Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Monument was one of the many United States national parks and monuments created during the Great Depression (1932). In its original form it covered only the dunes themselves. However, it has expanded significantly since its roots, due in large part to concern among residents of nearby communities about the need to protect the watershed containing the dunes. In 2000, a "preserve" adjoining the monument as created, and in 2004 the combined monument/preserve was designated as a national park.

The park includes North America's tallest dunes, which rise over 750 feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The wind-shaped dunes glow beneath the rugged backdrop of the mountains. This geologic wonderland contains over 30 square miles of massive dunes, and also includes alpine lakes and tundra, six peaks over 3,000 ft (910 m) in elevation, ancient spruce and pine forests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, and wetlands—all habitat for diverse wildlife and plant species.

In the summer, daytime air temperatures rarely reach 90 °F (32 °C), with average temperatures in the 70–80 °F (21–27 °C). Summer nights are surprisingly cool thanks to the elevation of 8,200 ft (2,500 m) above sea level, with lows sometimes dropping into the 40 °F (4 °C). Afternoon thundershowers are common in July and August with associated winds and lightning. Be prepared to leave the dunes promptly if thunderstorms threaten: lightning strikes are common and may be fatal.

Fall is generally mild, with Indian summer days. Highs average in the 60s - 70s °F, with chilly nights in the 20s - 30s °F. Be prepared, though, for the occasional cold fall storm, bringing icy rain or even snow.

Cold temperatures are the norm in winter, even though sunshine is generally abundant. The lowest temperature recorded at Great Sand Dunes was -25 deg;F in 1963. Average highs are in the 20s-40s °F, with lows averaging -5 to 15 deg;F. Snow may fall and high winds may occasionally occur, so bring warm, layered clothing and sturdy footwear.

Spring can bring high winds; March, April, and May winds are unstable and can be unusually strong. Temperatures can vary widely: highs may reach into the 60s °F, or only into the 30s °F with an even colder windchill. Lows can also vary from 0 deg;F to the 30s °F. March and April are the snowiest months of the year, but some days in spring can also be swimsuit weather.

The average annual precipitation is 11 inches including an average snowfall of 37 inches. Overall, precipitation increases in all directions as you leave the heart of the San Luis Valley. Yearly there are only 30–40 days when clouds obstruct the sun the majority of the day. The valley is known as the "Land of Cool Sunshine", and lives up to that name throughout most of the year.

• Park website
• 🌍 Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center (just inside the entrance station). 8:30AM–5PM Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, 9AM–4:30PM the rest of the year. The visitor center features a 20-minute movie about the park, interactive exhibits for all ages, a park store, an exhibit area of fine art paintings and photography, a back porch with viewing scope, restrooms and drinking water, simple snacks, and rangers to answer questions and help you plan your visit. (updated Jun 2020)

Road access to Great Sand Dunes is limited by its position on the west side of the rugged Sangre de Cristos. It is most easily reached via a side road from Colorado SR 17 between Poncha Pass, at the north end of the Sangres, and the town of Alamosa to the south. Another access route is via US 160, which crosses a high pass through the Sangres between Alamosa and Walsenburg on Interstate 25, and then onto SR 150, reaching the same access road as the SR 17 route.

Great Sand Dunes is a long way from a major airport (Denver is about 150 miles away as the crow flies, considerably further as the car drives), but nearby Alamosa's airport has regular commuter service to Denver on Great Lakes Airlines.

No lodging is available in the park. Alamosa, about 30 miles to the southwest, has a reasonable assortment of motels and motor inns. Some of the tiny towns on Highway 17 (Mosca and Moffat) have motels that seem to come and go:

• Great Sand Dunes Lodge, ☏ +1 719 378-2900. Just outside the park entrance. Open seasonally. 
• Crestone has B&Bs.

• 🌍 Piñon Flats Campground (at the north end of CO Highway 150, one mile north of the visitor center). 91 sites, 3 group sites. 47 sites can be reserved in advance, 44 sites are first-come, first-served. Loop 1: 44 first-come, first-served sites. Loop 2: 44 reservable sites (reservations for summer only). Reserve through recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance, but at least 4 days in advance. Loop 3: 3 Group Sites (A, B, and C). $20 per site (2020 rates). (updated Jun 2020)

The high country is good for backpacking (free permit, available at the visitor center, required). In addition, the rugged 4-wheel-drive road to Medano Pass at the eastern edge of the park offers opportunities for "backcountry car camping," if the term isn't an oxymoron. No permit is required for camping along this road.

Backcountry camping in the dune field itself is also possible, with a free permit, and is a truly mind-blowing experience. Sitting atop a dune, watching the sunset along the Rocky Mountains over the high dunes is simply magnificent. The climb in with a pack is rough on the steep sands, so be prepared for a real workout. The best time of the year to camp in the dunes is undoubtedly late Spring, since sand temperatures are too hot in the Summer, and even in the Fall. During the winter, the high altitude will make the sand extremely cold, and you definitely don't want to camp in both sand and snow. Temperatures in the dune field swing wildly throughout the day, as sand reacts to temperature changes very rapidly. Wear sandals for the day, and prepare for cold nights. And don't forget to prepare for the bizarre environment. That means proper sand gear for your tent (otherwise you will blow away in the rough night winds), and learn how to tie a turban—they're extremely useful for keeping your head cool in the day, warm at night, your face protected from airborne sand, and keeping your head cushioned in any crazy dune descents.