Colorado is best known for it’s majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, but it’s also home to the totally out-of-this-world Great Sand Dunes National Park. This 1 day at Great Sand Dunes itinerary is your go-to guide to exploring this wild and unique National Park in only one day.
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique and diverse park located in southern Colorado. With its rolling sand dunes, rugged mountains, and diverse hikes, it offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration that the whole family will love!
I spent 2 days in Great Sand Dunes during my month-long epic Colorado road trip in 2023. I’ll admit I didn’t have big expectations for this Park going in – but I was so totally blown away by the desert beauty and how “different” this Park feels from others in Colorado.
This 1 day Great Sand Dunes itinerary includes my favorite things that I did, as well as some extras that I wish I had known about before my trip.
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A Quick Look at Your Great Sand Dunes Itinerary
If you only have one day in Great Sand Dunes National Park, here are my favorite must-see spots I recommend:
- Hike to High Dune
- Sand Board & Sand Sledding
- Medano Creek (Seasonal)
- Zapata Falls
- Sunset over the Dunes
This Great Sand Dunes itinerary hits all these must-see spots, plus more exciting things to do if you have 1 day in Great Sand Dunes National Park!
I’ve also included some helpful driving and transportation information, plus more info on my favorite hotels and restaurants near the Park.
Have more than 1 day in Great Sand Dunes? Check out more things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, here.
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:
Getting to Great Sand Dunes: Airport & Driving Directions
Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado. Like most National Parks, you’ll absolutely need to rent a car to visit Great Sand Dunes.
Closest Airports to 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.
More airports near Great Sand Dunes are:
| 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 |
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 |
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.
Where to Stay Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
If you’re staying near the Park before or after your Great Sand Dunes itinerary, here are some helpful lodging options near Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Some of my favorite spots to stay near Great Sand Dunes are:
- Closest Hotel to Great Sand Dunes: Great Sand Dunes Lodge
- Best Budget Hotel Near Great Sand Dunes: Best Western Alamosa Inn
- Best Mid-Range Hotel Near Great Sand Dunes: Fairfield Inn & Suites
- Best Campground Near Great Sand Dunes: KOA Alamosa / Great Sand Dunes
- Best Glamping Near Great Sand Dunes: Rustic Rook Resort
It’s about a 45 minute drive (one-way) between Alamosa and the Dunes, so make sure you factor drive-time into your Great Sand Dunes itinerary!
You can also find more hotels and vacation rentals near Great Sand Dunes, and check prices using this map:
Sand Sled & Sand Board Rentals
If you want to spend some time sand sledding and sand boarding in your Great Sand Dunes itinerary – and trust me, you want to – you’ll need to rent the right equipment.
There are no sand sled rentals inside the National Park! I saw several families asking about board rentals at the visitor center, but alas, you have to plan ahead and get one outside the park!
Sand sleds are basically like snowboards – with a few modifications to make them perfect for gliding down the dunes. There are several spots in and around the Park and in Alamosa where you can grab your daily board rental.
I recommend calling ahead to make sure these locations are open the day before! This is a rural area and not everything is open when you’d expect.
Tip: Get one board to share between your group!
Places where you can rent sand sleds and boards that are convenient to this Great Sand Dunes itinerary include:
- Great Sand Dunes Oasis: The closest place to the dunes, located one mile south of the park entrance. They offer equipment rentals for $20 / day. Open from 8am to 8pm daily, spring – fall.
- Spindrift Sandboards: A owned sandboard manufacturer and rental shop located in the small town of Blanca, CO, Southeast of the Park. Equipment rentals for $20 / day. Located about 20 minutes from Alamosa and 30 minutes to the Visitor Center.
- Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa: This go-to local outdoor gear shop offers a range of rental options including snowshoes, cross-country skis, and also sand boards and sand sleds for $20 / day. Stop by and pick up your hiking and camping gear here too, and get advice on more hiking, biking, and things to do in the San Luis Valley area. Reservations STRONGLY ENCOURAGED – ask about picking up after 4pm the night before!
Also, don’t bother trying to sled with cardboard or regular snow sleds – it won’t work!
Great Sand Dunes Itinerary
Want to make the most out of your one day in Great Sand Dunes National Park?
This one day Great Sand Dunes itinerary includes all the “must-see” stops and activities in Great Sand Dunes, and my favorite activities from when I visited – plus some important tips on how to avoid the mistakes I made!
