Things To Do

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Visiting in Spring

Spring at Great Sand Dunes can mean anything from warm sun and mild spring temperatures to chilly winds or blizzards - sometimes in one day! At this 8200' (2470 m) elevation, be prepared. Have clothing available for a warm, calm day splashing in the water, but also for snowy or windy conditions if needed. Check weather online for a current forecast for the main visitor use area of the park. In average to wet years, the popular Medano Creek begins as a trickle in early April, increasing to a wide, shallow stream flowing in rhythmic waves at its peak in late May. Bring a swimsuit to enjoy this natural beach environment. Check current conditions of Medano Creek.

Camping in Spring

The Piñon Flats Campground has 88 individual sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. In warmer spring months, the campground often fills on weekends. Group sites for groups of 10 or more are available by reservation: (719) 378-6399. A private campground, the Oasis, is also available just outside the park's entrance beginning in April. Tent sites or RV camping with hookups are available there. Reservations for sites at the Oasis can be made at (719) 378-2222.

Backpacking sites in the national park are available by free permits available at the Visitor Center. You may either camp in the backcountry of the dunefield, or at a designated site at the perimeter of the dunefield.

Services in Spring

The Oasis store and restaurant, (719) 378-2222, is located just outside the park entrance. It provides gas and basic groceries daily beginning the latter half of March or early April, and a restaurant daily beginning in May. The Great Sand Dunes Lodge, (719) 378-2900, is a modern motel located behind the Oasis. It usually opens in late March or early April, and is the closest lodging available near the park. All services and motels are available year-round in Alamosa; shops and motels in Blanca, Mosca, and Hooper are open most days in warmer spring months. Check our lodging page for more details on available motels in the area. The Visitor Center is open from 9-4:30 in early spring. During spring break, hours on Fridays and Saturdays extend to 9-5:30. Call (719) 378-6399 to reach a ranger at the Visitor Center.

Visiting in Summer

Exploring the Park in Summer

Plan to hike on the dunes in morning or evening to avoid afternoon storms, and to avoid the hot mid-day sand surface. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for those unable to walk in the dunes. Afternoon activities can include hiking in the adjacent Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Cool off at Zapata Falls, a popular 1/2 mile hike; the trailhead is 12 miles south of the Park and Preserve. In average to wet years, Medano Creek begins to flow as a trickle in early April, increasing to a wide stream flowing in rhythmic waves at its peak in late May. Unless the mountain snowpack is high, the creek usually begins to disappear back toward the mountains by mid-summer. Check current Medano Creek conditions. 

The Piñon Flats Campground has 88 individual sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. In summer months, the campground often fills by mid-day on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and often fills on other weekday nights. Group sites for groups of 10 or more are available by reservation: (719) 378-6399. A private campground, the Oasis, is also available just outside the park entrance. Tent sites or RV camping with hookups are available there. Reservations for sites at the Oasis can be made at (719) 378-2222.

Backpacking sites are available by free permits available at the Visitor Center. You may either camp in the backcountry of the dunefield, or at a designated site at the perimeter of the dunefield.

Camping with your vehicle in the backcountry is available without a permit along the Medano Pass road, in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. This road is passable only with a high-clearance 4WD vehicle (ATVs are not permitted).

Scheduled ranger programs are available most days in summer. These include nature walks, children's programs, and evening programs at the amphitheater. Call the Visitor Center for details at 719-378-6399.

The Oasis store and restaurant, (719) 378-2222, is located just outside the park entrance. It provides gas, basic groceries, and a restaurant daily during the summer. The Great Sand Dunes Lodge, (719) 378-2900, is a modern motel located behind the Oasis. It is the closest lodging to the park. All services and motels are available year-round in Alamosa; shops and motels in Blanca, Fort Garland, Mosca, and Hooper are open daily in summer. Check the lodging page on this site for more details and other area lodging options. The Visitor Center is open every day in June, July and August from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (719) 378-6399 to reach a ranger at the Visitor Center.

