Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

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Grasslands, large dunes, and snow-capped peaks at sunset

About Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Stay on a moonless night to experience countless stars in this International Dark Sky Park! Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week year-round. There are no timed entries or reservations to visit.

Quick Facts

State Colorado
Designation National Park & Preserve
State Code CO
Weather 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…

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle $25.00

Fees are charged only when the entrance station is open in the spring, summer, and fall seasons or when the visitor center is open in the winter season. Fees can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Passes may also be purchased in advance online through recreation.gov .

Entrance - Non-commercial Groups $15.00

15+ passenger vehicle, age 16+

Entrance - Motorcycle $20.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Commercial Entrance - Sedan $25.00

This fee is for a commercial group of 1-6 people in a smaller vehicle. Valid for 7 days.

Commercial Entrance - Van $40.00

This fee is for a commercial group of 7-15 persons in a van. Valid for 7 days.

Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus $40.00

This fee is for a commercial group of 16-25 persons in a mini-bus. Valid for 7 days.

Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach $100.00

This fee is for a commercial motor coach with 26+ capacity. Valid for 7 days.

Entrance - Per Person $15.00

Entrance Fee for Bicycles or Walk-In Visitors

Operating Hours

The park and preserve are open 24/7 all year

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

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

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