At the base of Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Great Sand Dunes National Park protects the tallest sand dunes in North America. Rising more than seven hundred feet above the valley floor, the dunes form a striking contrast against snowcapped peaks and wide open skies. Shifting sands ripple with the wind, creating ever-changing patterns of light and shadow. The surrounding landscape includes alpine forests, grasslands, wetlands, and tundra, making the park a place where desert and mountain environments meet in unexpected ways.
The dunes were formed over thousands of years as winds carried sand from the nearby San Juan Mountains and trapped it against the Sangre de Cristo range. Seasonal winds continue to shape the dunes, building and reshaping their towering forms. The area was first protected as a national monument in 1932 and later designated a national park in 2004, preserving not only the dunes but also the diverse ecosystems that surround them. The result is a landscape that feels both dynamic and ancient, shaped by natural forces still at work today.
Visitors to Great Sand Dunes experience a wide range of outdoor adventures. Walking across the dunes can feel like stepping into another world, where silence and vastness dominate the senses. In spring and early summer, Medano Creek flows along the base of the dunes, creating a shallow, seasonal stream that is perfect for wading and play. Hiking, sandboarding, stargazing, and wildlife viewing all offer unique ways to connect with the park. As the sun sets, the dunes glow with warm tones, and the night sky reveals an incredible display of stars.
Conservation at Great Sand Dunes National Park focuses on protecting the delicate dune system, preserving water resources, and maintaining the health of surrounding habitats. The National Park Service monitors sand movement, stream flow, and wildlife populations to ensure the dunes remain stable and thriving. Visitors are encouraged to pack out all belongings, avoid disturbing vegetation, and explore the dunes responsibly. Great Sand Dunes National Park stands as a reminder of nature’s ability to create wonder through wind, patience, and balance.
Our Experience
This was the last park to visit on our Lower 48 NP tour, we were so happy yet sad it was ending. We got to the park in the afternoon and immediately started making our way up the dunes. It was one of the most challenging uphill climbs we've ever done and did it without the proper shoes or water. We got to a point of no return and decided to finish it. We finally summited the tallest sand dune and got to see an extraordinary view of the dunes. These were definitely the grandest dunes we've ever experienced, they went on for miles with a beautiful mountain backdrop.