If you’ve only got a few hours – pick and choose what sounds best and try and stick to one area of the Park – you’ll avoid wasting time driving and spend more of it one the dunes!
I recommend packing a lunch or at least some mid-morning snacks before your day in Great Sand Dunes. You might also want to bring beach chairs, some towels, and a bathing suit if Medano Creek is running.
Great Sand Dunes Itinerary Map
This map includes all the recommended activities on the 1 day Great Sand Dunes itinerary.
How to Use This Map: Click the Icons on the map to see more information about each location. Click the star at the top of the map to add the map to your Google Maps account.
Morning is the coolest – and least crowded time – in Great Sand Dunes National Park. As the sun heats up during the day, the temperature of the sand can get scorching hot – reaching up to 150 degrees on sunny summer afternoons!
That means you’ll want to plan your dune-time early. So boil that cup of instant camp coffee (the good kind, not the Starbucks Via) and head to the park early!
Pick Up Your Sand Board Rentals
If you’re headed into the Alamosa area the night before – try to pick up your Sandboard rental from Kristi Mountain Sports after 4pm!
You’ll save a ton of time waiting from them to open in the morning – instead you can head straight to the park and to the dunes before the rest of the suckers – I mean crowds – arrive.
If you didn’t pick your up sand board rental the night before, head to one of the Sand Board Rental locations and grab your board first thing in the morning. Remember, there are no board rentals inside the Park, so you’ll want to do this first!
Morning: Hiking the Dunes
Once you arrive at the park, the first stop on your Great Sand Dunes itinerary is to head straight to the Great Dunes Parking area / Picnic Area. This is the main parking area with the easiest access to the Dunes.
To reach this spot, follow the main road, CO – 150 through the park, and make a left onto Medano Creek Road, following signs for Dunes / Picnic Area.
Leave your sand boards in the car for now, and plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks for a hike into the dune field.
From the parking area, it’s about 0.5 miles (15 minutes) across flat sand to the dunes themselves.
There are no “trails” in the Dunes, so it helps a ton to download an offline GPS map, like this one I used from AllTrails, to help navigate.
High Dune is the first ridge of dunes that you’ll see from the Parking area. Its about 3 miles out and back to the top of this ridge, which will take 2 -3 hours, depending on how quickly you can hike in sand.
Remember, you’re at about 8,000 feet in elevation! Just walking up the stairs can be exhausting at these elevations.
Once you reach the High Dune, take in the incredible 360 degree views of the dunes and surrounding mountains. If you get there early enough, you’ll have this incredible desert all to yourself like I did – it’s an out of this world experience for sure!
Want to hike to the highest dune in the Park? The trek to Star Dune is an all-day hike of 7-9 miles! Read more about hiking to Star Dune and more things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Par, here.
Mid-Morning: Sandboarding
After hiking through the dunes, it’s time for some fun on your sand board. Return to the parking area and grab your board – as well as some beach chairs and picnic supplies.
I’m going to come clean right now and confess that I did not sand board at Great Sand Dunes! I opted for a long early-morning hike instead and figured sand sledding and sand boarding would be silly and “overrated” – WRONG!
After my hike, I was so jealous of everyone flying down the dunes on their boards! If you’re on the fence about getting a board rental – DO IT!
FYI, I later went sand boarding in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah, and therefore can confirm that it is awesome!
Tips for Sand Boarding at Great Sand Dunes
- Start with a small hill: If you’re new to sand boarding, start with a smaller dune and work your way up. The steeper the slope, the faster you’ll go!
- Don’t Get Discouraged: If you aren’t super coordinated (hello!) you might struggle to stay standing on your board. Keep practicing – or rent a sled which basically anyone can use!
- Wax your board: Just like snowboarding, waxing your board will make it easier (and faster) to slide down the sand. In my sandboarding experience, I found that every-other run was the best time to re-wax. The perfect ratio of work to smooth speed down the dunes.
- Wear proper clothing: Sand can irritate bare skin, so make sure to wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt while sand boarding.
- Use common sense and safety precautions: Always be aware of other people on the dunes and avoid areas where there are rocks or steep drop-offs.
After an exhilarating morning of hiking and sand boarding, take some time to relax in the sand or at the Picnic Area.
Medano Creek (Seasonal)
If you’re visiting when the seasonal Medano Creek is flowing, usually from May to June, make sure to check it out! Medano Creek is formed by snowmelt from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and creates a totally unique beach-like experience in the middle of these landlocked dunes.
