers great views of the dunes and easy access to the trails. 7. Sand Creek Lake Campground – offers a peaceful setting and great views of the dunes. 8. Mosca Campground – offers great views of the dunes and easy access to the trails. 9. Pinyon Picnic Area – offers great views of the dunes and easy access to the trails. 10. Pinon Flats Campground – offers great views of the dunes and easy access to the trails.

FIND A CAMPSITE

# OF VISITORS/MONTH

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a popular destination for visitors, with an average of 600,000 visitors each year. The park sees the highest number of visitors in July, with more than 75,000 people visiting the park each month during peak season. The average number of visitors for the entire year is around 50,000 per month, with a slight decrease in the winter months due to the cold weather. Visitors to the park can also enjoy activities such as sand sledding, sand boarding, and backpacking. Visitors are also able to enjoy spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background. Great Sand Dunes National Park is a great destination for those looking for an outdoor adventure.