Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
CO
About Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Stay on a moonless night to experience countless stars in this International Dark Sky Park! Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week year-round.
There are no timed entries or reservations to visit.
Available Activities
Weather
Temperatures are relatively cool all year at the park elevation 8000 ft. Conditions are most often calm, but winds can arise, especially in spring and during storm fronts. Daytime temperatures feel warmer here year round due to intense high-altitude sunlight, and mid-day summer sand surface temps can be 160 degrees F!
Plan to explore the dunes morning or evening during summer. Nights are cool in summer, and frigid in winter. Visit https://nps.
gov/grsa/planyourvisit/weather.
Getting There
To access the main park area, including the Dunes Parking Lot, Visitor Center, and Pinon Flats Campground, take US 160 to CO 150 from the south, or CO 17 to Lane 6 to CO 150 from the west. The national park is at the north end of CO 150.
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Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
The park and preserve are open 24/7 all year
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Fees are charged only when the entrance station is open in the spring, summer, and fall seasons or when the visitor center is open in the winter season. Fees can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Passes may also be purchased in advance online through recreation.gov .
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
15+ passenger vehicle, age 16+
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
This fee is for a commercial group of 1-6 people in a smaller vehicle. Valid for 7 days.
Commercial Entrance - Van
This fee is for a commercial group of 7-15 persons in a van. Valid for 7 days.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
This fee is for a commercial group of 16-25 persons in a mini-bus. Valid for 7 days.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
This fee is for a commercial motor coach with 26+ capacity. Valid for 7 days.
Entrance - Per Person
Entrance Fee for Bicycles or Walk-In Visitors
