Nestled in the heart of southern Colorado, lies a unique and captivating destination that is sure to ignite your sense of wonder. Great Sand Dunes National Park is a natural marvel unlike any other in the United States. With towering sand dunes, snow capped peaks, and numerous unique and diverse ecosystems, the park offers an array of enticement and adventure for all types of travelers. In this post, we will discuss the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, making sure your next visit to this extraordinary destination is one of wonder and enjoyment!
Best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
1. Explore the Dunes
No list of best things to do in Great Sands Dunes National Park is appropriately begun without mentioning the great dunes. Towering 750 from base to crest, Star Dune is the tallest sand dune not only in the park but in ALL OF NORTH AMERICA. With several other dunes similarly passing 700 feet, looking up upon these giants from the smaller dunes below is truly a unique experience found nowhere else in the US.
As far as hiking the dunes, there is interestingly not any signage or solid trails out on the dune field. We’d recommend that as you enter the park, make for the Dunes Parking area. This is the most popular way to access the dune field and involves walking across picturesque Medano Creek after parking. There are bathrooms, changing areas, and some picnic tables conveniently near the parking lot as well. After crossing Medano Creek, it’s really a choose your own adventure type of hike. With no set trails, most visitors simply find an interesting looking path towards the highest dune they are comfortable with and set off. It should be noted that from the Dune Parking area (and from most areas in the park) the largest dune you are looking at is High Dune, at approximately 693ft. Only once you have hiked up to these higher elevations will Star Dune and the other larger dunes more so come into view.
If Star Dune is your destination, you can either hike to the top of High Dune and then navigate to the tallest dune from there, or more simply hike about 2 miles south along Medano Creek until the towering Star Dune comes into view.
Last notes on hiking the dunes. The elevation in the park is mostly over 8,000ft. Particularly for those not acclimated to the elevation, hiking the dunes at this altitude quickly becomes a breathless experience. Secondly, for those who have never hiked on sand, expect traditionally short distances to take significantly longer. For example, the popular 2.5 mile round trip hike to the top of High Dune often takes visitors between 2-4 hours. Lastly, note that the sand in the park gets hot, like really hot. Sand surface temperatures can reach 150℉ during midday of summer months. With this in mind, plan your visit to the dune field either early in the morning or later in the evening. It’s common sense but bears mentioning to use a lot of sunscreen as well, especially on the tops of your feet if going barefoot!
Best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
2. Sandboarding (or sledding!)
Sandboarding is consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in Great Sands Dunes National Park. Similar to hiking, there is no signage or area specifying where to sandboard. Most people simply trial and error different slopes until you find one to your liking. If you’re struggling to find a good slope, you will typically find larger groups congregating along the tops of the better found spots as the morning weighs on.
You can rent boards (or sleds) from several nearby shops or bring your own equipment. The rentals typically come with a small amount of board wax and are between $15-$20 for the day. You can call ahead and consider a rental reservation at Great Sands Dunes Oasis (4 miles outside the park) or search another location on your way in. We opted to rent boards for $15 dollars each from the Rustic Rook glamping campground where we were staying.
If you are in a large group, we do not think that you all need your own board rentals. With the highest and steepest dunes around, ascending back to the top after each run will leave you a little exhausted and in need of a quick rest while someone else in your party tries. My wife and I rented a sandboard and sled and really for most size groups that would be enough to have a great time! A last important note is that sandboarding WILL NOT WORK if the sand is wet. Some rental places will have more information on the specifics of this but it bears consideration if you have flexibility in your schedule and are looking to prioritize this fascinating experience.
Best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
3. Take a dip in Medano Creek
Every spring, melting snowpack from the Santo de Cristo Mountains turns the dry sands of Medano Creek into a flowing desert oasis. Not only is Medano Creek one of the best things to do in Great Sands Dunes National Park but it is one of the most unique beaches you are to ever encounter.
Unlike most waterways, Medano Creek experiences a unique phenomenon called “surge flow.” Surge flows are pulses of increased water which occur when small dams of sand suddenly break away and come down the creek in waves. This only occurs in places such as Medano Creek with a steep channel, fast flowing water and a sandy bottom. During the high waterflow of Spring, it is common to see people floating down the stream on inflatables thanks to these surges. It’s also worth noting that the creek typically doesn’t get deeper than 6 inches with max “waves” typically up to 20 inches making it perfect for kids!
