Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Are you planning a trip to southern Colorado and you’re wondering what to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park? With the tallest sand dunes in North America (at over 750 feet tall), this amazing park has a unique mix of outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and stunning natural scenery. In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, plus helpful tips to plan your visit.

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Contents

• How Were the Great Sand Dunes Formed?
• Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
  • Climb the Sand Dunes
  • Sandboarding and Sledding
  • Splash in Medano Creek (Seasonal)
  • Night Photography and Stargazing
  • Medano Pass Primitive Road (4WD Only)
  • Hike to Zapata Falls (Nearby)
  • Additional Great Sand Dunes National Park Hikes
• Things to Do Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Tips for Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Where to Stay Near Great Sand Dunes National Park

How Were the Great Sand Dunes Formed?

The sand dunes were formed by a combination of wind, water, and sediment over the course of thousands of years. The sediment and sand originally came from ancient lakes, creeks, and riverbeds in the San Luis Valley. Over time, the winds blew the dry sand into a bend in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The combination of southwesterly winds and storm winds from the east kept the sand contained in this natural pocket, creating the massive dune field that is today Great Sand Dunes National Park. The dunes continue to evolve, shifting and reshaping even today with the wind.

We recommend watching the short video on the Geological Story of Great Sand Dunes on the National Park Service website.

Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park

1. Climb the Sand Dunes

One of the most iconic things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park is hiking on the massive dunes. There are no marked trails on the dunes, though most visitors start with a hike up High Dune on First Ridge. This is about 2.5 miles round trip and offers incredible panoramic views. While it’s only 2.5 miles, it takes an average of 2 hours round trip to hike this. If you are not used to the altitude, plan for 3-4 hours.

Pro tip: While we often use Alltrails, we struggled with its accuracy on the dunes. The GPS coordinates for the High Dune on First Ridge are 37.74908, -105.532775.

For those looking for a bigger challenge, Star Dune, the tallest dune in North America at 750 feet, is an epic 6-mile round trip adventure that takes 4-6 hours — perfect for serious hikers and photographers. trails, so you’re free to pick your own route, but the views from the top are absolutely worth the effort.

Pro tip: The sand gets extremely hot in the summer. Walking barefoot or with flip flops often results in burns and blisters on your feet.
Trail running shoes or hiking boots with wool socks and mid-height gaiters work best for us when hiking in the deep sand. Trekking poles can help with balance on the steep and uneven sections of the sand dunes.

See our Essential Day Hiking Checklist for more hiking essentials.

Kahtoola INSTAgaiter Mid Gaiters for Hiking, Trail Running, Mountaineering, Hunting, Rocky Terrain, Mud, Snow & Ice – Horizon Blue – Large|X-Large

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles – Carbon Fiber Walking or Hiking Sticks with Quick Adjustable Locks (Set of 2),Green

2. Sandboarding and Sledding

Sandboarding and sand sledding are among the top and unique things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, especially for families. For the best experience, we’d recommend renting sandboards or sleds that are specifically made and waxed to perform in the sand. You can’t rent the boards in the park, so plan ahead. Unlike snowboards, there are no special shoes or boots needed for these sandboards. Some of the best options for sandboards and sand sleds in the area are:

• The Oasis Store is about 4 miles outside the park, and offer rentals during the warmer months.
• Kristi Mountain Sports is in Alamosa. They recommend reserving in advance from May-September. No reservations are needed during the other months of the year.

The only way to get up the sand dunes to sled or board down is to walk up. While it’s hard work, most feel it’s worth the effort.

Pro tip: Falling off the boards or sleds onto the sand can hurt, as the sand can be abrasive and also quite hot. Wearing long sleeves and long pants can help to reduce your sun exposure and any abrasions.

3. Splash in Medano Creek (Seasonal)

If you’re visiting in late spring to early summer, don’t miss Medano Creek. The snowmelt creates a shallow stream perfect for wading, floating, and cooling off. It’s like a natural beach at the base of the dunes — one of the best family-friendly activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park during warmer months. Check the National Park Service website for the flow forecast for the creek before you go.

