As the name suggests, the Great Sand Dunes National Park is famous for its extraordinary sand dunes formed by the San Luis Valley’s wind patterns. The park has an elevation of more than 8,000 feet. These dunes can be spotted from miles away, with the tallest dune being approximately 750 feet high.

Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado has something to offer everyone, including camping, hiking, and horseback riding; however, the most popular activity in the park is sledding down the sand. Due to its location, the park is also a perfect spot for stargazing, and many astronomy programs are offered between May and September. Ranger-led nature walks are also held in the park, depending on the season.

The park is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with peaks reaching as high as 14,000 feet. For many adventure lovers, a very popular sport is climbing Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle, and Cleveland Peak. The best time to visit the park is mid to late spring when the Medano Creek is flowing.

Best hiking trails

Mosca Pass Trail

The Mosca Pass Trail is a 6.2-mile long route considered moderately challenging. With a hike of more than 3 hours, the trail steadily climbs up a wooded valley with a small stream. Hikers on the trail enjoy views of the evergreen forests along a small creek in the mountains. This trail was also one of the main routes into the San Luis Valley from the east until it was blocked by a mudslide almost a century ago.

Sand Ramp Trail

This four-mile out-and-back trail is a pretty easy trek, and hikers of all ages and skills can walk here. It is a great way to experience the park without overexerting yourself. The Sand Ramp Trail is also commonly used by many tourists to access the various backcountry campsites. The trail starts near Pinon Flats Campground and travels along the base of the Sangre de Cristos hills.

Montville Nature Trail

Montville Nature Trail is an excellent trail for an afternoon hike, as you will be saved from the sun’s scorching heat. The track is named after a late 19th-century settlement in the region. As you reach the highest point, you can view the dunes, Mt. Herard, and the San Luis Valley. Due to the variety of flora in the region, Montville Nature Trail is also decorated with beautiful wildflowers.

High Dune Trail

High Dune Trail is the best way to experience Great Sand Dunes National Park and its geological anomalies. The trail is about 3 miles long, and while it is a relatively short route, it is still considered a challenging track by many due to its elevation.

The trail demands skills and determination as the sand presents challenges to hikers. The exposed trail can also sometimes cause dehydration and heat strokes during summer. Yet, despite its many challenges, the trail is one of the park’s most sought-after trails due to its spectacular views.

Sand Dunes Loop Trail

It can take 2 to 3 hours to complete the Sand Dunes Loop Trail, which is five miles long. With an elevation of more than 200 feet, the trail passes through the sandy terrain, offering lovely panoramic views. The trail’s difficulty level is moderate, so if you have a passion for hiking, you can hike this trail with no difficulty.

Camping in the Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has one campground, Piñon Flats Campground. It is located one mile north of the Visitor Center and is open from April to October. It is run by the National Park Service and has 44 sites that can be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Individual sites can also be reserved up to 6 months in advance.

The campground has a camp store, portable water, an amphitheater, a seasonal dump station, food storage lockers, and seasonal flush toilets. Campers can also buy ice and firewood on the campsites. However, wood collecting is prohibited on the campground, and no showers are available. During March and April, the park receives the most snowfall; therefore, campers should consider the weather before booking their campsites.

Camping Options Near the Park

There are multiple public and private campgrounds near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. In addition, campgrounds at San Luis Wildlife Area have camping facilities ranging from very basic to luxurious. These camps include Oasis Campground, Zapata Falls Campground, Rustic Rook Rustic, and San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area.

• Oasis Campgrounds has tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and camping cabins.
• Zapata Falls Campground is a basic campground located at an elevation of 9000 feet. The campsites have pit toilets but no water.
• Rustic Rook Rustic offers a glamping experience to its campers and is suitable for campers who want a luxury stay.
• San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area has electric hookups, but campers must bring their own water.

Best Viewpoints

High Dune

The High Dune in Great Sand National Park in Colorado provides some of the most scenic views. The hike up to the dune is a bit challenging and adventurous. Another great thing about climbing on the dune is that hikers are also allowed to take dogs with them. Just remember to ensure it does not get too hot for your pets.

Star Dune

If you don’t know how it feels to stand on the tallest sand dune in North America, this is your chance to experience this incredible feeling! Star-shaped dunes grow upward rather than laterally, and this specific Star Dune in Great Sand Dune National Park is 750 feet tall from the valley floor.

Star Dune is located 2 miles from the High Dune. The elevation and location of the dune vary with time due to the strong desert winds. There are no proper trails to the summit, just a few routes you can take.

Medano Creek

Medano Creek is a popular shallow stream that flows during the spring and early summer. People of all ages visit the creek to experience its rare ‘surge flow’. During May, Medano Creek can flood the area between the dunes and the parking area. On warmer days, fresh snow on the mountains melts and brings down a little water to the Great Sand Dunes Parking Area. During this period, for many tourists, floating on the creek is a popular activity.

Zapata Falls

If you want to cool off after a long tiring day at the national park, going to the Zapata Falls is the only way to freshen up! Although Zapata Falls is located a few miles from the park, it is still considered a part of the Great Sand Dunes.

Getting to Zapata Falls is relatively easy, as the journey can take around 45 minutes. You can wade into the crevasse and enjoy the 30 feet tall falls from a unique perspective. During winter, the falls can freeze over into unique patterns.