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National Park & Preserve Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

About

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, open 24/7 all year round! Say goodbye to timed entries and reservations; this natural wonder invites you to explore at your own pace. Behold the tallest dunes in North America, standing tall as the park's crown jewel amidst a rich tapestry of diverse ecosystems. From expansive grasslands and tranquil wetlands to lush forests, pristine alpine lakes, and rugged tundra, this park is a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be discovered. For a truly unforgettable experience, linger till nightfall on a moonless evening. As the sun sets, prepare to be awestruck by the mesmerizing sight of countless stars blanketing the sky above you. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is not just a park; it is an International Dark Sky Park, offering a rare opportunity to marvel at the beauty of the universe in its purest form. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a stargazer, or simply seeking a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you in awe of the wonders of the natural world.

Directions

Journey to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Unfolding the Route to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to one of Colorado's most enchanting attractions, the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. This guide provides clear, easy-to-follow directions to ensure you reach your destination with ease.

Finding Your Way to the Main Park Area

Start your journey by heading towards the main park area, which houses the Dunes Parking Lot, Visitor Center, and the Pinon Flats Campground. From the southern end, take US 160 to CO 150. If you are coming from the west, navigate through CO 17 to Lane 6, which will lead you to CO 150. The national park is situated at the northern terminus of CO 150, welcoming visitors into a realm of natural grandeur.

Address for Your Navigation

To make your journey smoother, you can use the following address for your GPS device: Visitor Center, Mosca, CO 81146. Please remember that the journey is part of the experience, take in the scenic views of Colorado as you make your way to the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve.

Get detailed directions »

Location

Located in Alamosa

Weather Information

Temperatures are relatively cool all year at the park elevation 8000 ft. Conditions are most often calm, but winds can arise, especially in spring and during storm fronts. Daytime temperatures feel warmer here year round due to intense high-altitude sunlight, and mid-day summer sand surface temps can be 160 degrees F! Plan to explore the dunes morning or evening during summer. Nights are cool in summer, and frigid in winter. Visit https://nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/weather.htm for details

Gallery

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Quick Facts

  • Designation: National Park & Preserve
  • City: Alamosa
  • Park Code: grsa
  • Website: Official Website

Activities

Arts and Culture Craft Demonstrations Live Music Auto and ATV Auto Off-Roading Astronomy Stargazing Biking Mountain Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Group Camping RV Camping Climbing Mountain Climbing Compass and GPS Orienteering Fishing Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Food Dining Picnicking Guided Tours Hands-On Arts and Crafts Volunteer Vacation Hiking Backcountry Hiking Front-Country Hiking Off-Trail Permitted Hiking Horse Trekking Horse Camping (see also camping) Horseback Riding Hunting and Gathering Hunting Junior Ranger Program Tubing River Tubing Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Downhill Skiing Snow Play Snowshoeing Swimming Freshwater Swimming Water Skiing Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Topics

African American Heritage Archeology Arts Painting Photography Sculpture Asian American Heritage Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions Farming and Agriculture Ranches Hispanic American Heritage Latino American Heritage Military Infantry and Militia Native American Heritage Science Technology and Innovation Westward Expansion Homesteading The Gold Rush Ancient Seas Animals Birds Bison Cats (wild) Elk Fish Arctic Tundra Climate Change Dunes Fire Foothills Plains and Valleys Forests and Woodlands Coniferous Forests Deciduous Forests Geology Mineral Deposits Groundwater Aquifers Freshwater Springs Grasslands Prairies Meadows Impact Craters Lakes Mountains Natural Sounds Night Sky Astronomy River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Scenic Views Trails Unique Species Volcanoes Wetlands Wilderness

Plan Your Visit

Ready to explore Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve? Learn more about the park, plan your trip, and discover the natural wonders that await you.

Visit Official Website