
Nestled in the heart of Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a unique playground quite unlike any other in the Rocky Mountains! Whether you’re looking to scale the tallest sand dunes in North America, find rugged trails in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, or sand sled down the dunes and splash at the “beach”, there are tons of unforgettable things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve.
This is a smaller Park, and most visitors will only spend a day or two exploring here. But after visiting here in 2023, I found this park is the rare spot that is exciting and entertaining for visitors of all ages, with tons of unique things to do.
Kids will love playing in the sand and splashing in Medano Creek, teens and adults can cruise down the dunes on sand boards and sand sleds.
This post includes 15 of the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, as well as some helpful tips for planning your adventure!
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A Quick Look at the Best Things to Do at Great Sand Dunes
Looking for the best of the best? These are my top 5 can’t-miss things to do at Great Sand Dunes National Park.
- Hike the Dunes
- Sand Boarding & Sand Sledding
- Splash in Medano Creek
- Hike to Zapata Falls
- Primitive Road Driving
Wondering how to see it all? Check out my Great Sand Dunes Itinerary for a full 1 day Great Sand Dunes itinerary that packs these best activities into one epic Great Sand Dunes day!
How Many Days Do You Need in Great Sand Dunes?
While Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a smaller park and most visitors only spend one day in Great Sand Dunes, there are plenty of things to do and see that could easily fill up multiple days here.
If you want to fully experience the park and have access to a 4×4 high-clearance vehicle, I would recommend spending at least 2-3 days here. This will allow you to explore the dunes, hike in the mountains, and relax by Medano Creek without feeling rushed.
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:

Hike to High Dune
Without question, one of the most popular things to do at Great Sand Dunes National Park is hiking to High Dune, which stands at 699 feet tall.
High Dune is the tallest and first ridge of dunes visible from the Parking Area. Despite it’s name, High Dune isn’t the highest dune in the Park, but it is the most popular for hiking, and still among the tallest dunes in North America.
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. 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.
Remember, you’re at about 8,000 feet in elevation! Just walking up the stairs can be exhausting at these elevations.
The hike is challenging – if you walked on sand before you know it’s not easy to walk on – but doable for most visitors and offers stunning views of the dunes and surrounding mountains.
Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen as there is (obviously) no shade on this exposed hike.

Sand Boarding & Sand Sledding
Certainly the most unique thing to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park is sandboarding and sledding. Racing down the sand is an experience that visitors of every age are pretty much guaranteed to love!
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.
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!
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.

Splash in Medano Creek
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.

Hike 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.
To access the trailhead, exit the Park heading south along CO-150. About 8 miles south of the Park Entrance, take a left onto Zapata Falls Road.
This is a dirt and gravel road, but sedans and 2WD vehicles should have no problem navigating. Follow the road about 3 miles to the Zapata Falls Campground and Trailhead Parking area.

Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center & Sand Sheet Loop Trail
If you need a cool spot to escape the sun and enjoy some air conditioning in Great Sand Dunes, don’t miss the newly renovated Visitor Center.
In addition to water, restrooms, and a small gift shop, there is a lovely little display with a great overview of the Park’s history, geology, and wildlife. You can also view their night sky exhibit and get a taste of Great Sand Dunes after dark!
After visiting the Visitor Center, take a stroll on the Sand Sheet Loop Nature Trail just outside to get up close with some native plants and animals, as well as interpretive signs and wide open views of the dunes.
The entire trail is a 0.4 mile loop along dirt and gravel – but be warned, there is zero shade on this short trail!

