Are you prepared to mark another incredible national park off your bucket list? Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of Colorado’s four National Parks, located in the southwestern corner of the state within the San Luis Valley. The Great Sand Dunes truly shine as a hidden gem.
This park is ideal for a weekend getaway or as a stop on a longer Colorado road trip. This post will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to this incredible national park. I also provide a sample itinerary to help you maximize an unforgettable 2-day experience at Great Sand Dunes National Park without feeling rushed.
How to get to Great Sand Dunes National Park
Colorado Springs to Great Sand Dunes National Park
The drive from Colorado Springs to Great Sand Dunes National Park is about 2.5 (166 miles) to 3.5 hours (194 miles) depending on your route.
Denver to Great Sand Dunes National Park
The drive from Denver to Great Sand Dunes National Park is almost 4 hours (about 230 miles).
Although much of my research suggested that this National Park was a bit off the beaten path, I have to disagree. It is a reasonable drive from two of Colorado’s most visited cities, making Great Sand Dunes National Park a perfect stop if you’re traveling south from Denver on a Colorado road trip and very accessible if you’re looking for a weekend getaway.
Alamosa
Alamosa is the closest town to Great Sand Dunes National Park. This is a great option if you’re looking to stay in a hotel near the park. It is a 30-mile drive via CO-150 S and US-160 W. It offers accommodations for those preferring hotels over camping, as well as opportunities to refuel and stock up on supplies.
When To Visit Great sand dunes national park
The park can be visited year-round but there are some important things to remember. During summer, the sand can become scorching hot, with temperatures occasionally reaching up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing.
Medano Creek, which borders the dunes, typically sees higher water levels in spring due to rain and melting snow. By early summer, the water level may be sufficient for tubing or relaxation on hot days. However, unless there is substantial rain, the creek tends to dry out by late July.
When we visited in late September, the sand was cool enough for barefoot walking, and despite a day of rain, the weather turned bright and sunny the next. Thanks to a recent rainstorm, Medano Creek was flowing during my September visit. I think fall is a great time to visit the sand dunes. During this time you can enjoy the park with fewer crowds and milder temperatures.
8 Things to do at great sand dunes national Park
1. Camp under the stars
Pinon Flats Campground
This campground lies within Great Sand Dunes National Park and requires a reservation via recreation.gov. It offers stunning views of the sand dunes and fills up quickly, so booking well in advance is advisable.
Pinon Flats Campground lacks electricity and water hookups but provides restrooms (without showers) and a dishwashing area. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire pit, catering to both RVs and tents with various site options. The campground’s store operates from 2 pm to 7 pm, selling snacks, drinks, and firewood. The best part is the price is only $20/night!
I highly recommend staying at this campsite during your visit. The night sky views alone are spectacular, and catching the sunset over the dunes from your campsite is an unforgettable experience.
Zapata Falls Campground
Zapata Falls is a recreational area that is located about 4 miles from the entrance of Great Sand Dunes National Park. It features several hiking trails, including one that leads to the breathtaking Zapata Falls. Additionally, Zapata Falls offers a campground area that you can reserve through recreation.gov, making it an excellent alternative if the more popular Pinon Flats Campground is fully booked.
2. Hike High Dune and Star Dune
If you’re seeking a little adventure and want to conquer the tallest sand dunes in North America, consider hiking Hidden Dune, Star Dune or High Dune. Hidden Dune is the tallest at 741 feet from base to, and Star Dune is not far behind at 793 feet. The beauty of these giants is that they seem to be in an ever-changing race as they reshape throughout the years.
Finding these dunes can be challenging, and navigating them becomes even more difficult once you start climbing, as there are no marked paths to the peaks. Figuring out your own route up the dunes adds to the adventure, though it can be exhausting ascending and descending these sandy pillars. You can find the exact GPS coordinates for these dunes on nps.gov, and surprisingly, there’s good cell phone signal in the park. I would advise plugging in these coordinates before your hike to ensure you reach the correct locations.
High Dune is visible from the visitor center, but reaching Hidden Dune requires a longer trek into the dunes. The hike to Hidden Dune can take several hours. Some people choose to turn their hike to Hidden Dune into an overnight camping trip on the sand dunes. This can be done by obtaining backcountry permits.
