Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
- WD - Home
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 5
National Park Travel Guide
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a science fiction set that forgot to pack the spaceships. A sea of 700-foot dunes leans into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with a seasonal creek that turns the base into a beach. Step onto the first ridge and the scale clicks. Board down the faces, chase ripples in the evening wind, then lie back and watch the Milky Way drift like a slow river.
North America’s tallest dunes look like mountains sculpted by the wind.
How to Get There
Base in Alamosa or the tiny gateway of Mosca. From Denver, it's a long but easy haul on US-285 across high desert and ranchland. From Santa Fe or Taos, you'll cross the Rio Grande and roll through the San Luis Valley. A car is essential, and a little ground clearance helps if you plan to explore Medano Pass Primitive Road when open.
Nearest airports: Alamosa's San Luis Valley Regional for puddle jumpers; Colorado Springs and Denver for more routes.
By car: Main park access via CO-150 off US-160 near Mosca.
Pairings: Taos and the Enchanted Circle in New Mexico, or Colorado Springs and the Royal Gorge.
Know Before You Go
Late spring brings the party to the base of the dunes when snowmelt fills Medano Creek and creates natural "surge flow" waves. That same water draws crowds on warm weekends, so consider visiting on midweek mornings or evenings. Summer afternoons on the sand get hot, lightning is a risk, and the wind can be fierce. Bring eye protection and more water than you think you need.
Entrance: Standard park pass.
Medano Creek typically peaks in late May to early June in average snow years.
Gear: Closed-toe shoes for hot sand, gaiters for those who dislike sand in their socks, and board or sled rentals are available outside the park.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are the sweet spots. Spring is for creek play, while fall evenings paint the dunes bronze and bring crisp air. Summer works if you chase the sunrise and sunset, then take a nap midday. Winter is quiet, with photogenic snow stripes across the dunes.
Late May–June: Creek season and warm days.
Sept–Oct: Cooler temps, stargazing perfection.
Winter: Silent dunes, cold nights, empty trails.
Best Things to Do
Build your day around the rhythm of heat and wind. Hit a high dune at sunrise, mess around on a sandboard, and cool your feet in the creek if it is running. Then, save a short trail or scenic drive for late light.
High Dune on First Ridge: The classic summit-style objective.
Sandboarding or sledding: Rent from shops in Mosca or Alamosa.
Medano Creek hangout: Natural beach day in the Rockies when flowing.
Star program: Some of the darkest skies in Colorado.
Best Hikes
High Dune on First Ridge (2–3 miles round trip, moderate-strenuous in sand): Choose your own route and embrace the calf burn.
Star Dune mission (5–6 miles, strenuous): The Highest dune in North America if you're feeling ambitious.
Mosca Pass Trail (7 miles round trip, moderate): Shady forest walk when the sand is sizzling.
Places to Stay
Decide if you want the soundtrack of wind on sand or the convenience of town.
In the park, Piñon Flats Campground books up quickly in spring and fall.
Nearby: Lodges, cabins, and Airbnbs in Alamosa and Blanca; a few glamping outfits in the valley.
Backcountry: Designated dune and mountain zones by permit.
Places to Eat
Alamosa handles your meals with no fuss. Pack a picnic for the park, then celebrate with green-chile everything afterward.
Alamosa staples include San Luis Valley Brewing, Calvillo's for New Mexican cuisine, Roast for coffee, and breakfast burritos.
Closer to the dunes: Great Sand Dunes Oasis for simple, satisfying post-sand plates.
