Great Sand Dunes National Park

At Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, you'll walk among North America's tallest sand dunes, which rise 750 feet against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Climb to the summit of Star Dune, splash in the seasonal waves of Medano Creek, or watch the Milky Way stretch across one of Colorado's darkest night skies. The park's landscape ranges from sand dunes to alpine lakes, with bighorn sheep and elk roaming the wilderness areas.

Exploring the Dunes

Walk anywhere across the 30-square-mile dune field - there are no marked trails. Start your hike to High Dune or Star Dune early in the morning to catch sunrise views of the entire dune field and surrounding mountains. The sand surface heats up to 150°F (66°C) during summer afternoons, making morning or evening exploration essential. Remove your shoes for the most comfortable hiking experience in the cool morning sand.

Seasonal Activities at Medano Creek

From April through June, Medano Creek creates a natural beach at the dune base. Watch for the creek's unique surge flow, which creates small waves every 20 seconds - perfect for splashing and swimming. Water levels peak in late May, reaching depths of 1-2 feet. The creek typically shrinks to a thin stream or dries up by July.

Night Sky Viewing

Look up at one of Colorado's darkest night skies from the visitor center's 8,200-foot elevation. On moonless nights, you'll see thousands of stars, clear views of the Milky Way, and frequent meteor showers. Join ranger-led night sky programs from spring through fall at the amphitheater near the visitor center.

Weather and Timing Your Visit

Plan around the park's extreme temperature changes. Summer days reach 70-80°F, while nights drop to around 40°F. Winter temperatures range from 20-30°F during day and fall below freezing at night. Strong afternoon winds sweep through in spring, making hiking challenging but showing active dune formation. Fall brings stable weather with mild temperatures and light winds.

Sandboarding and Sand Sledding

Pick up specialized sand sleds and boards from shops outside the park entrance - regular snow sleds won't slide on sand. Head out early when morning dew dampens the sand for better sliding conditions. Practice on smaller slopes near the main parking area before attempting the steeper dunes deeper in the park.

Four-Wheel Drive Adventures

Drive the 22-mile Medano Pass Primitive Road in your high-clearance 4WD vehicle, crossing Medano Creek nine times. The route winds through desert terrain and subalpine forests, connecting the main dune field to the Wet Mountain Valley. Stop at designated backcountry camping sites along the way. Check road conditions at the visitor center before starting your drive, as deep sand and water crossings require experience and proper equipment.