3. Sanboarding in Great Sand Dunes National Park
One of the most popular dune activities is sand boarding or sledding down the dunes. Unfortunately due to the rain we arrived a little later than we would have liked to the park and did not have a chance to do this. If you have time there are several places that rent out sandboards. The Oasis store is located just 4 miles from the entrance of the park but there are also stores in Alamosa that will rent you boards. nps.gov has a full list of locations where you can rent sandboards. Just check out this link below. Its important to note that certain places will not rent out their boards if the sand is wet or if there is snow on the ground so always be aware of the weather conditions when you visit.
4. Visit Zapata Falls
Zapata Falls offers a wonderful, short hike just outside the entrance of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Signs indicating access to the Zapata Falls recreation area appear about 4 miles from the park entrance. To reach the trailhead, you must drive up a 3-mile winding road to the main parking lot. While the visitor center warns that not all vehicles may manage this road, our Thor Tellaro camper van ascended without difficulty. The road is well-paved with no large rocks or challenging sections for vehicles lacking 4WD.
Once parked at the main lot, the trailhead sits to the right. The hike is a 1-mile round trip, steadily uphill and quite rocky. Sturdy shoes with good grip are recommended. Upon reaching the falls, expect to navigate through chilly water and slippery rocks to view the waterfall itself
During my visit in September, I waded through knee-deep water and clambered up rocky terrain to witness the impressive 25-foot rushing waterfall. Don’t let the cold water deter you—it’s a sight well worth the effort.
Zapata Falls took us less than an hour, making it perfect for a quick afternoon hike or a refreshing midday break. Whenever you choose to visit Zapata Falls, I’m sure you’ll love it.
5. Have a "Dessert" Photoshoot
The dunes make a beautiful backdrop for photography. The wind creates ripples and designs in the sand that are ever-changing. Take a look at some of the photos from our mini-phot shoot down below.
6. Camping on the Sand Dunes
Did you know you can actually sleep on the sand dunes under the stars? In order to camp out in the sand dunes you must obtain a backcountry permit ahead of time on recreation.gov. The permits only cost $6 but they are limited and you cannot obtain them in person at the visitor center so be sure to plan ahead. This is a great idea if you are hoping to make the trek to Star Dune.
7. Drive through Medano Pass
The Medano Pass Primitive Road runs through the park and connects to Highway 69. Stretching approximately 20 miles, this road requires 4WD for travel; all-wheel drive vehicles risk getting stuck in the sand. Along the road, there are free first-come, first-served campsites, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore the park and spend a night beneath the stars.
8. Visit Sand Dunes Recreation
Sand Dunes Recreation is a hot spring area near Great Sand Dunes National Park, ideal for unwinding after a day of hiking the dunes. The main area features a large family pool and therapy pool. For adults 21+, there’s ‘The Greenhouse,’ featuring four pools set at different temperatures, a sauna, and a greenhouse. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. It’s a great way to add a little relaxation to a trip full of adventure!
Sample 2-Day Itinerary for Great Sand Dunes National Park
Day 1
- Begin your journey early from Colorado Springs or Denver to maximize your time at Great Sand Dunes National Park.
- Stop in Alamosa to pick up sandboard rentals for an exciting day ahead.
- Arrive at your campsite, set up camp, and prepare for your adventure.
- Hike up High Dune with your sandboard and experience the exhilarating ride down.
- In the afternoon, visit Zapata Falls Recreation Area for scenic hikes, including the stunning Zapata Falls trail.
- Return to camp to cook dinner and witness a breathtaking sunset over the dunes.
- Enjoy stargazing and roasting marshmallows by the campfire.
Day 2
- Rise early to capture the pristine beauty of the dunes in the quiet morning light, perfect for photography.
- Relax by Medano Creek before packing up your campsite.
- On your drive out stop by the visitor center to pick up a souvenir and learn about how the dunes were formed.
- Drive to Sand Dunes Recreation for a soothing experience in therapy pools and saunas.
- Depart for Denver or continue your Colorado road trip refreshed and rejuvenated.
This itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, ensuring you make the most of your weekend getaway at Great Sand Dunes National Park.
