📷 Photo by Samantha Sheppard on UnsplashGreat Sand Dunes National Park
Mosca, CO
The tallest dunes in North America rise against the snowy Sangre de Cristo peaks. You can rent a sandboard nearby.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is home to the tallest dunes in North America. The dune field covers about 80 km² (30 square miles); according to the National Park Service, Star Dune is 750 ft (about 230 m) tall, and other sources give slightly lower figures for the highest dunes. The park ranges from about 2,300 m (7,520 ft) to over 4,100 m (13,604 ft) in elevation. High Dune is about 210 m (699 ft) tall, and reaching the first ridge takes the average person around an hour; allow more time for the round trip.
In summer the sand surface can exceed 65 °C (150 °F) on afternoons, so go early in the morning or in the evening and wear sturdy shoes. Medano Creek usually flows from April to late June, peaking in late May, and then dries up. The visitor center sits at about 2,500 m (8,170 ft).
- Nearest town
- Mosca, CO
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 37.7916, -105.5943
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Pinyon Flats CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Great Sand Dunes National ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Mosca CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Sand Dunes Recreation AreaMotorhome stopover14 mi from Great Sand Dunes National ParkMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- UFO WatchtowerMotorhome stopover16 mi from Great Sand Dunes National ParkMotorhomesToilets
- North Crestone CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Great Sand Dunes National Park
- KOA AlamosaCampsite25 mi from Great Sand Dunes National ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Great Sand Dunes National Park is in Mosca, CO, at GPS 37.7916, -105.5943. It is about 15 mi from Crestone.
Can you camp near Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Pinyon Flats Campground, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: San Luis Valley: Great Sand Dunes and Colorado’s oldest town and Sand dunes, fourteeners and silver towns – by camper from the San Luis Valley over the Collegiate Peaks to Aspen.
What is there to see near Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Zapata Falls (12 mi), UFO Watchtower (16 mi), Stations of the Cross Shrine (42 mi) and Royal Gorge Bridge (49 mi).
When is the best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)