Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
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Great Sand Dunes at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, August–October
- Trip length
- 1–2 days
- Don't miss
- Splash in Medano Creek
- Nearby city
- Mosca, CO
Explore this park
Alerts(4)
Great Sand Dunes Enters Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
As of 12pm on June 29th Great Sand Dunes officially entered stage 2 fire restrictions due to ongoing dry, warm, and windy conditions. During stage 2 fire restrictions the following requirements are in effect: Prohibited: Open flame including fire, campfire, stove fire, charcoal grills and barbeques, coal and wood burning stoves. Smoking outside of an enclosed personal vehicle or trailer. Permitted: Devices using pressurized gas canisters for isobutene or propane that include shut-off valves.
Speed Limits are Much Lower Inside Park than Surrounding Highways
Speed limits for the park include 30 MPH near the park boundary and Great Sand Dunes Sign, and as low as 10 MPH near the Headquarters and Entrance Station. Speed limits are in place to protect park visitors, pedestrians, and wildlife in the park. Please drive carefully and responsibly.
Sand Board and Sand Sled Rentals Not Available In Park.
NPS detailsSand boarding and sand sled rentals are located in local communities surrounding the park. Visitors are encouraged to arrange rentals BEFORE coming to the park.
Piñon Flats Campground, sites can be reserved 3 months in advance for 2026
Due to the need for improvements in Piñon Flats Campground, sites can be reserved 3 months in advance beginning in 2026.
Common questions
Planning Great Sand Dunes
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts and Permits for live updates.
TrailVerse lists 1 reservation type on the Permits tab, including Great Sand Dunes National Park Backcountry Permits. Recreation.gov listings can change seasonally — confirm current rules before you set dates.
