Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Welcome to the alpine tundra, forests, massive dunes, grasslands, and wetlands of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Come and explore the tallest dunes in North America! Whether hiking, sliding, exploring in a dunes wheelchair - or simply playing - the Great Sand Dunes are a unique wilderness area protected for all to enjoy.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Art HutchinsonPhone Number: 719-378-6300
Entrance Fees: Individual Pass (valid for 7 days): $3; Vehicle Pass (valid for 7 days): $3; Annual Pass: $15
Sights: Medano Creek; High Dune; Star Dune; Mt. Herard; Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Endangered Species: Spider Flower
Important Dates
Established as Park: September 24, 2004By The Numbers
Acres: 149,512.00Highest Point: Herard Ridge (10520 feet)
Annual Visitation: 258,660 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :37.754440 / -105.558610 (map it)
State: CO
Nearby Big City: Mosca, CO
Gateway Communities: Mosca, CO; Blanca, CO; Hooper, CO; Fort Garland, CO
Nearby Airports: San Luis Valley Regional Aiport/Bergman Field (KALS); City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS); Denver International Airport (DEN)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Mountains Dunes
James B. Adson
Sand Dune Walk
Darla Hallmark
Great Sand Dunes, 2907
National Park Service
View More Great Sand Dunes Photos
In Detail
Camping Campgrounds Pinyon Flats Campground, a national park campground located about 1 mile north of the Visitor Center, has excellent views of the dunefield. 88 sites are located along two loops. Restrooms ... read more.
In A Nutshell Operating Hours & Seasons Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is open 24 hours a day, all year. In winter, the Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, except for federal holida ... read more.
Just For Kids FOR KIDS The Great Sand Dunes were made for kids! You can play in the sand, roll or slide down a dune, splash in Medano Creek in spring and early summer, hike in the mountains, see cool interactive e ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging Accomodations and Campgrounds near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Please contact each establishment for information on current rates, services, and availability. This list begin ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Permits Special Use Permits must be acquired before holding any event (such as a wedding) or for commercial filming in the national park or preserve. For questions or for more information, call the C ... read more.
Things To Do PLAN YOUR VISIT Below is general information for each season, including camping, ranger programs, available services, and weather. Visiting in Spring Spring at Great Sand Dunes can mean anything from ... read more.
Walking & Hiking Hiking and Backpacking Dunes Exploration Explore any part of the 30 square mile dunefield you wish; there are no designated trails in the sand. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for free loa ... read more.
Great Sand Dunes In Depth
News from the Parks
Ken Burns on Vacation/Location at Glacier National Park
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
Town Government Rejected by Tusayan
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
Tauck Hosts its 10,000th Guest-Volunteer in Yellowstone National Park
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
Dupuyer Elementary School Offering Students Unique Learning Experiences
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
Boston Trustees Discuss Township Issues
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
