The Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of my favorite spots in Colorado! Located about 4 hours southwest of Denver, it’s off the beaten path and I still haven’t figured out why it hasn’t become more popular with the tourists that flock here. It’s also home to the highest dunes in North America!
Accessing the Park:
Driving: Open 24/7 year round, and with currently no timed entry or reservations required (as of summer 2024) – it’s an easy park to visit. There’s one road in and out, as there’s not a loop you drive through to see the sites like in some national parks. The drive in showcases jaw dropping views of the sand dunes against the 14,000 feet Rocky Mountains! The park is best explored on foot and leaving your car in the parking lot.
Things to Do
International Dark Sky Park: The Great Sand Dunes is designated as a dark sky area, so it’s an ideal spot for star gazing.
Sledding: Bring your sleds or snowboards for sliding down the dunes!
Beach Time: In early June – with the snow melting… the area at the base of the dunes becomes a creek for floating in the water and beach time in the mountains!
HIking: Make sure to bring comfy shoes for walking and hiking through the dunes (in the summer it’s too hot to walk on during daylight hours). You’ll get a terrific workout, along with the killer views!
Photography: With a Colorado bluebird sky, the shifting sand, jagged mountain peaks, and all the contrasts – my photographer husband was in photography heaven here!
Amenities/Where to Stay
Accommodations: There is a campground (reservations required) inside the park and other campgrounds and hotels in the surrounding area.
Other Amenities: You’ll find the majority of restaurants and groceries about 30 minutes away in Alamosa.
Good to Know
Pets: Pets are allowed in some areas in Great Sand Dunes NP – but I don’t recommend taking them in the summer. The sand gets extra hot at high altitude!
Cell Coverage: This is a remote area of Colorado, so don’t expect to have service in the park.
Put this smaller national park on your list when visiting Colorado – you won’t be disappointed!
Until the next adventure – bon voyage!
Kris
