This National Park has The Tallest Sand Dune In North America! Here’s How to Visit in a Day

Looking to make the most of your day trip to the tallest, largest sand dune on the continent?

Well, I’m here to share with you an awesome one day itinerary that I followed when I was road-tripping through southern Colorado.

If you start early and go full-throttle all day, I think you’ll be satisfied with how much you can do in just 24 hours. This underrated national park does take some time (and planning) as it’s pretty much in the middle of nowhere. But it’s totally worth the extra hours!

So, let’s make every second count with a day bursting with adventure, beginning with a sunrise at High Dune to stargazing near the Visitor Center. I’ll also include recommendations for other must-visit spots in the area if you have more time to explore.

Sample One Day in Great Sand Dunes National Park Itinerary

With this itinerary, you’ll be able to explore all of the must-visit spots and trails so that you won’t miss a thing on your day trip.

Morning

• Hike High Dune to watch the sunrise
• Check out the Visitor Center
• Explore the Sand Sheet Loop Trail

Afternoon

• Have a picnic lunch at the Castle Creek Picnic Area
• Rent a sandboard from a nearby local outfitter (the night before) and have a blast gliding down the slopes
• Cool off and splash around in Medano Creek (seasonal flow)
• Optional Hike: Drive 20 minutes to hike to Zapata Falls

Sunset & Evening

• Capture sunset photographs from the Great Sand Dunes Dunes Oasis just outside the park entrance sign
• Go stargazing at Great Sand Dunes, an official International Dark Sky Park

Recommended lodging options for the night

• 📍Luxury: Zapata Ranch
• 📍Mid-range: Great Sand Dunes Lodge
• 📍Budget: Dunes Inn

Quick Facts to Visiting Great Sand Dunes

Sprawling over 330 square miles in Southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes has the tallest sand dunes in North America. They tower at over 700 feet high – that’s taller than the Statue of Liberty!! 

From carving your own trails sandboarding on these colossal sandy waves to exploring its alpine lakes, tundra, and mountain peaks over 13,000 feet, this park is a hidden gem among America’s National Parks.

And if you love chasing waterfalls, you’ll want to check out Zapata Falls, which is only about a 20-minute drive from the dunes.

Quick Facts	Information
Entrance Fee	$25 per vehicle (valid for one week) or 80$ for the annual pass
Operating Hours	Open 24 hours year-round
Visitor Centers	9 am- 4:30 pm: Open every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Park Entrances	One Main Park Entrance- take Highway 150 from the south or County Road 6 from the west. Both are paved highways
Main Activities	Hiking the dunes, sandboarding, and stargazing
Number of Campgrounds	1 (Pinon Flats)
Hotels	Within the Park: None 📍Luxury: Zapata Ranch 📍Mid-range: Great Sand Dunes Lodge 📍Budget: Dunes Inn
Best Time to Visit	Late spring to early fall
Nearest Cities	Mosca (20 miles), Hooper (25 miles), Alamosa (30 miles) Use DiscoverCars to find rental car deals
Nearest Airports	Colorado Springs Airport (165 miles) Santa Fe Regional Airport (180 miles) Denver International Airport (251 miles) Use Expedia to find the best flight prices.

Know Before You Go!

• The park’s elevation is over 8,000 feet. Remember to take your time and stay hydrated. 
• There are no set hiking trails on the sand dunes, and walking on the sand is challenging.
• Sand surface temperatures can get extremely hot. In summer months, plan to hike early morning or in the evening due to the possibility of heat exhaustion or burned feet.
• The distance from the base of the dunes to the peak is visually deceiving. It can take approximately 1 hour to hike to the top of the first ridge. 

Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park In One Day

Early Morning: High Dune

• Trail Length: 2.5+ miles (roundtrip)
• Duration: 3+ hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Elevation Gain: 693 feet

Timing the Sunrise

Since you’ll be arriving in the wee morning hours when it’s likely still dark out, bypass taking a photo of the Great Sand Dunes National Park entrance sign for now (you’ll snag that pic later in the day). Drive past the visitor center, which will be on your left, and head straight to the Dunes parking lot.

Plan to spend the majority of your morning on the hike to High Dune. Start your day off before sunrise and allow at least 2 hours to reach the peak of the dune. You’ll want to reach the summit about 20-30 minutes before sunrise to capture the beautiful dunes in the pink morning sky.