4. Night Photography and Stargazing

The Great Sand Dunes are far from the bright lights of any city, and are as such designated as an International Dark Sky Park, The park is an incredible destination for stargazing and night time photography. This is one of the best places in Colorado to see the Milky Way, constellations, and meteor showers. Check to see if there are any ranger-led night programs available during your visit. These are typically free when available. Or, simply bring a blanket and enjoy the night sky.

Pro tips: Wait a few hours after sunset to see the best views of the Milky Way and night skies.

5. Medano Pass Primitive Road (4WD Only)

For a true off-the-beaten-path adventure, drive the Medano Pass Primitive Road, an unpaved 22-mile route. This four wheel drive-only road crosses Medano Creek multiple times and takes you through forests, meadows, and sand. Along the drive, look for remote campsites, wildlife, and beautiful scenery. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park if you’re equipped with a high-clearance 4WD vehicle.

Pro Tips: Four wheel drive vehicles, such as jeeps, with high ground clearance, are required to clear the creek crossings and deep, sandy sections. Before heading out for your drive, check the NPS website for road conditions (it can be closed due to conditions). This site also provides links to local jeep rental and jeep tour providers.

6. Hike to Zapata Falls (Nearby)

Zapata Falls is just a short, 15-20 minute drive outside the park entrance. It’s a hidden gem and a perfect way to escape the heat. This is a fairly short, 0.5 mile trail, that winds uphill towards a beautiful 30-foot waterfall. In the warmer months, you’ll need to walk through shallow water to reach the falls. Be sure to wear shoes that can get wet, as you don’t want to go barefoot on the rocks. The water is typically chilly, since this is snowmelt.

In winter, the trail to and from the falls may be snowy or icy, especially in shady areas. Be careful if you choose to walk on the frozen creek to get to the falls. We’d definitely recommend using trekking poles in winter, as well as micro-spikes.

Pro tip: The Zapata Falls parking area has beautiful views over the Great Sand Dunes.

7. Additional Great Sand Dunes National Park Hikes

Beyond the famous dunes, Great Sand Dunes National Park also has beautiful lesser-known trails that take you into alpine and forested areas. These are perfect for exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems. Many are in shady areas, making them a great way to take a break from the sun.

Things to Do Near Great Sand Dunes National Park

In addition to Zapata Falls already mentioned, check out these nearby attractions if you have extra time:

• San Luis State Wildlife Area – Just down the road and perfect for bird watching and scenic walks.
• Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge – If you’re visiting in March, enjoy Monte Vista’s Crane Festival, celebrating the migrating Sandhill Cranes (and a variety of other birds). You may also see the cranes in the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

• Blanca Peak – For experienced hikers only, this 14er offers stunning alpine scenery and a challenging climb. The access road requires a four wheel drive vehicle with good clearance.
• San Luis – Take a scenic drive to Colorado’s oldest town, San Luis. Walk or drive up to the Capilla de Todos Los Santos on the mesa above town.

Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park

When planning your visit, here are the best seasons to enjoy the park’s top activities:

• Late May to Early July: Medano Creek is flowing, making it the best time for water play and sand sledding. Expect larger crowds.
• Fall (especially September-October): Temperatures begin to cool off and there ar fewer visitors, with beautiful fall colors.
• Spring (April to May): Ideal for hiking the dunes before the summer heat arrives.
• Summer (July to August): Visit early morning or late evening to avoid scorching sand temperatures that can reach 150°F (66°C).
• Winter: A quiet and peaceful time to visit, but be prepared for cold weather and snowy dunes.

Tips for Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park

• Bring plenty of water — hiking on sand is harder than it looks and it is dry here! The visitor’s center has water refill stations. There are also water fountains at the main dunes area, near the changing rooms (turned off in the winter months).
• Avoid hiking midday in summer, when the sand becomes extremely hot.
• Wear closed-toe shoes or thick socks to protect your feet from hot sand.
• Bring a picnic lunch — there are no restaurants or food options inside the park, but there are plenty of great spots for a scenic lunch.
• Look out for wildlife like deer, elk, antelope (pronghorns).

Where to Stay Near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Wondering where to stay near Great Sand Dunes National Park? Here are some of the best options:

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park

From sandboarding and hiking, jeep rides to stargazing, there are endless things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park for most all travelers. Add Great Sand Dunes National Park to your Colorado bucket list — and don’t forget to rent your sandboard!

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