Great Sand Dunes National Park / Preserve

An expanse of sand dunes some as high as 750 ft located on the west side of the Sangre de Cristo range makes up the majority of the Great Sand Dunes wilderness preserve. The wilderness area is located within the boundaries of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and is administered by the National Park Service. A primitive road, Medano Creek Road bisects the wilderness into two separate areas, but allows for easy 4WD access and road-side camping.

The sand dunes were formed over millions of years as individual sand grains were eroded from the mountains and deposited on the western slopes of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Medano and Sand Creek’s seasonal flows fenced in the sand and kept it from being blown away. Together the natural forces of wind and water worked to build the tallest sand dunes in North America.

The park and preserve contains the dune field along with the ponderosa, spruce, and aspen forests and the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the east. Medano Creek flows through the middle of the park and delights visitors during May/June with a seasonal sandy water playground.

The park and preserve is located at the end of Hwy 150, near the city of Alamosa. From Alamosa, head east on Hwy 160. Download the map here. Signs will direct you to take a left turn onto Hwy 150 (north) to Great Sand Dunes National Park. From Walsenburg, head west on Hwy 160, right into Hwy 150.

When to Visit

Visiting the park and wilderness is most enjoyable between May and October when the temperatures range into the 80′s at the lower elevations and 60′s at the highest elevations. However, backcountry camping on the sand dunes is not recommended in the middle of summer as the sun can cause the sand temperatures to skyrocket.

Medano Creek Flow: Medano Creek peak flow varies from year to year. Normally it is during late May or early June.