Great Sand Dunes National Park: An Unforgettable Colorado Landscape

When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. See our Affiliate Policy. My husband and I made it a mission to explore more of what the U.S. has to offer. Time and time again, we hit the road, zigzagging across the country, chasing views, experiences, and memories. One destination had been sitting on my bucket list for years: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in southern Colorado’s San Luis Valley. I’d seen the photos, massive golden dunes rising dramatically against a backdrop of rugged peaks, but nothing could prepare me for the scale and power of the real thing. In May of 2023, I finally got to see it for myself. This post is a snapshot of that experience. Arriving at Great Sand Dunes: Awe, Heat, and Endless Sand The plan had been in motion for months. When the day finally arrived, we packed up the car and set off toward Colorado. We arrived in Colorado with much excitement. As we drove down Highway 150 towards the National Park and Preserve, the dunes slowly came into view; gentle slopes rising from the valley floor. I turned to my husband and said, “That can’t be it. They look so small.” We both stared in disbelief. In all the photos, the dunes had looked massive, towering, almost otherworldly. But from our distance, they seemed surprisingly modest. The closer we got, though, the more the landscape transformed. Those aren’t birds or bushes, those are people in the distance! What once looked like rolling hills began to rise higher, steeper. Tiny specks dotted the sand, some standing alone, others clustered together. “What are those?” I asked aloud. “They must be birds… but where are all the people?” It wasn’t until we were nearly at the base that it hit me, those weren’t birds at all. They were the people. Nothing, and I mean nothing, could have prepared me for the sheer size of the dune field. The scale is jaw-dropping. These are the tallest sand dunes in North America. As we stepped out onto the sand, I was hit by a wave of dry heat. The sand was scorching beneath our feet, hotter than I ever expected. But just a few steps away, Medano Creek was flowing, and its water? Absolutely freezing. The contrast was wild, like stepping between two seasons. Above us, the sky stretched out in a deep, endless blue, and the clouds looked so perfect, they almost seemed fake. In the distance, Mt. Herard loomed behind the dunes like a painted backdrop, majestic and surreal. Then came the wind. Goggles helped protect our eyes from the sand Grains of sand whipped across the surface, smacking our skin with surprising force. I’m not ashamed to admit it, it made me curse under my breath more than once. And the climb? That was no walk in the park. If you think you’re ready to conquer the dunes because you’ve been hitting the stairs at the gym or jogging on Florida beaches, let me gently burst that bubble. The dunes are made of fine, dry sand, and every step forward feels like you’re sinking back half a step. Halfway up, my legs were burning, my hands were hot from gripping the sand, and my back ached from constantly leaning forward. But here’s the thing: it’s worth it. We grabbed our sandboard and spent the day sliding down and hiking back up. It was exhausting, sandy, frustrating at times… and absolutely unforgettable. By the end of the day, we stood at the top of a dune, out of breath, sweaty, sore, and completely in awe while surrounded by endless waves of golden sand, with the snow-capped mountains towering behind us. It’s a view, and a feeling, that I’ll never forget. Walking uphill for sandboarding takes a lot of effort! Planning Your Visit: What You Need to Know If you’re thinking about visiting the Great Sand Dunes, here are some practical tips and helpful information that I gathered during my visit. Essential Gear & Tips That Made Our Trip Better Having the right gear made all the difference. Here’s what we brought that really helped: UV-blocking anti-fog goggles with seal – Protected our eyes from blowing sand and strong sunlight while exploring the dunes. Moisture-wicking clothes – Helped us stay cool and dry during hot hikes across the sand. Wet shoes – Perfect for wading through Medano Creek and trekking over hot, shifting sand. UV-blocking hat – Gave us much-needed shade and sun protection. Lightweight breathable backpack – Easy to carry across dunes; didn’t trap heat or weigh us down. Energy snacks – Quick fuel (protein bars & GU Energy gels) for steep dune climbs. Ziplock bags for electronics – Kept sand and water out of phones and cameras, especially near the creek. 2L water bladder with hose – Hands-free hydration was a game-changer in the dry heat. Sunscreen – A must for long hours under intense sun with little shade. We’d highly recommend renting sand sleds or sandboards! Oasis Store: Rentals, Supplies & Dining Near Great Sand Dunes Offers board and sled rentals. Sells firewood, gifts, ice cream, and souvenirs. Has a restaurant and a small motel. Bonus: Their merchandise is cheaper than the Visitor Center! How Rentals Work Go to the right side of the building where there are two windows. Have your ID ready. Get in line, and they’ll call you up when it’s your turn. A staff member will give you a quick demo on how to properly use your board or sled. Dining at the Oasis The restaurant is located on the left side of the building. Offers indoor and outdoor seating. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Check their website for full menus and hours. Medano Creek: What to Know Before You Go Heads up! According to the National Park Service, Medano Creek is often dry near the main dune area later in the year. When we visited in May, we were lucky. It was at peak flow, creating a beautiful, shallow stream running alongside the dunes. It added so much to the experience: a place to cool off, splash around, and watch kids (and adults) play in the water. Medano Creek’s peak flow occurs during late May If you’re visiting later in the season, be ready to hike 1–2 miles upstream to find flowing water. Before you go, check the current creek conditions on the National Park Service website so you know what to expect. Entrance Fees & Passes for Great Sand Dunes National Park Have your pass ready when you arrive. You can buy passes in advance online via the National Park Service. Park Fees & Pass Options Standard: $15.00–$25.00 Annual Park Pass: $45.00 America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80.00 Seniors and military may qualify for discounts. Look up free entrance days for savings. View of the Great Sand Dunes and Medano Creek from the road Bringing Pets to Great Sand Dunes: Rules, Safety & Pet-Friendly Areas We didn’t bring our dogs on this trip, but here’s what to know if you do: Dogs are allowed in the preserve area only, not the park (except the northwest corner). Allowed on: Liberty Road Medano Pass Primitive Road Leashes must be no longer than 6 feet. Do not leave pets unattended. Clean up after your pet. Protect paws from hot sand. Use booties or hike early/late in the day. Be aware of wildlife; observe from a safe distance. Visit the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date pet rules. You can see the Sangre de Cristo Mountains behind the dunes Top Things to Do In Great Sand Dunes National Park (Beyond Hiking) Not into hiking or sandboarding? No problem. Here are other great activities to consider: Photography: A dream location to practice landscape and nature photography. Ranger Night Programs: Learn about the nocturnal wildlife of the park. Stargazing: The park is part of the International Dark Sky Park, making it ideal for observing the stars. Jeep Rentals & Tours: Don’t have AWD? Rent a Jeep or take a guided tour to explore the backcountry. Fishing: Certain creeks support fishing, just make sure you follow regulations. Note: Rio Grande cutthroat trout are catch & release only. Sandhill Crane Migration: Visit during migration season for a spectacular wildlife show. We can’t stop at a National Park without getting a photo Why Great Sand Dunes National Park Belongs on Your Colorado Bucket List I leave a piece of my heart at every national park I visit, and Great Sand Dunes is no exception. If you live in Colorado, I honestly don’t see why you wouldn’t make the trip to visit. And if you’re from outside the state, I encourage you to plan the journey to this unforgettable place. My original plan was to return this year for some astrophotography, but due to unforeseen events, I had to cancel. I hope to make it back out there in the near future. Until then, the memory of standing atop the dunes (wind in my face, mountains behind me, white clouds above) will stay with me forever. Our next stop was conquering the 2,744 stairs of the Manitou Incline in Colorado Springs.