23 Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Chantelle KincyAre you wondering what the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park are?
You’ve come to the right place! We asked our friend, Abby, from Trekking Prices to share all of the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Abby lives in Colorado and loves to explore and find adventure, so she is the perfect person to help us out with this!
Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most underrated parks in the United States, located in southern Colorado.
This national park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America and is an incredibly unique site to see.
Check out the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park so that you have the most ideal experience when visiting!
The Ultimate List of The Best Things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
1. Summit the Tallest Dune in North America
The Star Dune in Great Sand Dunes National Park is over 750 feet in height, making it the tallest dune in North America.
Summiting the Star Dune Trail is a feeling like no other as you take in the views of Great Sand Dunes National Park and of the surrounding mountains off in the distance.
There is something so magical about seeing the Colorado landscape from the top of North America’s tallest sand dune.
Be sure to come prepared and pack plenty of water for your adventure to the summit.
Additionally, be sure to bring along the best energy bars for hiking so that you stay healthy and energized while trekking up the sand dunes!
2. Test Your Skateboarding and Snowboarding Skills by Trying Out Sandboarding
Sandboarding is one of the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park and it is one of the most popular activities to do!
You will see countless individuals both young and old, testing out their skills, as they glide down the dunes on sandboards.
Not only is this a super unique experience that you can hardly get anywhere else but it’s a great activity to get a little exercise in as well.
3. Go Sand Sledding
For those that would rather avoid testing out their balance skills on a sandboard, consider going sand sledding!
Much like snow sledding, this sport requires you to sit on a sled and drift down a hill toward the bottom of the sand dunes.
This is a great activity for adults and children alike and is a great family-friendly activity for those looking to create a truly memorable experience with loved ones!
4. Camp Out Under the Stars
One of the most surreal experiences to capture in Great Sand Dunes National Park is camping out underneath the stars.
Due to this national park being relatively off the grid and away from large built-up areas, it is super easy to see the Milky Way Galaxy and take in the views of the surrounding stars and planets.
⛺️ Check out our favorite place to camp near Great Sand Dunes!
5. Go on a Road Trip Around the National Park Using the Medano Pass Primitive Road
One of our favorite activities to do at any national park is to embark on a road trip! Not only is this a great way to experience the park as a whole but it will give you a new perspective as you wind down various roads and take in the stunning views of sand dunes from different angles.
The Medano Pass Primitive Road is the most scenic road in Great Sand Dunes National Park and is a great way to capture the park from behind the wheel of a car.
6. Go on a Smaller Hike
There are countless hikes to embark on throughout this national park. If summiting North America’s tallest sand dune sounds too intimidating, consider going on one of the smaller hikes throughout Great Sand Dunes National Park.
A popular shorter hike in the park is the Montville Nature Trail. This is a great option for families with small children or for those looking for an easy and quick hike with some beautiful views!
7. Go Swimming in Medano Creek
One of the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park during the summer months is to go swimming in Medano Creek!
Once the summer months hit, the snow begins to melt on the nearby mountain ranges and the water begins to rush into Medano Creek.
The snowmelt forms Alpine Lakes at the bottom and transfers water down Medano Creek right at the base of Great Sand Dunes National Park.
This in return forms a beach-like atmosphere where you can relax on the sand and sunbathe and hop into the creek to cool off and swim around.
8. Learn More by Participating in a Ranger Program
Great Sand Dunes National Park offers free Ranger Programs for individuals to participate in. These programs are run mostly throughout the summer and fall months and give you the opportunity to hang out with park rangers and learn more about the sand dunes!
You can learn more about the Ranger Program schedule through the National Parks Service website here.
9. Go Backpacking in the Backcountry
Another one of the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park is to go backpacking in the backcountry! This is an awesome opportunity to explore some of the less popular areas of the park and is a great way to shed some calories while doing so.
Backpacking throughout this national park does require a backcountry camping permit so be sure to grab one of those before embarking on your next adventure.
Additionally, be sure to pack accordingly and bring along your favorite desert camping tent and backpacking pillow so that you are set up to have the best experience possible while exploring the backcountry.
10. Go on a Sunrise Hike
Nothing screams adventure more than waking up at the crack of dawn and hitting the trails bright and early! Going on a sunrise hike will allow you to experience the park on a whole new level from on top of the sand dunes!
11. Get Artsy and Photograph the Sand Dunes
Whether you are a pro or an amateur, photographing the sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park must be on your list of things to do when visiting this marvelous park.
Seeing the massive sand dunes in front of the Rocky Mountains is so surreal and the pictures will capture those memories for a lifetime.
12. Go Horseback Riding
One of the most unique and best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park is to go horseback riding! This is an awesome way to capture the sand dunes from a new perspective as you ride on the back of a horse and take in the surrounding landscape.
13. Get Adventurous by Fat Biking the Medano Primitive Road
For those looking for a thrilling adventure, consider fat biking down the Medano Primitive Road.
