National park · Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising over 750 feet against Colorado's Sangre de Cristo Mountains; humans have inhabited the area for roughly 11,000 years.

Entrance
$25 private vehicle
Hours
Open 24 hours daily Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Established
September 24, 2004
Region
Rocky Mountains
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain (US National Park Service)
The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve patch

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History

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve protects the tallest sand dunes in North America, which are a unique geological feature formed over tens of thousands of years. The area has a rich cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back about 11,000 years, including connections to various Native American tribes.

Key events

  1. The park was originally designated as Great Sand Dunes National Monument on March 17, 1932, by President Herbert Hoover.
  2. The first European known to enter the San Luis Valley was Don Diego de Vargas in 1694.
  3. September 13, 2004Redesignated as Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, with expanded boundaries protecting the entire sand-water system.

Trails

  • High Dune 2.5 mi · Moderate
  • Star Dune 7 mi · Hard
  • Mosca Pass Trail 7 mi · Moderate
  • Sand Ramp Trail 11 mi · Easy
  • Montville Nature Loop 0.5 mi · Easy

Plan your visit

Hours · Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Open 24 hours, every day

The park and preserve are open 24/7 all year

Entrance fees

  • Private Vehicle $25
  • Non-commercial Groups $15
  • Motorcycle $20
  • Per Person $15

Fees and hours as of May 2026. Check current details on NPS.gov

When to go

  • Spring. Medano Creek flows May-June, mild temps 60-70s°F, wildflowers
  • Fall. Cooler sand temps, golden aspens, fewer crowds, wildlife active
  • Summer. All facilities open but sand extremely hot midday, early/late hikes
  • Winter. Snow-dusted dunes, sledding, cross-country skiing, solitude

Wildlife

Mule deerElkPronghornBisonCoyotesGolden eaglesBald eaglesGreat Sand Dunes tiger beetle

Nearby patches

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