If you’re not accustomed to higher altitudes, plan to hike for a total of about 4 hours round trip. There are no designated trails on this challenging hike, so hiking times on the sand dunes will vary depending on the ridgelines you follow.

What to Expect on the Hike

You’ll start to feel like you’re making progress once you cross a half-mile of the Medano Creek bed. After that, you’ll then zigzag up along ridgelines to reach the peak of High Dune.

This is a strenuous hike, so be sure to pack lots of water and your favorite hiking snacks. The distance from the parking lot to the base of the sand dunes is very deceiving.

You’ll feel like you’re endlessly walking on flat, loose sand and never going to start gaining elevation to actually hike up the sand dune slope.

I expected walking on the sand dunes to be comparable to walking on the beach. It’s not. It’s much more challenging and slower (at least in my experience).

Sitting on the sandy slopes of Great Sand Dunes National Park and taking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains scenery is part of the experience, so remind yourself to take your time and take breaks along the way. This is definitely a quad workout, but reaching the summit is empowering and worth the leg burn!

High Dune is the most commonly hiked destination in the national park because it’s easier to accomplish for the average hiker than other sand dunes. Even though it’s popular, you’ll never feel overcrowded because the dune field is so unbelievably massive.

From the viewpoint of the main parking lot, you would think that High Dune would be the biggest sand dune. Although it’s called “high dune,” it’s not the highest in elevation or the tallest in the park. That award goes to Star Dune, standing at 750 feet tall.

Travel Tip!

• Sand dunes look alike, so the GPS coordinates for High Dune on First Ridge are: 37.74908, -105.532775.
• Remember that sand dunes move and are slightly everchanging over time, so these coordinates are an estimated location.

Mid-Morning: Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center

Since you arrived at the park early and bypassed the park’s entrance, now it’s time to double back to the visitor center. Collect your national park stamp, browse the park store, and talk with park rangers.

Visitor Center Highlights:

• Educational Exhibits: Interactive displays that showcase the park’s geological formations, flora, fauna, and the dynamic processes that shape the sand dunes.
• Park Information: Get up-to-date information on trail conditions, weather forecasts, and any special events or ranger-led programs happening during your visit.
• Orientation Film: A short orientation film gives you an overview of the park.

Sand Sheet Loop Trail

• Trail Length: .25 mile (roundtrip)
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 0

The Sand Sheet Loop Trail is located next to the Visitor Center. It’s a short hike that loops through the grasslands in front of the sand dunes and has a series of educational panels explaining the dune field and its formation. This great photo-op spot will give you stunning views of the towering sand dunes in the distance.  

Lunch Break

Drive approximately 18 minutes from the Visitor Center for a picnic lunch break at the Castle Creek Picnic Area. There are shaded picnic tables strategically placed near Castle Creek.

While there are a few picnic area options, like the Sand Pit Picnic Area and North Ramada Picnic Area, I enjoyed this spot because it’s quieter and less crowded than the others because it is further from the entrance.

This would be a great time to reapply sunscreen and gear up for the rest of the afternoon. 

Early Afternoon: Sandboarding Fun

Sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park is a blast! You just strap on the board or hop on a sand sled to cruise down the dunes. It’s totally different from snowboarding because you don’t have to worry about freezing your butt off in the winter or killing your tailbone on ice. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience!

Travel Tip! Make sure you rent a sand sled or board the night before because there are no rentals inside the park.

Sandboarding & Sledding Experience

• Terrain: The park’s huge dune field is perfect for both newbies and pros, as it has a variety of slopes to choose from, ranging from easy to more challenging. Weather affects the terrain as the boards do not work on wet sand.
• Gear: You’ll need a board similar to a snowboard but designed for sand. It has a special waxed bottom to improve sliding on the sandy surface. Or, you can rent a sand sled, which doesn’t require much skill, just like traditional sledding on snow.
• Technique: Sandboarding requires a bit more skill and balance than sledding. Like snowboarding, you’ll need to steer with your feet and have a sense of control.

Where to Rent Sleds

• You have to rent gear before arriving at the park. The Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center does NOT rent gear.
• Local Outfitters: There are also local outfitters and rental shops in nearby towns that offer sandboarding equipment: Oasis Store (4 miles away), Spin Drift Sand Board Rentals (26 miles away), Sand dunes Swimming and Pool Recreation (32 miles away), Kristi Mountain Sports (36 miles away).

