Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
National park · Saguache County
Colorado
Highlights
North America's tallest dunes, hiking, camping, sledding, starry nights
North America's tallest dunes, hiking, camping, sledding, starry nights
"This park contains North America's tallest sand dunes rising abruptly from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, formed by winds funneling through mountain passes and ongoing sand recycling. Star attractions include two towering dunes that reach roughly 750 feet above the valley floor. The best time to visit is spring and early summer for mild daytime temperatures and the seasonal creek, and visitors come for sandboarding, sledding, dune hiking and creek play; sand surface temperatures on warm days can top about 150°F, so hiking shoes or socks are recommended. Designated an International Dark Sky Park, it also offers excellent stargazing, plus visitor amenities such as dune‑rover wheelchairs, dune showers, a campground, and family programs like Junior Ranger and archaeology days." - Taryn White Taryn White Taryn White is a D.C.-based travel writer who covers a wide range of topics, including family travel, hotels, food, aviation, beaches, historical and cultural topics, and wellness travel. She can often be spotted around the world with her husband and two travel-loving kids. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Spend your days exploring North America's tallest sand dunes at this popular Colorado national park, officially deemed an International Dark Sky Park in 2019, before turning your eyes to the sky after sunset for an exceptional nighttime scene." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park has two of the tallest dunes in North America." - Maya Silver
"Great Sand Dunes allows dogs to hike to the top of the highest dune on the first ridge of the park, then cool off in Medano Creek. They're also allowed on a few more mountainous trails, like the path up to Mosca Pass, as well as many picnic areas and campgrounds." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"Features one wheelchair-friendly trail amidst its unique dune landscape." - Alison Fox Alison Fox Alison Fox is a Travel + Leisure contributor. She has also written for Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and amNewYork. When she’s not in New York City, she can be found at the beach or on the slope
