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: 2 hr

DIRECTIONS INFO

Paris, Arkansas
Navigate to Park
13.5 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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Alerts

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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PARK CLOSURE

Restrooms CLOSED at Visitor Center. Use Restrooms at Dunes Parking.

All Restrooms are CLOSED at the visitor center due to construction. Please use the restroom facilities located at the Main Dunes Parking Lot until further notice.

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

Western National Parks (WNP) Store CLOSED Tuesday September 30th -- Visitor Center Remains OPEN

The Western National Parks (WNP) Store will be closed for annual inventory on Tuesday September 30th. The visitor center, restrooms, exhibits, and park film remain open and accessible to visitors. Alternate access available at the WNP online store --

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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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