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 holidays, when the building is closed. In spring and fall, the Visitor Center is generally open 9-5; longer hours may exist as staffing permits. Summer hours at the Visitor Center are generally 9-6. Call ahead at (719)378-6399 for specific hours on the days you plan to visit.

Since the campground is self-registration and first-come, first-served, you may self-register for a site 24 hours a day when sites are available.

Directions

Great Sand Dunes National Park is located 35 miles northeast of Alamosa, Colorado, reached by U.S. 160 and Colorado 150 from the south, or from Colorado 17 and County Lane 6 from the west.

By car: From Denver, Colorado Springs, or Pueblo, the fastest route is south on I-25 to Walsenburg, west on US 160, north on state highway 150. For a more scenic drive from Denver or Colorado Springs, you may also get on US 285 south, then state highway 17 south, then County Lane 6 east. From Albuquerque, drive north on I-25 to Santa Fe, then north on US 285 to Alamosa.

By air: Commercial air service is available to a small airport at Alamosa, Colorado. Colorado Springs and Denver are served by many commercial airlines. Rental cars from major rental companies are available at airports in Colorado Springs and Denver. Rental cars may be available in Alamosa: call L&M Auto Rentals at 719-589-4651.

By bus: There is no public transportation to the park itself, but Greyhound Bus Lines serves Alamosa and Blanca, Colorado. Call 800-231-2222 for fare and schedule information.

Weather

Following is weather information for each season. For a current forecast, call the National Weather Service for the San Luis Valley at (719) 589-3232, or visit the National Weather Service online forecast for the main visitor area of the park. Because the park ranges in elevation from 7500' to over 13,000', this forecast is only valid for the 8000' level, where the main parking area and Visitor Center are located.

Spring can sometimes bring high winds, especially in the afternoon. Temperatures may vary widely: highs may reach into the 60s F, or only into the 30s F with an even colder windchill. Lows can also vary from 0 degrees F to the 30s F. March and April are the snowiest months of the year, but some days, especially in later spring when Medano Creek is flowing, can also be swimsuit weather.

In summer, daytime air temperatures  average in the 70s-80s F. However, sand surface temperatures can soar to 140 degrees F on sunny summer afternoons.  Summer nights are surprisingly cool, thanks to our elevation of 8200' above sea level. Even in summer, warm layered clothing is recommended, as lows may drop into the 40s. After dark, a warm coat or a blanket are necessities. Afternoon thundershowers are common in July and August with associated winds and lightning. Be prepared to leave the dunes promptly if thunderstorms threaten: lightning strikes are common and can be fatal.

Fall is generally mild, with Indian summer days. Highs average in the 60s - 70s F, with chilly nights in the 20s - 30s F. Be prepared, though, for the occasional cold fall storm, bringing icy rain or even snow.

Cold temperatures are the norm in winter, even though sunshine is generally abundant. The lowest temperature recorded at Great Sand Dunes was minus 25 degrees in 1963. Average highs are in the 20s-40s F, with lows averaging minus 5 degrees F below zero to 15 degrees F above zero. Snow may fall and high winds may occasionally occur, so bring warm, layered clothing and sturdy footwear.

Fees & Reservations

Entrance fees are $3 per adult (age 16 and older). Entrance fees are valid for one week from date of purchase. Children are free at all times.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Annual Pass costs $15, and admits pass holder and all family members in the vehicle into the park for one year from date of purchase.

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass
This $80 pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) This pass can be obtained in person at the park; by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1; or via the internet.

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass
This is a $10 lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass
This is a free lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

More information on the various America the Beautiful passes is available here.

All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.

Commercial tours are charged by the number of passengers:

1-6 = $25
7-25 = $40
26+ = $100

Camping Fees and Reservations: Pinyon Flats Campground is first-come, first-served for individual sites. Individual sites are $14 per night. Size limit: 6 people or two tents maximum per site. Sites fill most nights in summer, so plan to arrive early if possible. Three group sites may be reserved by groups of 10 or more by calling the Visitor Center at 719-378-6399. Group sites are primarily for tents; parking is limited. Reservations for each year are accepted beginning January 2.

Backcountry camping, including backpacking and car camping along the Medano Pass 4WD road, is first-come, first-served for designated sites. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is required to access the portion of the Medano Pass road where car camping is permitted. A free backpacking permit, available at the Visitor Center during business hours, is required for any backpacking in the park and preserve.

Education Program or Interpretive Program Request: Contact the Education Specialist at 719-378-6344 or send an email. Please contact the Education Specialist at least two weeks prior to the program date.

Educational Entrance Fee Waiver: Accredited school groups that are planning to visit the park for primarily educational purposes may apply for an entrance fee waiver. The educational content of your trip must relate directly to the resources of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in order to qualify. To apply, download and fill out an Educational Fee Waiver Form (.doc Word file, 50KB). Form must be received at least two weeks prior to your visit. When complete, return it via email to the address on the form, fax it to (719) 378-6310, or mail it to: Fee Supervisor, Great Sand Dunes NPP, 11500 Hwy 150, Mosca, CO 81146.

Questions may be directed to: Fee Supervisor, (719) 378-6352.