Afternoon: Medano Creek (seasonal)

After working up a sweat riding the dunes, head over to the nearby Medano Creek. It’s a shallow creek that runs right in front of the base of the dunes and is like a beach setting in the middle of Colorado. How cool is that!

The flow is seasonal, so there’s not always water, but if you go around mid-May through June, you’ll have the best chance to enjoy this oasis.

July is the hottest month and is when the sand creeks usually dry up. Be aware that as the river bed starts to dry, the mosquitoes come out in droves! Pack bug spray, or just avoid that area altogether. 

Optional Hike: Zapata Falls

• Trail Length: .9 mile (out-and-back)
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 213 feet

The drive to Zapata Falls is about 40 minutes from the Castle Creek Picnic Area. If you’re up for another short hike and don’t mind the drive, this waterfall is definitely worth checking out.

Wear waterproof hiking boots for this hike because you’ll cross the stream a few times, and your feet will likely get wet as you get closer to the waterfall area.

It’s a cool hike to do in winter, too, because the waterfall is completely frozen, which is really awesome to see. Just be careful with the slippery, icy stepping stones. 

Sunset & Evening

Nothing ends a perfect day like a good sunset and gazing up at the stars. 

About 2-3 hours prior to the official sunset, head back toward Great Sand Dunes National Park to get the best of the golden hour before the dunes become completely dark. 

The best spot to take photos is at the Great Sand Dunes Oasis, right outside the park entrance sign. Or, you can go just north of the entrance and use the pullout spot on the side of the road. 

Travel Tip! There are no restaurants in or near the park, so pack your food and drinks for a full day so that you don’t have to drive 30 miles out of the way to eat. 

Next, you’ll want to make your way back into the park to wait for the sky to become completely dark. Because Great Sand Dunes is an official Dark Sky Park, it’s the perfect way to wrap up your day by stargazing! 

Park at the Great Sand Dunes Parking Area and walk toward the dunes. Bring a blanket, kick back, and enjoy the peace and darkness around you. It’s an awesome experience. 

If possible, try to plan your trip when there is a new moon. That’s when the sky is darkest, so you’ll be able to see more stars.

Travel Tip! Give yourself enough time to let your eyes acclimate to the darkness so that you can see the stars better. This means turning your phone on dark mode or avoiding using it at all. Bring a flashlight or headlamp with a red light option, which is best for nocturnal creatures and won’t affect your eyesight. Trust me, it makes a big difference as far as being able to see the sky dusted with stars!

Where to Stay Around Great Sand Dunes National Park

If you’re looking for civilization, staying in the nearby town of Alamosa gives you the most convenience and a variety of lodging options. Alamosa is about 30 minutes from the park. There are very limited choices any closer to the park.

To have a closer connection to nature and be as close as you can be, you might prefer to camp instead.

Best Hotels near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Hotel Name	Benefits
📍Luxury: Zapata Ranch	– The high life with stunning landscapes in eco-friendly luxury – Participate in unique experiences like guided bison tours
📍Mid-range: Great Sand Dunes Lodge	– Outstanding location just outside the park – Great breakfast with comfy rooms
📍Budget: Dunes Inn	– Clean and quiet with a wonderful breakfast – In Alamosa, so further from the park but close to local eateries

Campgrounds In Great Sand Dunes

Campground	Details
Piñon Flats Campground	– Within the park – Main park campground with tent and RV sites – Reservations recommended
Zapata Falls Campground	– 7 miles out – Rustic camping experience – Decent Proximity to the dunes and Zapata Falls
San Luis State Wildlife Area Campground	– About 15 miles southwest of the park – Walk-In Only (first come, first served) – High-use area

Places To Visit With More Time

Other Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes

• Star Dune: The tallest dune in North America, with panoramic views of the entire dune field and surrounding mountains. A challenging hike but worth every step.
• Medano Pass Primitive Road: You’ll need to have a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle to access this 22-mile rugged off-road adventure with several creek crossings. Because of the rough nature, this route is closed in winter.
• Mosca Pass Trail: Totally different from the dunes, this trail will take you through forests and meadows. It’s a 6.2-mile out & back hike that’ll take you approximately 3.5 hours to complete. The elevation gains are intense, so bring hiking poles for this one. You’ll climb a little over 1,400 feet to the summit.
• Montville Nature Trail: A shorter, 0.5-mile loop that’ll take about 15 minutes to complete.
• Sand Dunes Recreation Hot Springs Pool: If relaxation is on your agenda, soak at the hot springs resort in Hooper, CO. It’s about a 35-minute drive from Great Sand Dunes. Definitely check out “The Greenhouse” for an adult-friendly tropical oasis escape! They serve beer & wine and have small plates menu. 

