107,342 acres
Park Size
602,613
Annual Visitors
6 mi
Trail Miles
88
Campsites
About Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve protects the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising over 750 feet against the stunning backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The dunes were formed over hundreds of thousands of years as sand from the Rio Grande was blown toward the mountains and deposited in this unusual valley. In late spring, snowmelt creates Medano Creek, which flows along the base of the dunes—a unique beach experience at 8,200 feet elevation.
Park Highlights
- Star Dune
- High Dune
- Medano Creek
- Sand Sheet
- Sangre de Cristo Mountains
- Zapata Falls
Activities
Wildlife
Visitor Information
$25
Entrance Fee
Spring, Fall
Best Seasons
Visitor Tips
- Sandboard/sled rentals available in town
- Medano Creek flows late May-early June
- Sand is too hot for bare feet midday in summer
- Full moon hikes are magical
Location
Official Resources
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