Last Updated: May 24, 2026
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve sits in south-central Colorado, nestled against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. These are the tallest sand dunes in North America, covering a dunefield of about 30 square miles, with the highest dunes rising more than 740 feet from base to crest. It was only a two-hour drive from Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
The Great Sand Dunes were formed over thousands of years as wind carried sand from the surrounding mountains — eroded rock washed down by streams and rivers — and piled it against the base of the Sangre de Cristos. Much of that sand was left behind by an enormous lake that filled the San Luis Valley and disappeared long ago.
The area was first protected as Great Sand Dunes National Monument in 1932, in part to keep the sand from being mined for the concrete industry and to fend off gold prospecting. It was redesignated as a national park and preserve in 2004, when the boundaries expanded to take in the mountains, wetlands, and grasslands that feed the dunes. Fortunately for us, it was a cool day, so the sand was comfortable to walk on.
Medano Creek is shallow and must be crossed to reach the main dunes. Sandboarding and sand sledding are popular here, and from the parking lot there was a steady stream of people carrying their boards. Climbing the dunes is a real workout, since the soft, loose sand makes for slow going. The winds were blowing over 20 miles per hour the day we visited, and we saw a few people wearing goggles to keep the stinging sand out of their eyes.
We drove part of the Medano Pass Primitive Road, a four-wheel-drive-only sand route that climbs toward Medano Pass. It was nice to get away from the crowds. The sand was very deep in places and demanded four-wheel drive, and we eventually turned around rather than continue without a shovel or having to drop our tire pressure to 20 psi.
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge
The Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge is an 11,169-acre preserve set in the flood plain of the Rio Grande. The area is known for large numbers of migrating birds, including sandhill cranes, and it was a beautiful, peaceful place to explore. Some of the roads and trails were closed during our visit to protect nesting birds.
We came across a herd of elk grazing in the distance. Afterward, we ate lunch at The Rubi Slipper in Alamosa, where Sandy enjoyed a pastrami sandwich with sauerkraut, diced green chili, cheese, and jalapeño on marbled rye. Delicious.
Practical Tips for Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park
Getting there. Great Sand Dunes National Park sits in south-central Colorado, about a two-hour drive from Pagosa Springs and roughly 35 miles northeast of Alamosa, the nearest town with full services. The park entrance is reached via Colorado Highway 150 off US Highway 160.
Fees and hours. As of 2026, entry is $25 per vehicle and is valid for seven days; the America the Beautiful interagency pass is also accepted. The park itself is open 24 hours a day year-round, while the visitor center keeps seasonal hours.
Medano Creek. The seasonal creek at the base of the dunes usually peaks in late May and early June, when “surge flow” sends rhythmic waves rolling across the sand — a favorite for families. The flow depends entirely on mountain snowpack, and in low-snow years the creek may barely reach the main parking lot, so check current conditions before you go.
Sledding and climbing the dunes. Sandboarding and sand sledding are most fun on dry sand; specialized boards and sleds can be rented from outfitters just outside the park, since ordinary snow sleds do not slide well. There are no marked trails — you simply pick a ridgeline and climb. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and closed-toe shoes, and check the sand-temperature forecast, as the surface can exceed 150°F on summer afternoons.
The Medano Pass Primitive Road. This four-wheel-drive-only sand road climbs toward Medano Pass and offers a quiet escape from the busy main dunes. Deep, soft sand often requires airing your tires down to around 20 psi, and carrying a shovel and recovery gear is strongly recommended — we turned around rather than push on without them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall are the Great Sand Dunes?
The dunes rise more than 740 feet from base to crest, the tallest in North America. Star Dune and Hidden Dune are the two highest, each around 741 to 742 feet, and they trade the title of tallest depending on how the wind reshapes them.
When is the best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Late May and early June are popular for Medano Creek’s surge flow, while spring and fall offer cooler sand for climbing. Summer afternoons can be very hot on the dunes, so many visitors hike early or late in the day.
Can you sled or sandboard the dunes?
Yes. Sandboarding and sand sledding are popular activities. Specialized boards and sleds are available to rent from outfitters outside the park, since they work far better than regular snow sleds on dry sand.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes. As of 2026, the entrance fee is $25 per vehicle and is good for seven days. Annual and interagency passes are also accepted.
Are dogs allowed at the dunes?
Leashed dogs are welcome in the main day-use area of the dunes and along Medano Creek, which makes Great Sand Dunes one of the more pet-friendly national parks. They are not permitted in the backcountry or the preserve.
What else is there to do near the park?
The nearby Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge is excellent for spotting migrating birds and elk, and the town of Alamosa offers restaurants and services. Zapata Falls, just south of the park, is another short, scenic hike.
Do you need a four-wheel-drive vehicle?
Not for the main park. A standard vehicle reaches the visitor center, parking lot, and Medano Creek. Four-wheel drive is only needed for the sandy Medano Pass Primitive Road.
