Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

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! Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week year-round. There are no timed entries or reservations to visit.

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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: 3 hr

DIRECTIONS INFO

Milano, Texas

13.7 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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CAUTION

Lower Sand Creek CLOSED from Crossing with Music Pass and Sand Ramp Trails

The following locations shall be closed to public entry: 20 yards on both sides or shorelines of Sand Creek from the junction of the creek and the Music Pass Trail, downstream to where the Music Pass Trail connects to the Sand Ramp Trai from 12:00 a.m. on July 26th, 2026 and remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on August 2nd, 2026. CAUTION! Water in Sand Creek will not be potable for drinking, pets, or livestock during this closure. Trail access on nearby trails remains OPEN.

DANGER

Great Sand Dunes At Stage 2 Fire Restrictions - No Open Fires.

As of 12pm on June 29th Great Sand Dunes officially entered stage 2 fire restrictions due to ongoing dry, warm, and windy conditions. During stage 2 fire restrictions the following requirements are in effect: Prohibited: Open flame including fire, campfire, stove fire, charcoal grills and barbeques, coal and wood burning stoves. Smoking outside of an enclosed personal vehicle or trailer. Permitted: Devices using pressurized gas canisters for isobutene or propane that include shut-off valves.

CAUTION

Speed Limits are Much Lower Inside Park than Surrounding Highways

Speed limits for the park include 30 MPH near the park boundary and Great Sand Dunes Sign, and as low as 10 MPH near the Headquarters and Entrance Station. Speed limits are in place to protect park visitors, pedestrians, and wildlife in the park. Please drive carefully and responsibly.

INFORMATION

Sand Board and Sand Sled Rentals Not Available In Park.

Sand boarding and sand sled rentals are located in local communities surrounding the park. Visitors are encouraged to arrange rentals BEFORE coming to the park.

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.

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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve