Have you ever wanted to immerse yourself in an environment that looks and feels like a foreign planet? To visualize hundreds of thousands of years of geologic time in one place? If your answer is yes, I highly recommend a visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes offers the unique experience of standing amidst a vast dune field, the tallest in North America!
Great Sand Dunes is an International Dark Sky Park. For more information, read more from the National Parks Conservation Association about designated Dark Sky parks throughout the United States.
Great Sand Dunes National Park offers vast view of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo mountains. The dunes also offer a unique acoustic experience, from the rippling flow of Medano Creek to the squeaky whistling sound of sand moving beneath your feet. I encourage you to immerse yourself in this vast and fascinating landscape. It is an experience you don’t want to miss!
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Where is Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Great Sand Dunes National Park is located within the San Luis Valley at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Southern Colorado. Saguache and Alamosa Counties are home to the dunes and surrounding preserve, near the town of Mosca, CO. Immediately west of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains lies the dunefield, situated within a bend in the de Cristo range. The Sangre de Cristo range provides a striking contrast to the vast, sandy dunefield.

Great Sand Dunes National Park | History and Geology
A bit of history……
Geologists do not fully understand the complex history of the dune’s formation. Over 400,000 years ago, a unique combination of moving water, wind, and sediment formed the dunes as we see them today. Prevailing southwesterly winds blew sand towards the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to form the dunes. Ridges formed along the tops of the dunes as opposing winds blew sand from the northeast.
This process has continued throughout history as alternating winds compress and heighten the dunes. As such, today the dunes are essentially motionless to the human eye – or are they? The dunes are actually in constant motion, continually shaped by these alternating winds.

Check out this map of the Great Sand Dunes dune field and surrounding mountains.
Great Sand Dunes National Park | Diverse Landscapes
Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to far more than just the dunes!  In the area surrounding the dune field, you’ll find a variety of scenic views, plants, and wildlife in diverse landscapes such as grasslands, forests, and wetland areas. At higher elevations, subalpine forests and meadows precede the tundra, where few trees grow. Cold alpine lakes such as Medano Lake are found at the highest elevations. These beautiful lakes are home to the endangered Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout. Five named alpine lakes are located within the park between 11,700 and 13,000 feet in elevation.





Medano Creek
A popular feature within the park is Medano Creek. Snowmelt flows from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains through the park, flowing in thin braids varying in width across the landscape. Medano Creek’s flow varies widely from spring to summer, dependent upon snowmelt feeding the creek. By mid to late summer, Medano’s flow may be low or nonexistent.
Medano Creek is accessible from the parking lot. It is a beautiful sight to see, and to wade and play in on hot days at the park. The National Park Service maintains a page for Current Conditions for Medano Creek. This is a great resource if you’re interested in timing your visit when Medano Creek is flowing!



Medano Creek and Park Acoustics
During my last visit in September of 2023, Medano Creek’s flow was low, and the creek was shallow and wide. The stark difference in acoustics between the dunes and Medano Creek was the most striking part of my experience.
Crossing the creek, sounds were magnified, carried by the open water. I was surrounded by a deafening silence in a 5 minute hike up the dunes. The porous nature of sand allows it to absorb sound, slowing sound waves to create a surrounding silence. The only sounds I heard were my breathing and the whistle of my boots on the sand.
Hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park
When it comes to hiking in the park and surrounding preserve, options are endless! A couple great hikes that I suggest are as follows:
First Ridge – Highest Dune
For a great view of the entire dune field, hike from the parking lot across the Medano Creek bed, continuing up the highest dune on the first ridge. You’ll climb nearly 700 feet to reach the top of this ridge – it’s worth the hike! Depending on your fitness level, this hike should take you ~ 2 hours and is between 2-3 miles. If you want to slow the pace and take a more leisurely hike, allow 3-4 hours round trip to complete this hike. For those not normally acclimatized to higher elevations, consider the elevation and your need to acclimatize to the elevation of the dunes.
Star Dune
For a more strenuous, longer hike, consider Star Dune. At 736 feet above its base, it is the second tallest in North America. Access Star Dune from the Medano Creek bed. You’ll head south until you see Star Dune from the main parking lot (it is pyramid-shaped, and striking – you can’t miss it!)
Keep in mind that this is a longer hike that covers ~ 6 miles in total. For most, this is a full day hike (especially when conditions are hot!) Be sure to check the weather forecast for the park, as thunderstorms can pop up unexpectedly.
Sand Ramp Trail | Mosca Pass Trail | Montville Nature Trail
If you’re looking to explore the park outside of the dune field, consider a forested trail in the surround preserve. Sand Ramp, Mosca Pass, and Montville Nature Trail are all excellent options that travel through forested areas of aspens and evergreens.
 Alpine Trails | Medano Lake and Mount Herard
Last but not least, if you’re a more advanced hiker up for an alpine hike, consider the Medano Lake Trail. The trailhead at Medano Lake is accessible via the Medano road, reserved for 4WD vehicles. The Medano Lake Trail begins at 10,000 feet in elevation, climbing another 2,000 feet to the lake. This trail extends to 13,297 feet at Mount Herard, for those who are up for that elevation! Be prepared for quickly changing weather, and make sure you have sufficient water and proper clothing for this longer hike.
Weather at Great Sand Dunes National Park
Weather at Great Sand Dunes can be unpredictable, and can change quickly. Before your visit, be sure to check the National Weather Service. Weather can even vary from one part of the park to another. The National Weather Service page offers specific forecasts for the Visitor Center and Dunefield, Medano Pass, and Sand Creek Lakes, which are located at different elevations.
Great Sand Dunes National Park | Information and Hours
Great Sand Dunes National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Reservations are not required and there is no timed entry. The park visitor center is located at 11999 State Highway 150 in Mosca, CO 81146. Park fees are $25 for private vehicles and $20 for motorcycles. Detailed information regarding group fees is available at the Great Sand Dunes National Park Service website.
Hiking Gear for Your Sand Dunes Trip
Weather can change on a dime at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, and the midday sun can be scorching, even into the fall months. For COOLER fall days, consider the Outdoor Research Trail Mix Snap Pullover – Women’s or Men’s. Explore Fall Gear & Apparel up to 60% Off. Jackets & Layers Up To 65% Off
Hiking Packs
My go to pack for day hikes is Osprey’s Talon 11. I have faithfully carried this pack for 10 years, and time and time again grab it on my way out the door for any activity. The Talon has an adjustable hip-belt, mesh front pocket, and two water bottle compartments with plenty of room for snacks and an extra layer inside.
If you prefer a lumbar pack for hiking, check out the Talon 6 Multi-sport Lumbar Pack.  Osprey’s Packfinder is a great tool to find the pack that best fits your frame and activity.
An Experience to Remember
By far, this was one of my favorite travel experiences in the past few years.  My recent travels have focused on the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes states. The vast, open landscapes of the mountainous western United States are always a nice change of pace. Furthermore, Great Sand Dunes National Park was unlike most national parks I have visited in recent years. I highly recommend exploring this beautiful park!
Great Lakes Region Adventures
If you’re looking for adventure in the Great Lakes Region, check out my 2025 Adventure Guide: Recreation, Culture, and Food in Marquette, Michigan! Marquette is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and a top location for recreation and outdoor adventure. In this guide you’ll find information on recreation, culture, and unique lodging options in this beautiful Michigan city.
In the meantime, enjoy your visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park!
-Erin
