The Great Sand Dunes were my favorite place to visit in Colorado. The dunes are the tallest in America and are fun to explore, with no designated trails.
This guide will cover everything you need to know before your next visit to the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Things to Do
Walking up massive sand hills to the top of High Dune was my favorite experience at the dunes. Climbing to the top was challenging during the steep ascents, but the views from the top were worth the effort.
Unfortunately, during my stay, I did not experience the starry sky of the International Dark Sky Park due to storms.
Sandboarding or sledding is a popular activity on the dunes. Many places, like Oasis Rv Resort Campground and The Great Sand Dunes lodge, offer rentals.
I recommend hiking and sledding early in the morning or late in the afternoon and relaxing by Medano Creek to cool off during the mid-summer heat.
Fees & Passes
A standard car must pay an entrance fee of $25 to enter the national park; this fee covers seven days.
If you visit multiple national parks on your trip, consider buying an “America the Beautiful Pass.”
How to Get Here
To get here, take US 150 past the fee post and visitor center and make a left on Medano Creek Rd to the Great Sand Dunes Parking Lot.
You take the sand trail from the parking lot to Medano Creek. Once you pass the ankle-deep water, you can start climbing up the dunes.
What to Bring
Out on the dunes, there is no cover at all, especially when the sun is facing directly down. As a result, heat exhaustion is also a concern in the summer. Here is a list of things you should bring.
- sunscreen
- bug spray
- backpack
- hat
- sunglasses
- light-colored clothing
- jacket (for the chilly nights)
- plenty of water
- umbrella or poncho
You can find water fountains and feet showers to wash off near the Great Sand Dunes Parking bathrooms.
Best Time to Visit
The park is busiest in the summer season at midday. Early morning and evening are the best times to escape the crowds on the dunes.
When the sun sits the lowest in the sky is the best time for photographing the dunes.
Weather
Summer temperatures in the San Luis Valley are usually around 80 degrees. However, when I was here over the summer during a heat wave, it was over 100 degrees.
On a sunny day on the dunes, the sand gets too hot to walk barefoot.
Thunderstorms are common in the summer afternoons. In this case, everyone has to leave the dunes.
Nights in the dunes can drop temperatures by half compared to daytime.
For more weather information, click here.
Lodging and camping
If you obtain a backpacking permit, you can camp on the dunes.
While at the Great Sand Dunes, I stayed at the Piñon Flats Campground. The campground offers no electric hookups or showers. You can also access the dunes from a trail at the campground.
Oasis Rv Resort and Campground offer cabins and campsites with a bathhouse only nine minutes (3.7 miles) from the visitor center.
The Great Sand Dunes Lodge offers rooms and breakfast 10 minutes (4 miles) from the visitor center.
Conclusion
Exploring the tall rolling hills of dunes in Colorado has always been a bucket list place of mine to visit. Please leave a comment below and tell me about your experience at the dunes.
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