Visiting in Fall

Fall at Great Sand Dunes can mean anything from warm sun and mild fall temperatures to blizzards - sometimes in one day! At this 8200' (2470 m) elevation, be prepared for any conditions. Typically, however, fall days are sunny with highs in the 60s to 70s F. and lows in the 30s F. Fall colors generally peak in late September to early October. Call the National Weather Service local weather line at (719) 589-3232 or check weather online.

Plan to enjoy a hike on the dunes without the crowds of summer. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for those unable to walk in the dunes. Hike on a mountain trail, or use your high-clearance 4WD to explore Medano Pass in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve to enjoy the fall foliage up close. Fall hunting is permitted in the mountains of the national preserve, so wear bright orange colors and be alert. Check with a ranger for exact hunting seasons and locations. Hunting is not permitted anywhere in the national park, including the dunes, and grasslands and forests around the perimeter of the dunes.

The Piñon Flats Campground has 88 individual sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. In warmer fall months, the campground often fills on weekends. Group sites for groups of 10 or more are available by reservation: (719) 378-6399. A private campground, the Oasis, is also available just outside the park's entrance through October. Tent sites or RV camping with hookups are available there. Reservations for sites at the Oasis can be made at (719) 378-2222. Backpacking sites are available by free permits available at the Visitor Center. You may either camp in the backcountry of the dunefield, or at a designated site at the perimeter of the dunefield. Car camping in the backcountry is available without a permit along the Medano Pass road, in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. This road is passable only with a high-clearance 4WD vehicle (ATVs are not permitted). Call the Visitor Center at (719) 378-6399 for current road conditions and seasonal closures. Aspen color generally peaks along the road in late September.

Scheduled ranger programs are available as staffing permits in fall months. Call the Visitor Center at (719) 378-6399 for current programs.

The Oasis store and restaurant, (719) 378-2222, is located just outside the park entrance. It provides gas and basic groceries daily through October, and a restaurant daily through September. The Great Sand Dunes Lodge, (719) 378-2900, is a modern motel located behind the Oasis. It is usually open through October, and is the closest lodging available near the park. All services and motels are available year-round in Alamosa; shops and motels in Blanca, Fort Garland, Mosca, and Hooper are open most days in warmer fall months. Check the accomodations and camping page on this site for more options. The Visitor Center is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Longer hours may exist as staffing permits in September and October. Call (719) 378-6399 to reach a ranger at the Visitor Center.

Visiting in Winter

Winter at Great Sand Dunes offers solitude, natural quiet, and incredibly clear day and night skies. Days are generally sunny and chilly, and the sand may even feel warm in the intense alpine sun. But be prepared for any winter conditions at this 8200' elevation, including blizzards and subzero temperatures at night.

When snow does fall on the dunes, sledding, snowboarding or skiing are fantastic, with no trees or rocks as obstacles. Whether the dunes are snowy or sandy, a winter hike on the dunes can be a refreshing experience for all ages. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for those unable to walk in the dunes.

Piñon Flats Campground is open all year, with one accessible restroom and running water. However, the RV dump station closes when freezing temperatures occur regularly, usually late September through mid May.

The Visitor Center is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except federal holidays in winter. Longer hours may exist in spring, summer, and fall. Call (719) 378-6399 to reach a ranger at the Visitor Center. The closest lodging in winter is in Alamosa, Fort Garland, and Mosca. Check the Lodging and Camping page on this site for more details and options. Backpacking sites are available by free permits available at the Visitor Center. You may either camp in the backcountry of the dunefield, or at a designated site at the perimeter of the dunefield.

Be prepared! No gas, food, or lodging facilities are open nearby. All services are available year-round in Alamosa; shops in Blanca, Fort Garland, Mosca, and Hooper may not be open every day.

To check local weather conditions call the National Weather Service at 719-589-3232, or check weather online.