No visit to Medano Creek is the same and conditions can be unpredictable. Water Flow typically peaks in late May and gradually recesses throughout the summer. During the peak times of late May into early June, the park is very crowded so consider arriving early and on a week day if possible. Also note that by mid June, the flooded creek becomes home to lots of mosquitos. Bring bug spray and set up your camp on the far side of the creek away from the brush and foliage if coming during that time of year. Otherwise, feel free to bring a cooler, sand toys, and an umbrella for a truly unforgettable beach experience!
Best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
4. Go Off-Roading on Medano Pass Primitive Road
Off roading on Medano Pass Primitive Road is one of the best things to do in Great Sands Dunes National Park. There is one main paved road running through the park from the Visitor Center to Piñon Flats camping area. Beyond this point, starts the Medano Pass Primitive Road. The road spans 22 miles connecting Great Sand Dunes National Park and Colorado State Highway 69. Involving 9 crossings of Medano Creek in addition to deep sand, mud, and rocky terrain, a high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle is a must for those looking to enjoy this activity.
The road is seasonal and current road conditions can be checked on the National Park website (HERE) prior to departure. There is a tire fill station at the southern end of the trail and it’s recommended to have a personal air compressor available with an ability to change tire pressure based on road conditions. There are 21 campsites each with a fire ring and bear box available FREE for use first come first serve along the road as well. If this sounds interesting but you don’t have an appropriate vehicle, Jeep tours and rentals are available just outside the park through Mountain Master Off Road Tours and Great Sand Dunes Lodge.
Best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
5. Stop at the Visitor Center
Stopping at the Visitor Center is always one of the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park and any unfamiliar parks for that matter. Rangers are available and eager to answer any questions you may have, saving you precious time and effort as you determine how best to plan your day.
The newly renovated Visitor Center for Great Sands Dunes National Park is located just inside the park entrance off the main road. In addition to the bathrooms, museum, and gift shop, a concrete outdoor space provides expansive views of the prairie, sand dunes, and towering mountains beyond. There is also a short walking path that connects the Visitor Center to the Sand Dunes Parking area as well.
Inside, visitors are treated to new exhibits highlighting the diverse ecology and natural attractions of the park as well as the historic cultures that traditionally inhabited the region. There is also an interesting night sky video and exhibit depicting the “nightlife” of the dunes which was particularly interesting. The Visitor Center is open daily from 9AM-4:30PM and is surely one of the best things to do in Great Sands Dunes National Park.
Best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
6. Experience the Night Sky
Dry air, little light pollution and high elevation make Great Sand Dunes National Park one of the best dark sky viewing locations in the country. Meeting strict standards for sky darkness and minimal light pollution, in 2019 Great Sand Dunes was certified as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association.
Visitors flock to dunes for full moon hikes and incomparable views of the milky way helping to make night sky viewing truly one of the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The park is open 24 hours a day and there are certain ranger programs available during the summer dedicated specifically to night sky viewing as well (schedule found HERE). If going out at night, it is recommended that you carry a flashlight at all times (red light if possible to limit light pollution), walk in a group, and dress appropriately for possible steep drops in temperature. If you’re trying to capture top notch photos of the ethereal milky way, you should plan on bringing a sturdy tripod and camera equipped with a long exposure as well.
Best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
7. Hike to Zapata Falls
Other than hiking the dunes, two popular albeit longer hikes in Great Sands Dunes National Park are the Medano Lake Trail and Mosca Pass Trail. For those not looking for another arduous hike after summiting the dunes, consider the Zapata Falls Trail. Although not technically located in the park, the Zapata Falls trail is widely considered one of the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Located 30 minutes south of the park entrance, the trailhead for Zapata Falls is located just a short way off route 150 (the main road to and from the park) and is free to the public. The trail is just 1 mile round trip and is considered easy but rewarding. A well worn gravel trail winds through a forested landscape with views of the Great Sand Dunes and San Luis Valley below. The trail ends at the 30 foot Zapata Falls. Because the final part of the trail involves approaching the falls through Zapata Creek, bringing water shoes or other appropriate footwear with good tread is recommended.
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