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Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Mosca, CO

Photo: Lionello DelPiccolo liodp, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorIconicOutdoor AdventureFamily Favorite

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

11999 State Highway 150 · Mosca, CO

Why you should go…

Great Sand Dunes protects the tallest sand dunes in North America, with Star Dune rising about 750 feet below the Sangre de Cristo mountains. You can hike the dunefield, sandboard or sled down the slopes, and float in Medano Creek at the base of the dunes when it flows in late spring. Beyond the sand, the park takes in grasslands, forests, lakes and alpine peaks. It is also an International Dark Sky Park, so the stargazing is a reason to stay after sunset.

  • #national park
  • #sand dunes
  • #sandboarding
  • #stargazing
  • #hiking

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Colorado Gators Reptile Park

    $25–$50

    Reptile rescue park in the San Luis Valley where visitors can see and feed hundreds of alligators.

    20 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Alamosa

    Free

    A San Luis Valley city near Great Sand Dunes National Park, known for its rotating downtown sculpture collection.

    27 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Kristi Mountain Sports

    Under $25

    A locally owned Alamosa outfitter renting sandboards and sleds for Great Sand Dunes plus bikes, skis and camping gear.

    27 mi awayMore like this