Day Trips near Great Sand Dunes

• Colorado Gators Reptile Park (20 minutes): An unusual Colorado attraction where you can learn about and interact with alligators and reptiles.
• Bishop Castle (2 hours): An eccentric, one-man project to create a whimsical castle in the Colorado wilderness.
• Taos, New Mexico (1.75 hours): A historic hippie town famous for its Pueblo architecture and arts scene in a unique southwestern landscape.
• Colorado Springs (2.5 hours): Explore Pike’s Peak, the Garden of the Gods, and the Olympic Training Center here.
• Royal Gorge Bridge & Park (2.5 hours): Home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, offering breathtaking views, zip lining, and sky coasters.
• Durango (about 3 hours): A town with a historic downtown, outdoor activities, and the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
• Santa Fe (3 hours): Beautiful adobe downtown and has the flagship exhibit of immersive art collective, Meowolf.

Is 1 Day Enough For Great Sand Dunes National Park

One day will give you a good taste of the park and allow you to feel how vast the dunes are. But I’d suggest a minimum of 2 days to check out the activities and additional hikes in the surrounding area.

Take note that Alamosa (about 30 minutes from the national park) is the largest town in the area. There are minimal restaurant options outside of Alamosa, so pack all of your food and a cooler for this extensive one-day itinerary. 

Best Time To Visit

• Late Spring (May – June):
  • Weather: Mild temperatures and relatively low chances of afternoon thunderstorms make late spring an excellent time to visit. It’s also when creeks are at their peak flow.
  • Wildflowers: Late spring brings blooming wildflowers, enhancing the park’s visual appeal.
• Summer (July – August):
  • Warm Temperatures: Summer has the warmest temperatures, ideal for waterfall hikes like Zapata Falls. However, this is usually when the creeks start drying up, and mosquitos swarm around the drying creek bed areas.
  • Peak Visitor Season: Expect higher visitor numbers during summer, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Early Fall (September – October):
  • Mild Weather: September and early October (my favorite time) have nice, pleasant temperatures, and the park is less crowded compared to the summer months.
  • Fall Colors: Although the park doesn’t have a lot of fall foliage, you might see some autumn colors in the nearby areas.
• Winter (November – April):
  • Cool Temperatures: Winter temperatures can be cold, and snowfall is possible, particularly at higher elevations.
  • Fewer Visitors: During winter, there aren’t many people around, so it’s a great time to enjoy some peace and quiet if that’s what you’re looking for.

How To Get There

The only way to reach Great Sand Dunes National Park is by car. There is no public transportation to the park as it’s fairly remote.

By Air: The nearest major airport is Alamosa San Luis Valley Regional Airport (ALS), which is approximately 40 miles from the park. Car rentals are available at the airport.

By Car: If flying in, you’ll definitely need to rent a car. Getting to great sand dunes requires quite a bit of drive time, so plan accordingly. 

City	Distance (Miles)	Approximate Driving Time
Alamosa, CO	30 miles	30 minutes
Pueblo, CO	123 miles	2 hours
Colorado Springs, CO	165 miles	2.5 hours
Santa Fe, NM	170 miles	3 hours
Denver, CO	225 miles	4 hours

Final Thoughts: What to Do at Great Sand Dunes in a Day

My favorite terrain is the desert. It’s just so open and free, and you can’t deny that when the golden hour hits, it’s hard to look away at the beauty. Great Sand Dunes may not be the most talked about national park out there, but it is definitely worth the drive.

Along with other amazing spots like Gunnison National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes is a must-visit destination whether you’ve got a whole day or just a few hours to spare.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Colorado?

I’ve vanlifed south to the north all of Colorado in the dead of winter to early spring. Let me tell you, it was cold, but turn on that buddy heater, and let’s hit the slopes. If you’re looking for more information on Colorado, check out these other destination itineraries.

• Perfect One Day In Mesa Verde National Park Itinerary
• Perfect One Day In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Itinerary
• Unbeatable One Day In Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
• One Day In Boulder Itinerary: What Not To Miss On A Day Trip
• Perfect One Day In Denver Itinerary For First-Timers
• Perfect One Day In Great Sand Dunes National Park Itinerary

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.