This shallow, sandy-bottomed creek is perfect for wading and playing in the water. Bring a floatie or inflatable tube and let the currents carry you down the creek.
For obvious reasons, this is an incredibly popular activity for families with kids in Great Sand Dunes National Park!
Make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and LOTS of mosquito spray, as those nasty bugs are usually out in full force with the snow-melt water.
Afternoon: Scenic Drives and Waterfall Hikes
By the time you hit the afternoon in Great Sand Dunes National Park, the sand will likely start to get hot!
After exhausting yourself in the sand, wash off – there are outdoor rinse showers near the picnic area and parking lot (similar to what you’d find at a public ocean beach).
Depending on your time, vehicle, and energy, there are a couple of suggested activities this afternoon:
Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center
Stop by the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center for a chance to cool off and learn more about the park’s unique geology, wildlife, and history. The center offers interactive exhibits and ranger-led programs that are both educational and entertaining.
The Visitor Center is located just south of the Dune Parking Area with a small nature trail and excellent views!
Medano Pass Primitive Road
Traveling with a 4WD high-clearance vehicle? Spend the afternoon on the Medano Pass Primitive Road – a rugged 22-mile route through the Sangre de Cristo mountains. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and colorful wildflowers during peak season.
Make sure to check current road conditions before attempting this drive, as it can be hazardous in wet or snowy conditions. Learn more about driving the Medano Pass Primitive Road, here.
Zapata Falls Trail
For a more low-key and 2WD friendly option, head to Zapata Falls. This moderate kid-friendly hike is technically located just outside the Park, but it’s a worthy side trip.
This short hike is about 1 mile round trip, with less than 200 feet of elevation gain, ending at a 30 foot waterfall hidden in a narrow rocky canyon, with shade that provides some much needed afternoon relief.
Dinner & Sunset in Great Sand Dunes
After a day of adventuring in the Park, it’s the perfect time to return your board rental and enjoy a well-deserved meal after an exhilarating day!
There aren’t a ton of dining options near Great Sand Dunes, and most are located in Alamosa, about 40 minutes from the dunes. My favorite picks for dinner near Great Sand Dunes are:
- Great Sand Dunes Oasis – This is the closest dining to the park, located near the Park Entrance, next to the Lodge. They serve classic diner fare that isn’t anything fancy – but you can’t beat the location!
- San Luis Valley Brewing Company (Alamosa) – In Alamosa, this family-owned craft brewery serve beers and classic American and southwest dishes. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up in the morning, check out their next-door coffee shop Roast Cafe– my favorite spot I ate near Great Sand Dunes!
- The Friar’s Fork (Alamosa): Enjoy Italian classics and craft cocktails at adobe church turned restaurant. This family owned joint was nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award in 2023 for a menu that you’d expect in a major city, served in casual spot at ridiculously fair prices.
Sunset In Great Sand Dunes
If you have the energy, hoof it back to the park for a spectacular sunset over the dunes. This is the perfect way to end your Great Sand Dunes itinerary, and it’s one of my favorite – and most relaxing- things I did in the Park.
As the sun dips behind the Sangre de Cristo mountains, the dunes take on a warm glow that is absolutely a photographer’s dream.
Try and arrive at least an hour before sunset to get situated and catch the colors.
The best spots for sunsets are: from the dunes (0.5 mile one way, plus walking up the dune hills); the Visitor Center; along Highway 150 – there are tons of pullouts both in and out of the Park along this main highway, pick a spot with views of the dunes, pull out a camp chair and enjoy!
Stargazing in an International Dark Sky Park
As they say, “half the park is after dark!”
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park, making it an incredible spot for stargazing.
With minimal light pollution and clear night skies, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way galaxy, and even some planets with just your naked eye. The best nights for stargazing are clear, moonless nights, at least 1.5 hours after sunset.
The Park hosts night sky and astronomy programming throughout the summer. Check the calendar for updated ranger programs, here.
Conclusion: 1 Day Great Sand Dunes National Park Itinerary
This Great Sand Dunes National Park itinerary is a totally unique experience! From hiking the tallest dunes in North America to stargazing under the dark skies, this park offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.
And with its proximity to other popular destinations like Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde, the San Juan Mountain and Colorado Springs, it’s a must-do weekend-trip or road-trip stop!
Don’t miss out on exploring this hidden gem of the Southwest and experiencing all that Great Sand Dunes has to offer!
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