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Great Sand Dunes National Park

National Park · CO · US

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Great Sand Dunes National Park
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Places in Great Sand Dunes

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Great Sand Dunes (Dune Field), Great Sand Dunes National ParkGreat Sand Dunes (Dune Field)Towering dunes with a seasonal creek, sledding, and starry skiesRestroom · ParkingStar Dune, Great Sand Dunes National ParkStar DuneTowering star-shaped summit with sweeping views and a tough ridge climbScenic ViewpointHigh Dune on First Ridge, Great Sand Dunes National ParkHigh Dune on First RidgeShort, steep dune climb with big-sky views and a fast sandy descentTrailhead · ParkingMedano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National ParkMedano CreekShallow, seasonal creek that turns the dunes into a beachParkingMedano Creek Trailhead, Great Sand Dunes National ParkMedano Creek TrailheadSeasonal splash zone and dune gateway from the main lotTrailhead · ParkingVisitor Center, Great Sand Dunes National ParkVisitor CenterBest first stop for exhibits, maps, and sweeping dune viewsVisitor Center · RestroomDunes Overlook, Great Sand Dunes National ParkDunes OverlookShort hike to sweeping dunes-and-peaks panoramaTrailhead · ParkingMount Herard, Great Sand Dunes National ParkMount HerardBig-mountain summit with the best aerial view of the dunesScenic Viewpoint

Trails in Great Sand Dunes

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Star Dune, Great Sand Dunes National ParkChallengingStar DuneLong ridge walk to one of North America’s tallest dunes7.1 mi · 4 hrMusic Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes National ParkModerateMusic Pass TrailQuick climb to sweeping alpine views with lake options beyond2.4 mi · 1.5 hrHigh Dune on First Ridge, Great Sand Dunes National ParkChallengingHigh Dune on First RidgeShort, brutal sand slog to huge views of the dunes and Sangres3 mi · 3 hrMount Herard, Great Sand Dunes National ParkChallengingMount HerardBig alpine summit above the dunes, windy and wonderfully quiet9 mi · 10 hrMedano Lake Trail, Great Sand Dunes National ParkChallengingMedano Lake TrailRemote alpine lake with rare views of the dunes from high above8.3 mi · 4.8 hrModerateDunes Overlook TrailSunset-friendly ridge walk to big dune views, no sand slog required2.7 mi · 1.3 hrMosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes National ParkModerateMosca Pass TrailShaded creekside climb to a historic pass with dune glimpses7 mi · 3.5 hrMontville Nature Trail, Great Sand Dunes National ParkEasyMontville Nature TrailShady half-mile loop with dune-and-mountain views and history0.5 mi · 30 min

Find wildlife in Great Sand Dunes

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Elk in Great Sand Dunes National ParkElkReports peak in the evening, around 7 PM16 sightingsPronghorn in Great Sand Dunes National ParkPronghornReports peak in the evening, around 7 PM21 sightingsWild Turkey in Great Sand Dunes National ParkWild TurkeyReports peak in the early morning, around 7 AM12 sightingsMule Deer in Great Sand Dunes National ParkMule DeerReports peak in the early morning, around 6 AM152 sightingsRaven in Great Sand Dunes National ParkRavenReports peak in the late morning, around 9 AM34 sightingsRed-tailed Hawk in Great Sand Dunes National ParkRed-tailed HawkReports peak in the late morning, around 11 AM15 sightingsGopher Snake in Great Sand Dunes National ParkGopher SnakeReports peak in the evening, around 7 PM15 sightingsWoodhouse's Toad in Great Sand Dunes National ParkWoodhouse's ToadReports peak in the evening, around 8 PM10 sightings

Before you go

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CAUTION

Muddy conditions on Medano Pass Primitive Road

Medano Pass Primitive Road is open, but wet ground and mud are causing vehicles to become mired and stuck 9.3 miles from the road’s start. - The affected area is next to Camp 4.5 and between the eighth and ninth creek crossings. - Turning around at Camp 4.5 is recommended for eastbound traffic. - A very high-clearance 4WD vehicle with a low-range transfer case is required by law; AWD and 2WD vehicles are prohibited beyond the Point of No Return. - The road has no cellular signal, so visitors should not rely on a phone to call for assistance. Check current Medano Pass road conditions before departure.

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CAUTION

Stage 1 fire restrictions

Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect; use fires only in the designated developed recreation sites listed below. - Campfires are allowed in steel fire rings at developed campsites at Piñon Flats Campground, in established steel barbecues in the picnic area, or in steel fire rings at primitive campsites along the 4WD Medano Pass Primitive Road. Put all fires out cold before leaving them unattended. - Fires, grills, and barbecues are prohibited outside those areas. Fireworks and other explosive devices or targets are prohibited. - Smoking is allowed only inside an enclosed vehicle, at a developed or improved recreation site, or while stopped in a barren area at least three feet in diameter. - Portable cooking stoves, propane campfires, and lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel are allowed. Check current fire restrictions before using fire or smoking in the park.

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INFO

Medano Creek is dry at the main dunes area

Medano Creek is currently completely dry at the main Dunes Parking Area, so do not plan on water play there. - The 2026 water year was one of the driest on record, and the very low snowpack caused the creek to seep into the sand upstream from the main dunes parking area. - The creek currently stops flowing about 1.5 miles northeast up the creekbed from the parking lot. - Visitors without a 4WD vehicle can park at Horse Trailer Parking at the beginning of Medano Pass Road and hike one mile upstream to reach water. - Medano Creek is barely flowing at Sand Pit and Castle Creek Picnic areas; access to those areas is limited to high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. All-wheel-drive and two-wheel-drive vehicles are prohibited on Medano Pass Primitive Road. Check current Medano Creek conditions before visiting and refresh the page for updates.

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The whole park

37.7326, -105.5134
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PARKWOLF TOUR GUIDE

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