Great Sand Dunes National Park
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The dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park are the highest in the United States, so sandboarding and sand sledding are the two most popular things to do here. The park doesn't rent the equipment for these activities, so you'll have to rent or buy it nearby. Once you find your spot in the park's RV campground and set up shop, you can begin to explore the dunes, hiking trails, and Medano Creek, which is nearly as popular as riding the dunes. It dries up by the end of June. Another great activity is stargazing, either from your RV campsite or out in the backcountry, because the entire park is under Class-2 Bortle skies. Bring your telescope for terrific nighttime views. From Labor Day until Memorial Day, the visitor center is open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. From Memorial Day until Labor Day, it's open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The Colorado cities of Moffat and South Fork are two places to rent RVs within 50 miles.
Pinon Flats Campground is the only campground with RV-specific campsites in Great Sand Dunes National Park, and it accommodates RVs up to 25 feet in length. Although you don't need a permit to enter the park or RV campground, you do need one if you intend to camp in the backcountry among the dunes. Additionally, the roads in the park aren't good for rigs longer than 35 feet. If you have a big rig, the park staff recommends seeking RV accommodation elsewhere and driving to Great Sand Dunes National Park in your car. The park's single entrance is called Entrance Station, and it's on the east side of the park. Keep in mind that you cannot effectively use GPS navigation programs for highway travel in the Rocky Mountains. Such programs have been known to send travelers down hiking trails or onto trails fit only for four-wheel drive.
- Spring 50-68 F
- Summer 68-82 F
- Fall 61-74 F
- Winter 12-41 F
- Coming soon
- Great Sand Dunes National Park Annual Pass: $45
- America the Beautiful Pass: $80
- Great Sand Dunes National Park Standard RV Pass: $25
RV Rentals Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
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Great Sand Dunes National Park Hiking Trails
There are 23 blazed hiking trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park. You also have the option of simply exploring the dunes off any set trail. In either case, be sure to take at least two gallons of water per person per hour that you plan to spend hiking. Bring the strongest sunblock you can find, and wear a hat with a wide brim along with dark sunglasses.
Wellington Ditch Trail
Dunes Overlook Trail
Things to do Outside Great Sand Dunes National Park
Shop in boutiques, bookstores, and antiques stores in the immediate area if you'd like to pass a quiet afternoon. You can sample Italian, authentic Mexican, and Tex-Mex cuisine at restaurants in nearby towns, too. For a different kind of excitement, visit the Alamosa Round-Up Rodeo.
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RV Resorts & Campsites near Great Sand Dunes National Park
Pinon Flats Campground is the only option for RVs at Great Sand Dunes National Park. It costs $20 per night. But there are nearby options with more amenities. Also, there's Zapata Falls, a campground administered by the Bureau of Land Management. It's dry camping, but it's only $11 per night.
Campgrounds Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
Find the Best Dumpstations Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
Dumpstations Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
How to get to Great Sand Dunes National Park
The closest airport to Great Sand Dunes National Park is San Luis Valley Regional Airport. From the airport, proceed north on State Avenue. Turn east on 6th Street. A short distance later, turn north on Route 160. Follow Route 160 north-northeast until you reach the junction with Route 150. Take Route 150 north to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
If you'd rather drive from the nearest major city, proceed to Colorado Springs. From there, drive south on Route 25. That will take you all the way to the town of Walsenburg, where you will turn west on Route 160. Take Route 160 to the junction with Route 150. Then, take Route 150 north to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Great Sand Dunes National Park is accessible for disabled visitors. Parking closest to the dunefield is one mile north of the visitor center. An accessible mat leads from the dunes parking area to the edge of Medano Creek. There are also sand wheelchairs available for loan to explore the dunes further. The Visitor Center building and restrooms are accessible as well as a picnic area.
Yes, pets are allowed at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Pets are allowed in the Preserve and main use areas of the park. They are not allowed inside the visitor center or bathrooms, in the backcountry of the dunefield, off the Dunes Overlook Trail, north of the Castle Creek Picnic Area except along Medano Pass Primitive Road, north of the Point of No Return, and in any backpacking campsites in the park.
Top things to do at Great Sand Dunes National Park include standing on top of the tallest sand dune in North America, going sand sledding, splashing in Medano Creek in season, stargazing, and driving Medano Pass Primitive Road.
Yes, you have to reserve a camping spot at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Campgrounds book up quickly during Medano Creek's peak flow in early summer, and you'll have fewer waits and crowds on weekdays than weekends.
The best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park is May and June, when Medano Creek is at its fullest. However, late spring visitors will also have more crowds. Another good time to visit the park is in early fall. There will be fewer crowds but the weather is still warm enough to explore the park.
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