Surf Golden Waves at Great Sand Dunes National Park

One of the most stunning natural wonders of Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has it all. Alpine lakes jut against snowy peaks, lush forest gives way to wildflower meadows, and sparkling creeks bubble out of sandy dunes. But it has one major natural asset that really sets it apart. This incredible park is also the only place in North America where you can surf golden waves on a high-altitude beach.

The History of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

The famous dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve were created many thousands of years ago by just the right combination of wind, water, and sediment which formed sweeping dunes in the foothills of the mountains.

While the area has long been recognized as a landscape of great beauty and rarity, the park preserving it is relatively young. In 1932, the dunes were established as a national monument. In 2004, it became a national park and preserve. At this time, federal legislation pushed the Monument’s boundaries, extending them by 65 square miles to include forest to the north and east. In 2004, the new area was designated the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

The Park’s Fascinating Geography and Geology

Covering 150,000 acres in south-central Colorado, the park and its associated preserve are a large area of pristine wilderness at the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley which runs along the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this protected area is its sheer diversity. Visitors can experience several different ecosystems all in the one preserve. At the highest level is alpine tundra which includes wildflower meadows and rocky peaks from 11,700 feet to 13,604 feet above sea level.

Travel downwards and you’ll hit subalpine forest and crystal clear alpine lakes. Moving into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are juniper and pine woodlands alongside cottonwood and aspen trees that turn a striking yellow in the fall. At the park’s lower elevations lie the towering sand dunes that have made it famous, surrounded by vast grasslands, desert shrubs, and the wetlands of the San Luis Valley.

These varied habitats are home to an equally diverse range of flora and fauna. Some wildlife you may see in the park includes elk, bobcats, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and over 250 bird species. The National Park Service (NPS) reports that plans are underway to establish a new public bison herd in the park, too; currently, according to the NPS, 2,000 bison are situated on land owned by The Nature Conservancy, which is not open to the public.

Natural landmarks and Unique Phenomena

The most well known landmarks in Great Sand Dunes National Park are definitely its dunes, the tallest in North America. These are located on the 30 square mile dune field and the two highest, Star Dune and Hidden Dune, measure 741 feet from base to summit.

The dune field comprises several types of dunes, the most common of which are star dunes and reversing dunes. Reversing dunes form when two winds meet, a southwest wind pushing the sand towards the mountains and a northeast wind that rolls off the peaks. This collision forms sharp ridges in the sand. Star dunes, by comparison, form when there are multiple different wind directions. The sand is pushed and pulled from all sides, drawing it up into a star-shaped peak.

Aside from its dunes, the park has another dazzling distinguishing feature, but you have to visit after sunset to see it. The area’s dry climate, lack of light pollution, and high elevation make it a prime spot for stargazing and led to the park being officially designated an International Dark Sky Park by Dark Sky International.

Things to Do

Hiking

There are no trails across the sand in the park’s 30 square mile dune field but there are plenty of beautiful hikes elsewhere for those who want to explore further afield. The High Dune on First Ridge is one of the most popular walks in the park as it offers sprawling views of the dune field. A round trip takes around two hours to complete but could be longer if you’re unused to hiking at high elevations. For a wander in the forest, try the shady Mosca Pass Trail, a 7-mile, out-and-back trek to the summit of a low pass in the Sangre de Cristo mountains. The hike takes about 3.5 hours to complete.

Sandboarding and Sand Sledding

If you’re looking to surf the dunes, you’ll need to rent or bring all your equipment into the park as there are no sandboard or sled rentals available within the park's boundaries. Located just 4 miles from the park, Great Dunes Oasis Store rents sleds and boards and is open from spring to fall.

Sandboarding and sledding are allowed anywhere on the dune field. From the parking lot, you have to walk 0.7 miles to reach the small and medium-sized slopes or take the 1.25 mile hike to the top of the first high ridge.

Night Sky and Wildlife Viewing

The park remains open after dark for those who want to stargaze or do some nocturnal wildlife viewing. Check the schedule before your visit as the rangers offer summer night programs that share information on the nighttime skies and ecology.

There are no outdoor lights in the park so visitors must carry flashlights but are urged to keep their use to a minimum so they don’t disrupt the wildlife. After the sun goes down, you can expect to see camel crickets, kangaroo rats, toads, salamanders, coyotes, bobcats, and owls. Black bears and mountain lions are also more active at night so stay aware of your surroundings and hike in a group where possible.

Lodging

Piñon Flats Campground is located a mile north of the park visitor center and is open from April to October. Campers need to reserve their site in advance and can make the reservation up to 6 months before they arrive. There’s also a campground just outside the park entrance, Oasis Campground, which has 90 sites and is open from April to October.

There are no accommodations within the park, but travelers wanting a bed for night can stay nearby at the Great Sand Dunes Lodge, just south of the park entrance, or the Rustic Rook Resort, 19 miles west of the visitor center.

Seasonal Tips for Visitors

Great Sand Dunes National Park is open year-round but for certain activities and amenities, you will have to time your visit for the best experience.

Summer is a popular time to see the park — the temperature is pleasantly warm without being humid thanks to the elevation — but there are still some summer hazards to watch out for. At this time of year, the sand can get very hot, reaching up to 150F. If you’re hiking or surfing the dunes, wear appropriate footwear to avoid the risk of burning your feet. Also, be aware that thunderstorms can develop in the afternoons so it’s best to plan your hike for early in the day.

Hunting is permitted in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve above the park so if you’re venturing into that area during the season, follow directions and stay on marked paths. Primary rifle season is the fall so be very careful when walking the forested paths at that time. If you’re walking the alpine trails from November to June, snow may block the paths so check with a ranger before heading up to the trailheads.

Many visitors enjoy splashing in Medano Creek, a wide, shallow stream at the base of the dunes. If that’s on your itinerary, you may want to visit in late May or early June when it’s at peak flow. The park also provides current conditions so you can check water levels before you visit. When the water levels drop in summer, the mosquitos come out. Mosquito season usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks before the creek dries up completely in August.

Those wanting to experience the magic of Great Sand Dunes National Park after dark should aim for a visit in August or September when the night skies are at their best and you’ve a good chance of seeing the constellations and the Milky Way with perfect visibility.

Surf, Sand, and Family-Friendly Fun

You might think that surfing’s not an option in landlocked Colorado, but that’s not the case. Great Sand Dunes National Park invents high-altitude beach so you can surf golden waves and have an unforgettable vacation experience. The park welcomes over half a million visitors a year, revealing to them the best of Colorado’s jaw-dropping scenery and incredible ecology. Planning ahead will help you make the most of your visit. Be sure to check weather conditions before you arrive and check the latest updates from park rangers at the visitor center.