Trek to the Tallest Dunes in North America: Star Dune
The Star Dune, towering 741 feet above the valley floor, is the tallest dune in North America!
This dune is somewhat difficult to find, located several miles into the dunefield, but if you’re looking for a long hike with a payoff of 360 degree views of dunes and mountains – this is the best thing to do in Great Sand Dunes!
The quickest routes to Star Dune are between 6 – 9 miles round trip. Plan to take as much as 8 or 9 hours to complete this hike! To avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day, I would recommend leaving the Parking Area around sunrise, or earlier.
There are no established “trails” in the dunes, so you’ll want to download an offline GPS map, like this one from AllTrails, which will give you a general idea of a direction to head in, and of course let you know once you’re “officially” on top of the tallest dune on the continent!
The GPS coordinates for Star Dune are: 37.7517639, -105.5580583
If you want to make the trek to Star Dune, here is some of the gear I recommend:
- Hiking Sandals or Trail Runners with Gaiters – I opted for runners with gaiters and it was VERY helpful in keeping sand out of my shoes.
- At LEAST 4L of Water. Obviously – there are NO water sources on this hike, make sure to bring plenty of water for every member of your hiking group.
- Electrolytes and salty snacks.
- Sun protection – reapply sunscreen, bring a hat, and consider wearing sun protective clothing like this UPF Sahara Sunshade Shirt from REI.
Oh, and don’t forget to buy your “I Hike Star Dune” stickers and magnets in the Visitor Center gift shop afterwards – you earned it! 😂

Drive the 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 or fall foliage during peak season.
If you have time, devote an entire day to this adventure and tackle some of the incredible and challenging alpine lake hikes that can only be accessed along this road!
The Medano Lake Trail is a moderate 8.5 mile round trip hike that starts from the Primitive Road, leading to a gorgeous lake that you’ll more than likely have all to yourself!
Primitive camping is available in 21 designated sites along the road. Campsites are equipped with bear boxes and picnic tables. There are no permits required and all sites are on a first-come first-served basis, and often fill completely on summer weekends.
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.

Rugged Hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
A lot of bloggers will complain that there aren’t any good traditional hikes in Great Sand Dunes National Park – but that’s just because they aren’t looking in the right place!
A short distance from the Visitor Center, the Mosca Pass Trail is a moderate 6 mile out-and-back trail into the mountains that takes about 3-4 hours to complete. The views from this hike aren’t the most exciting, but it is easily accessible for most hikers, and the shady canyon is pleasant in the afternoon sun.
The road to Mosca Pass Trail is paved and accessible for all sedans and 2WD vehicles.
Located on the eastern side of the Park and Preserve – about 2 hours from the Visitor Center – Upper and Lower Sand Creek Lakes Trails are a classic alpine lakes hike with sublime views of the Sangre de Cristo peaks and basins.
This is a 10 mile, challenging trail. A 4WD or higher clearance AWD vehicle is required.
If you are up for some very challenging hikes to classic Colorado alpine lakes and craggy peaks, you’re in the right place. Some more challenging hikes, including a few 14ers – peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation – in the region, include:
- Medano Lake & Mount Herard (via Medano Pass Primitive Trail)
- South Crestone Lake Trail
- Challenger Point & Kit Carson Mountain (14ers – Class II-III)
- Humboldt Peak (14er – Class II)
Like many hikes in Colorado, you will need a 4×4 High Clearance vehicle to access most of these trails.

Camping on the Dunes
One of the most unique camping experiences you can have in Great Sand Dunes National Park – or indeed ANY National Park – is actually camping ON the dunes themselves!
Camping in the dunes is considered a “primitive” or backcountry camping experience, as there are no designated campsites or facilities in the dunes, and no roads. In order to camp out here, you’ll need a permit from Recreation.gov.
With your permit, you can hike into the dunes and find a spot to set up camp for the night. Camping is permitted anywhere in the dunes after the first high ridge line – about 1.5 miles past the parking area.
Learn more about backpacking in the dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park, here.
Make sure to leave no trace and pack out all trash when camping in this unique area.
Stargazing & Nighttime Programs in Great Sand Dunes National 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.

Where to Stay and Eat near Great Sand Dunes
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
The only lodging inside the Park is Pinion Flats Campground, located just a mile north of the Visitor Center with great access to the dunes just steps away. The campground has both tent and RV sites, with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. There are no RV hookups, showers, or laundry in the Park.
Reservations are required through Recreation.gov, and can be made 6 months in advance.
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:
Restaurants near Great Sand Dunes
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.

Conclusion: Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes
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, there are endless opportunities for unique adventures and things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
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