Sleeping on the Great Sand Dunes and Camping Nearby. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is
open 24-hours-a-day, every day of the year
. A free permit from the Visitor Center is required if you plan to camp on the dunes at night.
How do you camp on Sand Dunes National Park?
All campsites must be reserved through Recreation.gov, or contact them by phone at 1(877) 444-6777
. Reservations can be made from 6 months in advance to the day of your visit. 8 people, 2 tents, 2 vehicles maximum per site. Not all sites fit 2 tents or 2 vehicles.
Can u camp at the sand dunes?
Backpacking and Camping on the Dunes
Backpacking and camping within the park are free to do provided you have a camping permit and can follow the rules set by the National Forest Service
. Obtaining a permit requires your party lead to speak to a Forest Service Ranger, more information can be found here.
Are there showers at Great Sand Dunes National Park?
After a long day outdoors—especially a day spent in the sand—a good shower can be a great relief. The showers at Alamosa Economy Campground are open year-round, and
the showers at Sand Dunes Recreation are open 24 hours
.
Are fires allowed at Great Sand Dunes?
Fires.
Fires are allowed at the Piñon Flats Campground as well as the sites along Medano Pass Primitive Road
. Campfires are not allowed in the backcountry dunefield area or at the designed backcountry campsites with the exception of the Sand Creek backcountry site.
Is Great Sand Dunes National Park worth it?
750 foot tall dunes rise out of the base of mountains in southern Colorado are
well worth your time to visit
and are a spectacle to behold. We parked at the Dunes Parking area, crossed a very shallow creek and hiked as far as time would allow. Kids were using snow boards on high dunes and that was a fun thing to watch.
How much time do you need at Great Sand Dunes National Park?
With just a few hours, you can walk on the dunes and go sandboarding or sledding. For many people, this is just enough time. For the best experience, I recommend spending
at least one full day
here. Get here early in the morning and hike to High Dune (or a smaller dune) in the morning, when temperatures are low.
Can you drive through Great Sand Dunes?
You may take a street-licensed, high-clearance 4WD vehicle on the Medano Pass Primitive Road
, which goes around the eastern edge of the dunes then over a 10,000′ mountain pass. The road is soft and sandy in the dunes area, then forested and rocky with stream crossings in the mountain portion.
Do you need reservations for Sand Dunes National Park?
Open 24/7 year round!
There are no limitations or reservations to visit
, but there is currently limited capacity in the visitor center.
When did Great Sand Dunes became a national park?
The park was originally established as Great Sand Dunes National Monument on
March 17, 1932
by President Herbert Hoover. Congress authorized a boundary change and redesignation as a national park in 2004.
What city is Great Sand Dunes National Park in?
| Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve | Nearest city Alamosa | Coordinates 37°43′58′′N 105°30′44′′WCoordinates: 37°43′58′′N 105°30′44′′W | Area 149,028 acres (232.9 sq mi; 603.1 km 2 ) | Established March 17, 1932 (as a national monument) September 24, 2004 (as a national park) |
|---|
How many national parks are in Colorado?
Colorado's
four
National Parks — Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison — are home to some of the world's most wondrous and diverse scenery.
Where is Medano Pass?
Medano Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.052m (10,013ft) above the sea level, located
on the boundary between Saguache and Huerfano counties in the U.S. state of Colorado
. The drive should not be attempted by any vehicle that is not 4WD, due to high clearance rocks/dips and water crossings.
Are there bears at Great Sand Dunes National Park?
A black bear grazes within the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
. Black bears are usually black, but may also be cinnamon or blond. They are most often near riparian areas, where they find an abundance of plants and small animals to eat.
What can I use for sand sledding?
- Don't waste time with snow sleds, saucers, cardboard, or soft plastic items. …
- Sandboards and sand sleds are specifically made for sand, featuring a special design with extra slick base material and special wax; these work best for sliding in most conditions.
What shoes should I wear at Great Sand Dunes?
It is recommended to wear
sturdy and closed footwear
in the summer months. The daytime sand temperature can reach 140 °F, so walking on the hot sand with bare feet feels like you are walking on lava, if I had to guess what that felt like anyway.
How long should you spend at Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Allow
2-3 hours
for a leisurely tour. Information is available at the North Rim Ranger Station, open intermittently in summer. The North Rim Road is closed in winter.
Why do people visit the Great Sand Dunes?
1. Stargazing. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in the southern Rocky Mountains on the Continental Divide and is
known for its dark skies
. Not only is the park a dark sky preserve, but it is also home to some of the darkest skies in the entire lower 48 states.
Are dogs allowed at Great Sand Dunes?
Pets are permitted in the Preserve (including Mosca Pass Trail) and main use areas of the Park
(including Piñon Flats Campground, Dunes Overlook Trail, and along the Medano Pass Primitive Road). Pets must be leashed at all times and owners must clean up after them. Please carry out all waste.
What is the best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park?
The best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park is in the
spring and fall months
. Both periods are pleasant times in terms of weather. Additionally, you experience fewer visitors than during the packed summer season.
