Great Sand Dunes National Park stands out as an extraordinarily unique destination. Unlike any other park, its striking landscape is unmistakable from a distance, resembling a shock of white amid verdant green and towering mountains. As one approaches, the realization dawns that this fascinating terrain indeed comprises the park.

Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park

While many travelers flock to Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, often overlooking the hidden gem in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park. Situated approximately 3.5 hours from Denver, this park is feasible for a day trip. Alternatively, one can opt to camp at nearby facilities that offer sandboard rentals or pursue a backcountry camping experience along the Medano Pass Primitive Road. Moreover, there exist various trails that venture away from the dunes, making it an adventure for every type of explorer.

These dunes, recognized as the tallest in North America, are a must-see. If time is limited and the weather permits, hiking the dunes and sandboarding are recommended activities. The park is equipped with a large parking area adjacent to the dunes, complete with a picnic space ideal for lunch before an exhilarating day in the sand.

Entry to the park necessitates a pass, which can be acquired via America the Beautiful pass. Unlike its popular northern counterpart, rocky mountain national park, Great Sand Dunes does not require a timed entry. Notably, autumn serves as an ideal time to visit, particularly in late September when the crowd sizes decrease, and the temperatures become more comfortable. The park features vast expanses for exploration, making high visitor numbers less of a concern.

A visit to the visitor center is highly advisable. Rangers are present to assist in planning a successful day. Although backcountry permits are now exclusively obtainable through recreation.gov for a nominal fee of $6, rangers provide invaluable guidance and offer informative talks about the dunes throughout the day, detailing their formation through erosion of the surrounding mountains.

Best Hikes in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Hidden Dune

The Hidden Dune, the tallest in the park at 741 feet (225m), is a remarkable feature of the dune field. With no designated trail, adventurers can create their own path across the dunes. A GPS device or navigation tool is essential for tracking progress, supporting the exploration of this exceptional location. Preparations should include accounting for a 7-mile (11km) round trip requiring several hours of hiking time.

GPS coordinates for Hidden Dune summit:

37.775916, -105.531912

High Dune Trail on First Ridge

This popular trail in the dune field offers breathtaking views of the entire landscape. While not the tallest, its visibility from the base makes it appear so. The High Dune stands at approximately 688 feet (209m) and entails a 2.5-mile (4km) hike stretching over two hours, providing a rewarding challenge as the sandy terrain can be taxing.

GPS coordinates for High Dune on First Ridge:

37.74908, -105.532775

Montville Nature Trail

For those preferring a gentler experience, the Montville Nature Trail presents a short 0.5-mile loop through picturesque pinion and ponderosa pine forests. This easy walk offers stunning views of the sand dunes and is the most frequented forest hike due to its proximity to the parking lot.

Mosca Pass Trail

This high-elevation hike traces routes once traveled by indigenous tribes and early settlers, rising 1400 feet. Despite its picturesque surroundings, it demands respect due to the elevation and potential challenges. Nonetheless, it rewards hikers with astounding views, making it a highlight of the park.

Medano Pass Road

Driving along Medano Pass Road necessitates a 4-wheel drive vehicle equipped with all-terrain tires. This rugged route contains stream crossings and becomes fully accessible around late May. The road provides access to long hikes and presents a picturesque drive into the backcountry. A notable trail here is the Sand Ramp Trail, which is primarily used for backcountry camping yet offers excellent scenic views.

There are numerous backcountry camping opportunities, featuring seven designated campsites along the Sand Ramp Trail and 20 non-designated sites in the dunes backcountry.

Final Thoughts

Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unparalleled experience, distinct from other national parks, such as White Sands, with its towering dunes. Despite being a less commonly visited destination, the park’s offerings extend beyond the dunes, making it an ideal year-round visit. Expect a rigorous workout as traversing these steep dunes can be demanding, particularly with activities like sandboarding. Therefore, bringing ample water and a well-thought-out plan is essential.

If your visit coincides with winter, consider also exploring Copper Mountain for some of Colorado’s premier snowboarding experiences.