Mule deer and elk frequently cross the road in winter. Drive slowly and be prepared to stop.

Hypothermia is a dangerous condition of untreated low body temperature. It occurs when your body loses warmth more quickly than it can produce it. Cold winds and wet conditions make hypothermia more likely. Always take extra layers of clothing, try to stay dry, and watch your companions for signs of coldness.

Nearby Attractions

Zapata Falls

This popular short hike is located on BLM (US Bureau of Land Management) land south of the national park, off of Highway 150. It is a good option for summer afternoons when sand temperatures are high. Simply driving to the trailhead provides an excellent view of the entire dunefield and San Luis Valley, especially at sunrise or sunset. However, the hike to the falls is not for anyone unsteady on their feet.

From the Visitor Center, drive south about 8 miles, then turn left (east) onto a gravel road. Drive about 3.5 miles to the trailhead. To view the falls, hike about 1/2 mile, cross the creek, then scramble up the rocks and stream into a cavern where the 30 ft. high falls cascade onto a ledge.

Caution: Rocks are slippery, and water may be deep and swift, especially in early summer during snowmelt. Rarely, rocks may fall from above into the chasm. In winter, the falls freeze, creating an icy sculpture capturing the motion of the falling water. Ice and snow may make the hike very slippery. Falling ice may be a hazard in spring.

US Forest Service Lands, Sangre de Cristo Mountains

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve are surrounded on the north, south, and east by lands managed by the US Forest Service, including the Rio Grande National Forest (west side of the Sangre de Cristos) and the San Isabel National Forest (east side of the Sangre de Cristos). Eight 14,000' peaks and many other peaks, valleys, alpine lakes and streams are found within these two national forests of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

San Luis Lake State Park and San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area

San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area protects a wetland complex adjacent to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Birdwatching and photography are primary activities here, although hunting is permitted in season. As with most protected wetlands, this wildlife area is closed to the public for shore bird nesting from February 15 - July 15 each year.

National Wildlife Refuges

Because of its many wetlands and strategic location for many unusual migratory birds, the San Luis Valley is home to three national wildlife refuges. Two are currently open to the public. The third, Baca National Wildlife Refuge, is not open to the public at this time; management planning is scheduled to begin in 2008. Baca NWR was created in 2004 as part of the expansion of Great Sand Dunes National Monument into a national park and preserve, protecting the entire natural hydrological system of the Great Sand Dunes.

Alamosa NWR is located a few miles southeast of Alamosa, Colorado. It features wetlands along the Rio Grande River.

Monte Vista NWR is south of Monte Vista, Colorado. This refuge contains many restored or enhanced wetlands associated with agricultural lands. It is one of the hotspots in the valley to view thousands of sandhill cranes each spring and fall.

Other Wetland Areas in the San Luis Valley

Blanca Wetlands, Alamosa Open Space Wetlands, Russell Lakes SWA, and others are described in a digital brochure on Access to San Luis Valley Grasslands and Wetlands (.pdf file, 720 KB).

Fort Garland

Adobe buildings have been reconstructed to their original 19th century appearance at this important historic site in the town of Fort Garland, Colorado, on US Highway 160. Dioramas, exhibits, tents and teepees, and scheduled living history events make this a good place for all ages to learn about this era. Browse the Colorado Historical Society's web pages on Fort Garland for details.

Alamosa County and Saguache County, Cultural and Other Attractions

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is situated in Saguache County and Alamosa County. The closest town to the park and its mailing address is Mosca, Colorado. From western pioneer festivals and parades to American Indian dances and Hispanic heritage events, the San Luis Valley has a diverse heritage and an eclectic ambiance that is reflected in its architecture, art, and cuisine. This valley is even home to an alligator sanctuary and a "UFO Watchtower"! Follow the links above to official tourist information pages for details on cultural and other attractions in these counties.

Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway

Part of the national system of scenic and historic byways, Los Caminos Antiguos gives the traveler a taste of the diverse cultural and natural resources of the San Luis Valley. From historic adobe churches in the southern part of the valley to an organic quinoa farm near Mosca, the valley's rich heritage comes to life.

The route goes from Cumbres Pass in the San Juan Mountains, through the southern part of the valley, past the Great Sand Dunes, west past San Luis Lakes to Highway 17, and finally south to Alamosa. Travel either direction on the byway and any part of it. Distinctive signs along the route interpret many natural and cultural points of interest. Restaurants, shops, museums, and historic sites on the byway also provide resources for travelers.

Things To Do

What To Do When You Arrive

It's a little off the beaten path to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. A popular destination for over 300,000 visitors annually, Great Sand Dunes features a diversity of resources and something of interest for all ages. Explore desert to forest to tundra, an unusual combination of landscapes found within a single National Park Service unit.

If You Only Have Time for a Short Visit

If you have only a very short time to enjoy the park, try to take in the contrast between wind-swept dunes and craggy Rocky Mountains. Make your first stop the Visitor Center: watch the 20 minute film and take a peek at the exhibits. Then head into the dunes. Watch for animal and insect tracks in the sand. Is Medano Creek flowing? If you see water on the surface, moisture levels have been average or high in the preceding months.

More options for a quick visit

- Attend a terrace talk or nature walk during summer months; check the interpretive schedule at the Visitor Center for times. All interpretive programs are free and open to everyone-please join us!

- Explore Medano Creek, flowing at the base of the dunes. During dry years, the creek disappears. In years of adequate snow and rainfall, the creek flows in spring and early summer. Observe the creek closely. Do you see anything unusual? Medano Creek exhibits a phenomenon called "surge flow." Its surges may remind you of waves at a beach. Each time a surge occurs, a mound of sand (which had temporarily dammed some of the water in the creek bed), collapses. If you'd like more information on surge flow, ask for a handout at the Visitor Center. If you have youngsters in your group, you may have a difficult time prying them out of the creek and the wet sand. We encourage you to spend time with them building sand castles, flying a kite, or sliding down the dunes. When you're ready to call it quits find the footwash just outside the rest room building in the dunes parking area. Your pets are welcome to play with you-but please keep them leashed at all times, and clean up after them!

- Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy awesome views of the dunes from the picnic area. You may have magpies scavenging around you, large black and white birds, iridescent in hues of green or purple in the sunlight. Remember, keep wildlife wild! Never feed the birds or animals, no matter how persuasive they are.

- Hike the Montville Nature Trail, a ½ mile jaunt beginning at the Mosca Pass Trailhead Parking Area. Take along a trail guide and learn a little natural and human history of the area. The trail gets its name from a late 1800s settlement at the foot of nearby Mosca Pass, consisting of 20 houses in its heyday.

If you have half a day

- Spend a little more time exploring the dunes, and watch for the interactions of sand, wind, water, and animals. Climb the "High" Dune, the prominent dune visible from the Visitor Center. Though it is neither the highest in elevation above sea level, nor the tallest from top to bottom, it appears that way from the main visitor area. Elevation gain to the top is 650 feet. There are no trails to the summit; begin at the base and zigzag up the dune ridge lines. From High Dune are splendid views only motivated hikers are privileged to see. Another skyrising dune can be seen to the southwest: the spectacular Star Dune which rises 750 feet. Star dunes have three or more arms and are created by complex wind patterns. Star dunes are also very photogenic, so make sure you take your camera.

- Wildlife watching is a popular past time at Great Sand Dunes. During the day, watch for coyotes, mule deer, pronghorn, ground squirrels, and chipmunks. At night, wander the dunes in search of giant sand treader camel crickets or kangaroo rats. In fall, winter, and spring, also watch for elk along the entrance road. Remember, everything at Great Sand Dunes is protected, so please do your part to keep wildlife wild--observe wildlife only from a distance, and never feed wild animals!

