Nestled in the heart of Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park is full of breathtaking landscapes, an epic spot for adventure seekers, and makes the perfect family-friendly road trip stop. But getting to this unique park takes a bit of planning.
After visiting and exploring this park in 2023, I’m sharing how to get to Great Sand Dunes National Park, the closest airports to Great Sand Dunes, driving directions and essential travel tips.
This post will also cover important things to know about driving in and around the park, including whether you need for a 4×4 vehicle, and suggestions for a few exciting road trip ideas from other spots in Colorado.
So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure to one of Colorado’s most unique natural wonders!
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A Quick Look at How to Get to Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado. Like most National Parks, you’ll either need to drive to Great Sand Dunes direction, or fly into a nearby airport and rent a car to visit Great Sand Dunes.
Most visitors to Colorado will probably fly into Denver, which happens to be one of the busiest airports in the United States, and usually your best option for cheaper flights and rental cars. That’s why Denver International Airport (DEN) is my pick for the best airport for getting to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
>> Click here to compare rates for flights to DEN.
The closest airport to Great Sand Dunes is San Luis Valley Regional Airport (ALS) in Alamosa, Colorado, just 36 miles from the Park.
>> Click here to compare rates for flights to ALS.
Driving to Great Sand Dunes?
Here’s a quick look at your approximate drive times to Great Sand Dunes from other popular Colorado destinations.
| City | Distance | Drive Time | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver to Great Sand Dunes | 230 Miles | 4 Hours | Directions via Google Maps |
| Colorado Springs to Great Sand Dunes | 168 Miles | 2 Hours 45 Minutes | Directions via Google Maps |
| Durango to Great Sand Dunes | 173 Miles | 3 Hours 15 Minutes | Directions via Google Maps |
| Mesa Verde National Park to Great Sand Dunes | 223 Miles | 4 Hours 20 Minutes | Directions via Google Maps |
Keep reading for additional information on Denver, San Luis, and more airport options near Great Sand Dunes, driving directions & tips, and suggested road trip stops on your way to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Plan a Trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park
Check out these free resources on the blog to plan your trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado:
Closest Airports to Great Sand Dunes National Park
Unless you’re already living or traveling in the Southwest or Mountain West, you’re probably going to need to fly into one of these closest airports to Great Sand Dunes, rent a car, and drive to the park.
These are the closest airports to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Additional details, including rental car options, are included below.
| Airport | Distance to Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| San Luis Valley Regional Airport (ALS) (Alamosa) | 36 Miles | 40 Minutes |
| Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) | 164 Miles | 3 Hours 15 Minutes |
| Colorado Springs Airport (COS) | 168 Miles | 2 Hours 45 Minutes |
| Denver International Airport (DEN) | 253 Miles | 4 Hours |
| Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) | 184 Miles | 3 Hours 20 Minutes |
| Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) | 241 Miles | 4 Hours |
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International, a massive airport on the outskirts of Colorado’s capital city, is the largest airport in the mountain west / southwest region, the 6th busiest airport in the world, and, for most visitors, the best airport for getting to Great Sand Dunes, the Rocky Mountains, and Colorado’s other iconic spots.
Denver is serviced by all major airlines, international airlines, and has a robust rental car center.
>> Compare flight & prices to Denver
Don’t forget – if you plan on exploring some of Great Sand Dunes primitive roads or exploring some of Colorado’s more iconic hikes outside the National Parks, like the Ice Lakes Trail, rent a car that has a 4×4 and high clearance.
Distance: 253 Miles | 4 Hours Drive
Airlines: All major domestic airlines, including Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, United, plus international carriers like British Airways, Air Canada, ect.
Rental Cars: All major rental car carriers, including Budget, Fox, Hertz, National, Dollar, Alamo, Sixt, Avis, Enterprise, Payless, and Thrifty.
Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
Located about 10 miles southeast of downtown Colorado Springs, this airport offers easy access to popular destinations like Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and Manitou Springs, and slightly closer than Denver to Great Sand Dunes.
One great perk of flying into COS is that it’s much smaller than Denver International Airport, meaning less crowds and a quicker security process. However, since it’s a smaller airport, there are fewer flight options available.
>> Compare flight & prices to Colorado Springs
Distance: 168 Miles | 2 Hours 45 Minutes Drive
Airlines: American, Avelo, Delta, Southwest, Sun Country, United
Rental Cars: Alamo, National, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar
San Luis Valley Regional Airport (ALS) (Alamosa)
San Luis Valley is a small regional airport that is the closest airport to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Unfortunately, close doesn’t really mean convenient in this case. ALS is only serviced by one airline, Denver Air Connection, with connecting flights to Denver and Salt Lake City.
>> Click here to compare flights and prices to San Luis Valley
Distance: 36 Miles | 40 Minutes Drive
Airlines: Denver Air Connection
Rental Cars: Quest Rental Cars
Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO)
Durano La Plata County Airport is a small regional airport service the Four Corners region of Colorado and the gateway to the San Juan Mountains region and San Luis Valley. Although small, DRO has a number of flights to convenient airports like Denver, Houston, Dallas, and Phoenix.