This is a great option for those looking to get in a workout and take in the views of the park from a whole new perspective rushing down one of the most scenic roads in southern Colorado!
14. Watch the Sunset Over the Sand Dunes
There is nothing like experiencing a vibrant sunset over the state of Colorado and it is all the more special as you watch the sunset over the sand dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park.
15. Learn More at the Visitor Center
One of the best ways to learn about our various national parks is by visiting the Visitor Center. Not only is this a great place to stop by to learn more about the parks themselves but it’s also an excellent place to grab maps, use the restroom, and talk with park rangers.
16. Grab a Bite to Eat at the Great Sand Dunes Oasis
Once you are finished exploring the Great Sand Dunes, head over to Great Sand Dunes Oasis to grab a quick bite to eat. This is a great place to grab lunch close to the sand dunes!
17. Camp at Pinon Flats Campground
For those looking to spend several days exploring the national park, be sure to camp at Pinon Flats Campground for an experience you will never forget.
This campground comes with countless amenities including restrooms, fire gates, picnic tables, bear lockers, and so much more.
The Best Things to Do Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
18. Visit the Nearby Zapata Falls
One of the most beautiful attractions nearby is Zapata Falls. This waterfall is extremely beautiful and the hike to the waterfall is less than a mile out and back which is great for individuals and families alike!
19. Go Fishing Nearby
Another popular activity to do in the area is to bring along your go-to fishing gear and reel in some fish at some of the nearby lakes! This is a great way to spend some time outdoors and a relaxing activity for all to enjoy.
20. Take in the Views of the Sandhill Crane Migration
Sandhill Cranes tend to make their way to the surrounding area from early February to mid-March.
For those looking to take in the views of these birds, be sure to check out the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge where you can see these cranes in their natural habitat enjoying life.
21. Visit the Nearby Zapata Ranch
The Zapata Ranch is open from March to October and is an excellent place to stay, shop, and explore. For those looking for ultimate outdoor adventures and excursions, the Zapata Ranch offers horseback riding, wildlife viewings, hunting, bison tours, and so much more.
22. Check out the Baca National Wildlife Refuge
The Baca National Wildlife Refuge is another great place to visit near the Great Sand Dunes National Park. This is a great place to take in the views of grasslands, and various bird species, and see countless different wildlife roaming around the area.
23. Take a Trip to the Crestone Ziggurat
The Crestone Ziggurat is a spiritual tower near the national park and is a great place to visit for those looking to gain tremendous views of the surrounding areas. Additionally, it is an excellent place to visit for those looking to meditate.
How do I get to Great Sand Dunes National Park?
The most common option is to fly and then grab a rental car and drive from there. There are several options you can choose to fly into when visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park. Check out the options below and how long it takes to get to the national park from each airport!
Colorado Springs Municipal Airport – 2 hours and 40 minutes
Santa Fe Regional Airport – 3 hours and 10 minutes
Denver International Airport – 3 hours and 50 minutes
Albuquerque International Sunport – 4 hours
Where is the best place to stay near Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Great Sand Dunes Lodge – This is one of the best hotels in the area and is just minutes away from the park. Plus, they have an indoor pool which is awesome to come back to after a long day of exploring the Great Sand Dunes in the Colorado sun!
Rustic Rook Glamping– This super cute glamping site is so much fun. Nightly bonfires, locally made breakfast burritos, and cozy canvas tents!
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Alamosa – This hotel is roughly 40 minutes down the road from Great Sand Dunes National Park but is a great option for those looking to stay closer to town. Additionally, this hotel has a handful of restaurants and grocery stores nearby.
Tips to Know Before Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park:
- Bring plenty of water with you – No matter what time of year you plan on visiting Great Sand Dunes, it’s important to bring plenty of water with you so that you stay hydrated and healthy while exploring the park.
- Wear sunscreen – The Colorado sun is notorious for being strong and will make you sunburnt no matter what time of year you are outside and exploring. We recommend wearing sunscreen year-round especially if you plan on spending a significant amount of time outside in the sun!
- Plan ahead – Great Sand Dunes National Park is pretty out of the way and sits alone. Be sure to plan ahead where you are staying, and what meals you plan on eating, and make sure to get gas ahead of time as well. It is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when going on a road trip to visit a national park.
FAQs About The Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
How long should I spend in Great Sand Dunes National Park?
We recommend spending at least a full day at Great Sand Dunes National Park so that you can go on a hike or two, explore the nearby areas, and take in all that the park has to offer.
Is Great Sand Dunes National Park worth it?
Great Sand Dunes National Park is totally worth a visit. This park is unlike any other national park as you take in the views of the distinct sand dunes and capture the Rocky Mountains off in the distance.
What is the best time of day to go to the Great Sand Dunes?
We recommend visiting the Great Sand Dunes bright and early so that you beat some of the afternoon crowds and you have moderate temperatures.
What makes the Great Sand Dunes special?
The Great Sand Dunes are the tallest sand dunes in North America which make it so unique and special.
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