Good to know
- Tickets
- The park charges an entry fee per vehicle, covered by the America the Beautiful pass. Check nps.gov for current rates. The park is open 24 hours with no timed entry or reservations.
- Time needed
- Half a day to climb the dunes; a full day to add Medano Creek or Zapata Falls.
- Best time
- Late May and June when Medano Creek flows. Fall is cooler and quieter.
- Getting there
- The park is about 25 minutes from Mosca and 40 minutes from Alamosa. Nearest major airport is Denver, about 3 hours 30 minutes' drive; Colorado Springs is about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Where to stay nearby
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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve questions
Can you sandboard at Great Sand Dunes?
Yes. Rent a sandboard or sand sled from shops outside the park, since they are not rented inside.
When does Medano Creek flow?
It usually peaks in late May and early June from snowmelt and is often dry by mid-July. Flow varies with each year's snowpack.
Where should I stay to visit Great Sand Dunes?
Piñon Flats Campground is inside the park, and the Oasis just outside has a motel and camping. Alamosa has the most hotels.