If you’re also planning on visiting Mesa Verde National Park, or exploring the hugely underrated San Juan Mountains region – including towns like Ouray, Telluride, or Silverton – this is a good option.
Again, if you plan on tackling some of Colorado’s hikes in this rugged region, rent a car that’s up for the challenge, with at least AWD – although 4WD is preferred.
>> Click here to compare flights and prices to Durango-La Plata
Distance: 164 Miles | 3 Hours 15 Minutes Drive
Airlines: American Airlines, United
Rental Cars: Alamo, National, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar
Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF)
Another regional airport located across the state border in New Mexico, SAF operates daily regional flights to Denver, Dallas, and Phoenix. Like most regional airports, you’ll pay a premium price here compared to major airports like Denver.
This airport is best for travelers looking to explore both New Mexico and Colorado, as it’s located near major highways that can take you to popular destinations like Taos, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe.
>> Compare flight & prices to Santa Fe Regional Airport
Distance: 184 Miles | 3 Hours 20 Minutes Drive
Airlines: American Airlines, United
Rental Cars: Hertz, Avis
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
Albuquerque’s International “Sunport” is the second closest international airport to Great Sand Dunes National Park. It’s about equal distance to Great Sand Dunes as Denver.
Driving from ABQ to Great Sand Dunes, you’ll pass by important Native American historic sights, including Petroglyphs National Monument, through the iconic artsy towns of Santa Fe, Taos, and through the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
>> Compare flight & prices to Albuquerque
Distance: 241 Miles | 4 Hours Drive
Airlines: Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, SunCountry, United
Rental Cars: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, ACE, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty, Sixt
Driving to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Road Trip Ideas
Driving to Great Sand Dunes National Park is a road trip adventure in itself. Depending on where you’re coming from, there are several scenic routes and stops along the way that offer unique experiences and attractions.
See the highlights in one day, or you can make it a multi-day road trip by stopping at different destinations along the way.
Do I Need a 4 Wheel Drive Car at Great Sand Dunes?
A 4×4 drive car is not required for one day in Great Sand Dunes National Park.
BUT – if you plan on spending more than one day exploring Great Sand Dunes and the surrounding area, I highly recommend a car with high-clearance and 4WD.
The main areas of the park itself, including the Dunes, Medano Creek, and Visitor Center are easily accessible with a regular 2WD sedan or car.
But if you plan on venturing into the nearby mountains or backcountry roads, a 4 wheel drive vehicle with high clearance (like a Jeep or 4Runner) is a must.
Denver to Great Sand Dunes
230 Miles | 4 Hours | Directions via Google Maps
Driving from Denver to Great Sand Dunes? If you have time, don’t miss a pit stop in Colorado Springs, home of the famous Garden of the Gods.
This stunning park features red rock formations and is perfect for a hike or picnic. You can also “summit” your first 14er (a peak over 14,000 feet in elevation) on the auto road to Pike’s Peak.
Colorado Springs to Great Sand Dunes
168 Miles | 2 Hours 45 Minutes | Directions via Google Maps
There are 2 routes from Colorado Springs to Great Sand Dunes. The first (and quickest) is a straight shot down I-25 then west on US-160.
The second route, via US-24 and US-285, takes you through the breathtakingly scenic Collegiate Peaks region, through the adventure mountain towns of Buena Vista and Salida.
This area is worth a few days, if you have time to explore the hot springs, whitewater rafting, incredible scenic drives (check out Monarch Pass, Cottonwood Pass, or Independence Pass) and world-class hiking, including dozens of 14ers, and easier hikes too.
Durango to Great Sand Dunes
173 Miles | 3 Hours 15 Minutes | Directions via Google Maps
From Durango to Great Sand Dunes, you’ll follow the scenic Highway 160 that winds through the southern San Juan Mountains, via Wolf Creek Pass at just under 11,000 feet.
Along the way, stop at Chimney Rock National Monument, one of the most important archaeological sites in North America. This drive also takes you through the town of Pagosa Springs, famous for its natural hot springs.
Mesa Verde National Park to Great Sand Dunes
223 Miles | 4 Hours 20 Minutes | Directions via Google Maps
Combine your trip to Great Sand Dunes with a visit to perhaps the most unique National Park in the entire United States! Mesa Verde National Park, located near Durango, is the first US National Park created to preserve North America’s incredible indigenous heritage.
This park includes one of the greatest concentrations of Cliff Dwellings, built by the Ancestral Pueblo over 1,100 years ago. It’s an incredible spot and well worth the trip!
Other Colorado National Parks to Great Sand Dunes
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, or perhaps planning an epic Colorado National Parks road trip like I did in 2023? Here’s your approximate drive times to Great Sand Dunes from Colorado’s other National Parks:
- Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park entrance): 275 Miles | 5 Hours 15 Minutes | Directions via Google Maps
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: 220 Miles | 4 Hours 20 Minutes | Directions via Google Maps
