Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

CO
Open 24/7 year round! There are no timed entries or reservations to visit. 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!
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WEATHER INFO

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

Weather @ Great Sand Dunes
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last updated: 20 min

DIRECTIONS INFO

Bern, Kansas
Navigate to Park
11.4 hr
Great Sand Dunes
To access the main park area, including the Dunes Parking Lot, Visitor Center, and Pinon Flats Campground, take US 160 to CO 150 from the south, or CO 17 to Lane 6 to CO 150 from the west. The national park is at the north end of CO 150.
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INFORMATION

Western National Parks (WNP) Store CLOSED

The Western National Parks (WNP) Store is CLOSED inside the Visitor Center

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PARK CLOSURE

Visitor Center CLOSED

Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center CLOSED. Outdoor areas such as campgrounds, trails, backcountry camping, and parking lots remain open and accessible. Restrooms available 24 hours a day at Main Dunes Parking Lot

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CAUTION

Medano Pass Primitive Road Impassible to Most Vehicles at Crossing Two

Erosion and deep mud near the second creek crossing are making the road impassible to most vehicles. Park road crews are repairing this section. Please check the park website here for updates before your trip.

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INFORMATION

Piñon Flats Campground, sites can be reserved 3 months in advance for 2026

Due to the need for improvements in Piñon Flats Campground, sites can be reserved 3 months in advance beginning in 2026.

INFORMATION

Trail CLOSED Between Visitor Center and Montville Trailhead

The access train that leads from the visitor center to the Montville and Mosca Pass Trails is CLOSED due to construction. Hikers may start at the Montville Trail parking lot. Visitor Center access remains open.

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