Great Sand Dunes National Park Tours and Activities

Great Sand Dunes National Park featuring a sunset and desert views as well as a couple
Great Sand Dunes National Park featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes
Great Sand Dunes National Park showing desert views, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Great Sand Dunes National Park featuring desert views and landscape views
Great Sand Dunes National Park showing landscape views and desert views as well as a couple


Landscapes collide with mesmerizing effect as rugged mountains and some of the largest sand dunes in North America converge.

Climb to the top of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve’s slopes of fine sand. Slide back down at exhilarating speeds. Navigate rocky trails and float along pristine waters of a gentle stream.

See 30 square miles (48 square kilometers) of deep sands sandwiched between snow-dusted mountain ranges and a micro-desert. Dunes continually rise and fall as streams carry sediment down western mountains. Prevailing winds blow sand from dried river beds against the foothills to the east to pack into dunes. 

Climb the giant sand piles anywhere in the park. Borrow a dunes-accessible wheelchair if needed. At 700 feet (213 meters), the highest dunes require a strenuous climb and provide views well worth the effort. Looking east, the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains appear to loom just beyond the sand. In the opposite direction, impressive peaks of the more distant San Juan Mountains soar skyward.

Before you arrive, rent sleds or sand-boards from San Luis Valley stores. Take photos from the top of the dunes and make a video as you take the exciting ride to the bottom. Hike at night on the dunes during a full moon and camp in this unique setting under a clear, dark sky.

Follow your desert expedition with a refreshing dip in Medano Creek during springtime snowmelt. This pristine waterway appears out of place in the sands, but is an ideal place to swim or float along the gentle current on an inflatable toy. 

Walk beneath thick pines lining the Montville Nature Trail. For a rigorous hike, climb Mount Herard past several alpine lakes and look down at the dunes from the 13,297-foot (4,053-meter) peak. 

Great Sand Dunes National Park is in southern Colorado, a 4-hour drive south of Denver and similar distance north of Albuquerque. Pay a small entrance fee. The park is open year-round although the sand gets scorching hot on summer days. 

Make U.S. national parks your choice for affordable adventure for all types of travelers. Slip and slide in the sand just like a child on your trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Plan a trip to see Great Sand Dunes National Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Polaris
Lionsback Resort
Halcyon - a hotel in Cherry Creek

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes Lodge

Great Sand Dunes Lodge

2 out of 5
7900 CO-150, Mosca, CO
Great Sand Dunes Lodge
Glamping yurt/tent, Fire Pit+Grill+Hammock+more, Great Sand Dunes

Glamping yurt/tent, Fire Pit+Grill+Hammock+more, Great Sand Dunes

Mosca
Glamping yurt/tent, Fire Pit+Grill+Hammock+more, Great Sand Dunes
Nelson's Crash Pad, Great Sand Dunes, Camper/RV

Nelson's Crash Pad, Great Sand Dunes, Camper/RV

Mosca
Nelson's Crash Pad, Great Sand Dunes, Camper/RV
Dunes Rest

Dunes Rest

Mosca
Dunes Rest
5 Mi to Great Sand Dunes NP: Mountain Retreat!

5 Mi to Great Sand Dunes NP: Mountain Retreat!

Mosca
5 Mi to Great Sand Dunes NP: Mountain Retreat!
Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes

Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes

2 out of 5
13254 Lane 5 N, Mosca, CO
Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes
Vacation Hideaway Cabin in the mountains!

Vacation Hideaway Cabin in the mountains!

Gardner
Vacation Hideaway Cabin in the mountains!
Cabin | Geodome | Hot Tub | Fire Pit | Stargazing Pergola | Great Sand Dunes NP

Cabin | Geodome | Hot Tub | Fire Pit | Stargazing Pergola | Great Sand Dunes NP

Crestone
Cabin | Geodome | Hot Tub | Fire Pit | Stargazing Pergola | Great Sand Dunes NP
Tranquil Lighthouse: Incredible Valley Views

Tranquil Lighthouse: Incredible Valley Views

Crestone
Tranquil Lighthouse: Incredible Valley Views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Great Sand Dunes National Park

At Great Sand Dunes National Park, explore an array of activities including scenic hiking trails, thrilling sand sledding, and family-friendly outings. For those seeking adventure, consider an overnight hike to immerse yourself in the stunning landscape. Additionally, enjoy a refreshing swim in Medano Creek during the warmer months, making it a perfect spot for recreation and relaxation with loved ones.

Recreation

At Sand Dunes Recreation Hot Springs Pool, enjoy a rejuvenating soak in a family-friendly setting surrounded by stunning landscapes, located 30.6km from the park. Alamosa Recreation Center, 45.1km away, offers wellness activities and relaxation. Baca Grande Park, 32.2km from the park, provides serene outdoor spaces for mindfulness and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Explore Little Medano Creek, a scenic hiking trail located 43.5km from Great Sand Dunes National Park, offering stunning landscapes and adventurous vibes. For camping, Pinyon Flats Campground provides a family-friendly outdoor experience, also 43.5km away. Don't miss Music Pass Trailhead, a thrilling hike 20.9km from the park.

Nightlife

For a unique nightlife experience, visit Smokey Jack Observatory, located 45.1km from Great Sand Dunes National Park. Enjoy stunning stargazing and family-friendly entertainment under the night sky, making it a perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Find the best attractions near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado offers a range of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, including stunning dunes, picturesque waterfalls, and the informative visitor centre. Travellers can immerse themselves in adventure and scenic beauty while exploring the iconic great sand dunes and learning about the park's unique ecosystem. This destination is perfect for those seeking an unforgettable experience amidst nature.

  • Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center: Located a mere 322m from the park, this visitor centre offers a fantastic introduction to the park’s unique ecology and geology. With its outdoor adventure atmosphere, it’s perfect for families looking to learn more about the stunning dunes.
  • High Dune: A short 3.2km trek leads you to High Dune, the tallest sand dune in North America. The breathtaking scenery, especially at sunrise or sunset, provides a truly memorable backdrop for photography and exploration.
  • Zapata Falls: Situated 12.9km from the park, this enchanting waterfall is a hidden gem. The romantic setting and adventure vibes make it an ideal spot for hiking and enjoying the serene beauty of nature.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Great Sand Dunes National Park

To save money on your trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park, consider visiting from November to January when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Tuesday, the least expensive day, and avoid Saturdays for better rates. Use Expedia to find great deals on eco-certified hotels and package options that combine flights, accommodation, and activities for added savings. Additionally, walking or hiking in the park is a free and enjoyable way to explore the stunning landscape without extra transportation costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Great Sand Dunes National Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Great Sand Dunes National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Great Sand Dunes National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel stay at Great Sand Dunes National Park with your flights and activities by reserving an Expedia package.