10 Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes protects the tallest dunes in North America, backed by 13,000-foot peaks. It's a small, easy-to-plan park with a lot of variety packed in, and this is how I'd rank what to do.

Best Time of Year to Visit, and Why

I'd go in late April through June, or in September and October. In spring the creek flows and the weather is cool, though the water level varies and sandstorms can blow in. Fall has the best light, calm weather, and almost no crowds. Summer is hot on the sand and crowded on weekends.

Winter is cold but beautiful, with snow on the mountains and the dunes. The sand is cold and easy to walk on, and the park is almost empty.

How Great Sand Dunes Compares to White Sands

They're both dune parks in the Southwest, so here's how I'd choose.

	Great Sand Dunes	White Sands
Headline	The tallest dunes in North America, at the foot of mountains	A huge field of white gypsum sand
Sand	Quartz sand, golden and dark	Gypsum, white and cool to the touch
Elevation	About 8,000 feet	About 4,000 feet
Activities	Climbing, creek wading, and sandboarding	Sledding and sunset strolls
Best for	Big climbs and mountain views	Gentle walking and photography

If I could only pick one, I'd choose Great Sand Dunes for the scale and the mountains. I'd choose White Sands for its otherworldly white and easier walking.

Hiking Checklist — Great Sand Dunes National Park

Sand, wind, and sun drive my kit here:

1. Water, and more water — there's no water on the dunes, and the climb is dehydrating.
2. Sturdy shoes or sandals with a heel strap — the sand is hot and gets into everything.
3. Sunglasses and a buff or bandana — wind blows sand into your eyes and mouth.
4. A rented sandboard — available in Alamosa or at the Oasis, not in the park.
5. A warm layer — the valley is high, and the evenings are cool.
6. Rain gear in July and August — afternoon thunderstorms can bring lightning on the dunes.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park

1. 1. Climb High Dune

   A long climb to a ridge with a 360-degree view. 2.5 mi RT, strenuous, 2–3 hrs.

2. 2. Splash in Medano Creek

   A seasonal creek that flows across the base of the dunes in spring. Check the flow first. 1–2 hrs.

3. 3. Go sandboarding or sand sledding

   The park's signature activity. Rent a board outside the park. 2–3 hrs.

4. 4. Watch sunset on the dunes

   The light on the ridges and the mountain behind them is the best of the day. 1 hr.

5. 5. Wade up to Zapata Falls

   A short, cold walk up a slot canyon to a waterfall. 1 mi RT, moderate, 1 hr.

6. 6. Hike to Star Dune

   The tallest dune in North America, reached by a long walk across the dune field. 6 mi RT, strenuous, 6–9 hrs.

7. 7. Walk the Montville Nature Trail

   A short loop through pine and aspen forest above the dunes. 0.5 mi loop, moderate, 30 min.

8. 8. Hike Mosca Pass

   A forested trail along a creek to a historic pass. 7 mi RT, moderate, 4–5 hrs.

9. 9. Stargaze

   The park is an International Dark Sky Park, with some of the best stargazing in Colorado. Bring a jacket.

10. 10. Try the Sand Creek Lakes

    A high alpine hike to a chain of lakes. 8 mi RT, strenuous, full day.

Creek conditions, sand temperatures, and facility dates are accurate as of publication but change — always confirm current conditions, road status, and reservation rules at nps.gov/grsa before you go.