About Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
The tallest and widest sand dunes in North America are the centerpiece in the diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra found at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. The entire dune field comprises 30 square miles and the dunes reach up to 750 feet in height.
Rent sandboards and sand sleds to play in the dunes in the early morning or evening when the sand is cooler (it can reach temperatures of 150°F during the day in summertime), or hike the Dunes Overlook Trail for great views of the dunes.
Designated an International Dark Sky Park, the Milky Way is often visible during evening hours from mid-summer to early fall. If the moon is up, the moonlight will likely prevent stars and the Milky Way from being visible, but all is not lost, – an evening with a bright moon is an awesome time to explore the park as it creates an almost otherworldly light on this unique landscape.
Nearby, visit hot spring pools, a reptile rescue park, or the charming small town of Alamosa where you can stroll the historic streets and enjoy dinner at one of the town’s restaurants after a day exploring the dunes.
Interesting Facts About Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- The Park contains over 5 billion cubic meters of sand.
- Great Sand Dunes was made a national park in September 2004, becoming the 58th park in the National Park System and the fourth national park in Colorado.
Available Trips in this Region
- Glenwood Springs
- Rocky Mountains
- Black Canyon National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Garden of the Gods
- Pagosa Springs
- Salida