Grasslands, large dunes, and snow-capped peaks at sunset

National Park & Preserve · Colorado

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.

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Things to do

Arts and Culture
Craft Demonstrations
Live Music
Auto and ATV
Auto Off-Roading
Astronomy
Stargazing
Biking
Mountain Biking
Camping
Backcountry Camping
Car or Front Country Camping
Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
Group Camping
RV Camping
Climbing
Mountain Climbing
Compass and GPS
Orienteering
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Fly Fishing
Food
Dining

Weather & when to go

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.htm for details

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 .
$25.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
15+ passenger vehicle, age 16+
$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$20.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
This fee is for a commercial group of 1-6 people in a smaller vehicle. Valid for 7 days.
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
This fee is for a commercial group of 7-15 persons in a van. Valid for 7 days.
$40.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
This fee is for a commercial group of 16-25 persons in a mini-bus. Valid for 7 days.
$40.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
This fee is for a commercial motor coach with 26+ capacity. Valid for 7 days.
$100.00
Entrance - Per Person
Entrance Fee for Bicycles or Walk-In Visitors
$15.00

Operating hours

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

The park and preserve are open 24/7 all year

Campgrounds

Piñon Flats Campground
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗
Medano Pass Primitive Road Campsites
NPS info ↗
Backpacking Campsites in the Dunes or Forest
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗

FAQ

How much does it cost to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve?: Entrance to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve costs $25.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $15.00 (Entrance - Non-commercial Groups), $20.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
What are the hours at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve?: The park and preserve are open 24/7 all year
Do I need a reservation for Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve?: No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.