Great Sand Dunes National Park
Last Updated: 3/29/2024
“It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.”
There is so much more to explore than sand at Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park. You have mountains, foothills, diverse forests, and grasslands. But definitely what draws people in is the vast expanse of sand, lots and lots of sand. It is awe-inspiring and wonderfully beautiful!
So whether this is your first visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park, or it has been awhile since your last visit, don’t worry this list of top things is just for you. Are you ready to quest for adventure?
Visitor Center
We try to make our first stop, at each park we visit, the Visitor Center. It is a great place to learn more about the park you are visiting. At the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center you will find a 20-minute movie about the park, interactive exhibits, the park store, maps, and rangers to answer questions. There is also an amazing viewing area on the back porch with a viewing scope.
Our must have picture when we visit a National Park!
Hike to High Dune
When you reach the top of High Dune you can see out over the entirety of the dunefield and the beautiful mountains that surround the dunes. High dune is not the tallest dune in the park, that would be Star Dune, but it definitely looks that way from the main parking lot. This is probably why it is a very popular destination.
From the parking lot, you cross the Medano Creek bed, then zigzag your way up to reach High Dune (2.5 miles round trip). We spent about 4 hours hiking and playing in the sand. It was a hard hike to the top of High Dune, but totally worth the challenge.
Hiking High Dune
Sand Sledding
What a fun and exciting way to enjoy the dunes! You can rent sand sleds, or sand boards, from several locations. We rented ours from the Oasis Store, which is located about four miles from the Visitor Center.
The Oasis Store only rents boards from April through mid-October. The cost for a full day rental is around $20/board. We rented 2 boards for our family of five. Because we have teens, I think we should have rented 3 sleds (one for each kid).
Staying off the vegetated areas is the only rule when sledding. There are no trails, or paths, to follow. Great Sand Dunes is one giant playground.
Camping in the Dunes
Camping in the dunefield is definitely on our bucket list. It would be amazing to enjoy the wide open views of the starry sky. Camping is permitted (with a permit) anywhere in the 30-square-mile dunefield. You just have to go beyond the major dune ridgeline, which is about 1.5 mile hike minimum over dunes.
Catching the sunset out on the dunes.
Hike to Zapata Falls
Zapata Falls is not located in the park, but it is really close and a lot of fun. The water at Zapata Falls was so cold! But it was a welcomed treat after a hot and sandy morning. Like most waterfalls, you have to work a bit to get to the prize.
To get to Zapata Falls from the Visitor Center, you drive south 8 miles, then turn left (east) onto a dirt road at the Zapata Falls Recreational Area sign. It is a 3.5 mile drive up to the trailhead on a very rough and bumpy road. It took us about 20 minutes in our minivan to make the drive.
The trail is a short hike to the water. Then you wade through the chilly water and maneuver over slippery rocks into an opening where the waterfall comes cascading down. The kids had a blast walking through the cold water.
Because it was really crowded on the day we went, I did not get a good picture of the waterfall:( We spent a little time playing in the cold water, before heading back down the trail to the car.
We were joined by some sweet friends on our hike to Zapata Fall.
Things to Know when planning your trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park:
The best time to hike, or sled, the dunes is in the morning or evening (we were there in early June). The crowds are lower, and the sand is not hot. During the afternoon hours the surface of the sand can reach 150 degrees during the summer months.
Wear closed toed shoes, or socks with your sandals. Might not be very fashionable, but your feet will thank you. Especially if you hike during the middle of the day. We witnessed a guy being rescued off the dunes because he hiked barefoot in the middle of the day.
If you hike to Zapata Falls, wear shoes that will protect your feet and that you don’t mind getting wet.
Bug spray is a good idea to bring along. Especially when hiking to Zapata Falls.
It is very important to check the weather before heading out to the dunes. Snow, afternoon lightning and thunderstorms, extreme temperatures, and gusty winds are some of the elements to watch out for at the park.
If you are wanting to sand sled or board, definitely spend the money to rent a board (unless you just happen to have a board made for sand sledding). These boards are specifically made for sand. Snow sleds or skis, cardboard, saucers, etc. will not work well on the sand.
Sand will be everywhere and in everything!! It isn’t a bad thing, just wanted to give you a heads up. We were finding sand in things weeks after we left Great Sand Dunes National Park:)
Hope you have an amazing time on your trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Let me know if you have any questions. Or definitely let me know if you would add anything to this list of top things.
While we were in the area we drove north a bit to visit Bishop Castle. Definitely would add this roadside attraction to your Colorado Bucket List. Hope you have a blast questing for adventure!