- Consider a walk on the dunes around sunset; what better way to watch the closing of the day than from a dune ridge line? Moonlight walks on the dunes can be enchanting, and the night sky may amaze you with its brilliance! No need to worry about poisonous snakes and scorpions-they are not found in these high-elevation dunes. However, be sure you stay oriented and can find your way back to your vehicle when you're ready. Save some time for quiet contemplation. You may find the dunes to be a place where you can set aside the challenges of everyday life, a place where uninterrupted solitude can be found.

- For a walk with great views but more solid footing, walk the Sand Ramp Trail beginning in the campground near the second bathroom in Loop 2. Hike north to Point of No Return. Along the trail are majestic views of the dunes. Take a short spur trail to the Dunes Overlook. The openness of the landscape provides excellent views in all directions.

- Hike the Mosca Pass trail, which winds up Mosca Canyon and the national preserve. Summertime wildflowers are abundant in moist areas along Mosca Creek. Mosca Canyon also is a favorite area for birders. In the lower reaches of the canyon you'll find pinyon, juniper, cottonwood, and aspen trees thriving. Higher up grow spruce and fir groves. Watch for bristlecone and limber pines as well. The top of the pass reveals views into the Wet Mountain Valley on the east side. The elevation at the top of the pass is 9,413 feet. Experienced hikers, consider a bushwhack to the top of Carbonate Peak, south of Mosca Pass.

- On a hot summer day, hiking to nearby Zapata Falls can be a "chilling" experience, but is not for anyone unsteady on their feet. The trailhead is located outside the park on highway 150. From the Visitor Center, drive south about 8 miles, then turn left (east) onto a gravel road. Drive about 3.5 miles to the trailhead. To view the falls, hike about 1 mile, crossing the creek, climbing a short ladder, and traversing the stream into a cavern where the falls cascade onto a ledge. Be careful! In winter, the falls freeze, creating an icy sculpture capturing the motion of the falling water. Watch for slippery trail conditions in winter.

Driving Options and Driving Tours

- If you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, consider the primitive road to Medano Pass, 11 miles from the Visitor Center. For non-hikers, this is the best way to access the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. The drive is most spectacular during fall when the aspens paint the mountainsides with gold, but is lovely any time of year. The Medano Pass Road is most difficult on the west side (dunes side) where the sand entraps a vehicle on occasion. Use 4-wheel drive 'low' and keep steady pressure on the gas pedal to avoid bogging down in sandy areas; vehicles must have high clearance to maneuver this road. This route is not recommended for small sport utility vehicles (e.g., Subaru Forester or Outback, Toyota Rav-4, etc.). Creek crossings can be hazardous in spring, and the road is closed by winter conditions from approximately December through April. Elevation at the Pass is 10,000 feet above sea level. Don't expect to be anywhere fast; driving is generally in the 5-10 mph range.

- If you don't have access to 4-wheel drive, consider an outing with our concessioner, The Oasis, which offers a 4-wheel drive tour. Tours are available during the summer months only; call 719-378-2222 for more information.

If you have a day or more

- Camp in the Piñon Flats Campground, and attend a summer evening program at the amphitheater. Rangers offer slide shows most evenings from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting.

- Camp overnight in the dunes. In most cities, the night sky appears faded due to city lights. The remote dunes lend themselves to panoramic views of the heavens. Immerse yourself for the night surrounded by swirls of sand. Watch for shooting stars. Listen to the amazing quiet. Be aware, this is a hike often described as a "grunt"-it takes effort and a wilderness permit (which you can obtain for free at the Visitor Center) to reach a sandy wilderness destination, but it's a worthwhile experience to discover the reality of a night surrounded by sand. Listen for the howl of the coyote and the whisper (or gale!) of the wind.

- Backpack to a forested site near the dunes. Distances to these sites range from 0.5 miles to 10.5 miles. Free permits available at the Visitor Center.

