The Details
The tallest dunes in North America rise 750 feet from the San Luis Valley floor against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
When To Visit
Best Time To Visit
MONTH BY MONTHLate April–June for Medano Creek’s flow (peaking around late May), or September–October for cooler dune climbs and fall color.
Memorial Day through Labor Day is busiest, and creek weekends in late May are packed.
Dune sand can reach 150°F on summer afternoons — hike early or at sunset and wear shoes. Spring winds are strong and winters are cold.
General patterns — conditions vary by year. Check current NPS alerts and road status before you go.
How Far
Park Entrances
SET YOUR LOCATIONNearest Airports
ESTIMATED DRIVE TO THE PARKDistances are rough estimates to the closest entrance. Check road and ferry conditions before you go.
What To Do
Top Things To Do
Where To Stay
Camping
Campgrounds inside the park are booked through Recreation.gov, and many fill months ahead.
FIND CAMPSITES ON RECREATION.GOV ↗Lodging & Nearby Towns
There’s no lodging inside this park, so most visitors stay in the nearby towns above.
Cool Facts & Figures
By The Numbers
Links
Plan Your Visit
OFFICIAL & TRUSTED SITESGreat Sand Dunes