Great Sand Dunes National Park

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located in south-central Colorado. Its 100,000+ acres include a 30-square-mile field of the tallest sand dunes in North America, some of which reach as much as 750 feet in height. The preserve offers a variety of other landscapes to experience as well, such as grasslands, wetlands, conifer forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. You can also splash, swim, and cool off in the park’s seasonal Medano Creek.

The weather at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve varies considerably with the seasons, and is affected by the area’s significant altitude, which ranges from 8,000 to over 11,000 feet. In the summertime, daytime temperatures often hover between 70-80F, but sand surface temperatures can reach a scading 150F on summer afternoons. Because of the altitude, these high daytime temperatures can drop into the 40s and 50s in the evening, so layered clothing is recommended. In spring and fall, daytime temperatures are closer to 50-70F, and nights can go down to the 20s. (Spring can also bring high winds in the afternoons.)

The park is open all year round, so you can also visit in winter -- but be prepared! Daytime highs are usually in the teens-30s, and lows can dip well below 0. Always check the forecast before you head to the park, and make sure you have the proper clothing and gear to enjoy yourself safely.

Great Sand Dunes is situated in quite a remote area, but there are a variety of small towns in the vicinity to explore. The town of Mosca is the closest at 23 miles southeast of the Visitors Center, and offers basic facilities like a gas station, restaurant, post office, and motel. Ten miles further along at the junction of US 285 and US 160, you’ll find the village of Alamosa, the county seat and most populous city in the area with just shy of 10,000 inhabitants. You can also reach the relatively large city of Pueblo, Colorado within a two-hour drive of the park.

As far as activities are concerned, the park is perhaps best known for its unique opportunity to slide down its epic dunes on sleds and sandboards. However, there’s a lot more to Great Sand Dunes than summery sleigh rides. Although there are no designated trails within the 30-square mile sand dune field, visitors are welcome to hike and backpack anywhere in it they wish; there are also ample forested and trails to explore in the surrounding preserve area. Great Sand Dunes’ remote location makes it an excellent spot for stargazing, and the park offers some dedicated night programs to orient guests to the depths of the night sky. The rangers also offer a variety of free daytime interpretive and educational events; check the official park calendar for full details.