- Day hike or backpack to other areas in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve east of the dunes. There are miles of trails to explore within the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. Glacier-carved peaks towering over alpine meadows and sub-alpine forests make this a dramatic landscape, but this remote area requires extra preparedness and caution on your part. Topographical maps are a must for hikers in this area!

Consider these longer hikes:

- Lower and Upper Sand Creek Lakes. Begin this moderately strenuous hike at the Music Pass Trailhead, located in the San Isabel National Forest. From Westcliffe, Colorado take state highway 69, then turn east on country road 115. Follow the 'Music Pass Trailhead' signs about 10 miles to the lower trailhead parking. If you're driving a two wheel drive vehicles, park here. Drivers of 4WD vehicles can continue another 2.7 miles to the upper trailhead parking area. From there, it's a 1.5 mile uphill hike to Music Pass, where you'll gain tremendous views of Tijeras Peak (elev. 13,604') and Music Mountain (elev. 13,355') and enter the national preserve. Hike east into the Sand Creek drainage to explore Lower Sand Creek Lake (3 miles), Upper Sand Creek Lake (4 miles), and Little Sand Creek Lake (8 miles). Please, follow Leave No Trace camping principles and protect this awesome valley.

- The Medano Lake Trail, leaving from just east of Medano Pass. Accessing this trailhead requires a 4 WD vehicle with good clearance--see the description of the road above. The moderately strenuous 4 mile (one way) hike leads to Medano Lake, sitting just above 11,000' in a cirque below Mount Herard.

Nearby Wetland Bird Watching and Boating

- Nearby San Luis Lakes State Park and Wildlife Area is a good place to observe migratory waterfowl and a variety of wetland species. According to legend, the Sangre de Cristo mountains were named at San Luis Lakes by a Spanish priest wounded in battle. At sunset he lay dying on a raft in the middle of San Luis Lake, and the mountains were bathed in crimson light. The priest exclaimed, "Sangre de Cristo!" (Blood of Christ), allegedly naming the mountain range.

- Visit the Alamosa or Monte Vista Wildlife Refuges. In spring and fall, sandhill cranes migrate through the San Luis Valley by the thousands; you may see a rare whooping crane mingled with flocks of sandhills. The Crane Festival is held each March in Monte Vista with bus tours offered through the refuge. There is a visitor center at the Alamosa refuge (closed weekends) and a self-guiding auto tour at the Monte Vista refuge.

Other attractions in the San Luis Valley

What else? You could: Ride the Cumbres-Toltec Narrow Gauge Railroad. Tour the Alligator Farm. Swim or soak in thermal-fed hot pools. Visit the Jack Dempsey museum or Pike's Stockade or any number of museums in the San Luis Valley. We hope you'll find enough to learn, see, and do that you'll visit your national Park and Preserve again and again!

Outdoor Activities

Because the dunes and surrounding mountains are designated wilderness, this is a great place to enjoy unspoiled natural beauty in a variety of ways. Whether you play in Medano Creek, build a sand castle, slide down the dunes, go birdwatching in wetlands, or ascend a 13,000' peak, you will discover plenty of kinds of outdoor recreation for all ages. Follow the links below for a sample of things to do outdoors:

Visiting the Park's Grasslands, Shrublands, and Wetlands

Horseback Riding

Ranger-led Programs and Events

Kids' Activities

Bison Tours (commercial tour)

Open Air Vehicle Tours Along the Medano Pass Primitive Road (commercial tour)

Camping along the Medano Pass Primitive Road is available in first-come, first-serve designated sites within the national preserve only. (Camping along the road is not permitted within the national park.) Fire rings are available at each site. Use dead and down wood less than 4" in diameter or bring your own firewood. Put out your fire completely after use.

Nearby Attractions

Zapata Falls Recreation Area, Rio Grande and San Isabel National Forests, Alamosa and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges, San Luis Lakes State Park and Wildlife Area, wetlands, historic sites, museums, a scenic byway and more.