One of the most beautiful park I ever visited. Not crowed and as it's dunes, you can walk wherever you want! Stay for the sunset it worth it! You should stay in Alamosa because the park is far from anything. You can also rent sand-board in Alamosa sport shop and make a ride on the sand. Just awesome!
It's sand blown up against rock. There are a few other things to do.. but bring g your wallet. This place is expensive.
Needed more time, got there about 30 minutes before visitor center closed. Very pretty.
O this place is amazing, it's beautiful relaxing and fun! U can unwind or wound up if u decide to ride the dunes!! Lol beautiful place!
Beautiful to see. Not for the out of shape, as is a long, arduous walk to the Dunes. But, OMG the mosquitoes had us running for the truck. I was unprepared, but seems they need to spray.
Just Wow !! If you are driving from other states, you will be surprised by the sudden showcase of these HUGE sand dunes after several mountains, scenic drives during all your trip. I assume these are the only such huge sand dunes in US. Make sure you arrive here early in the morning if you want to trek these dunes. During afternoon the sand becomes warm to hot & it's tough to trek especially with kids in summer.
Also, fill your gas where ever you see a station n carry basic necessary items as this is a complete remote area with not many facilities everywhere.
One of the beautiful creations of God !!
I enjoy this park in all seasons, including the winter months. Beautiful and unusual topography. You need a 4X4 to take a trip on Medano Pass to get the most out of the experience but there is a lot to do if you do not have that option.
We had such a blast at this park. It was fun sledding in the snow and walking the park. The rangers were super engaging with the kids.
Breath taking. Like for real, it was really hard to go up lol
Awe inspiring place. Sand dunes are wonderous. Mosquitoes are ravenous.
I completely understand do this place. It was way more expansive and beautiful than I had imagined. It's not an easy hike to the top but it's worth it. You're walking up soft sand in some parts so you slide a little with every step near the top. There were tons of kids doing it so it's not that difficult. It's much much windier and colder at the top so bring a light jacket.
Surprisingly fun park, renting sandboarding gear just outside the park was a ton of fun however very tiring. If you go out on the dunes wear socks with sandals, the sand can be very hot. It's much cooler in the morning and once youre hot and tired from sandboarding cool off in the river
It was amazing! The dunes are huge, and so sandy. It's a unique sensation, trying to run in such deep and piled sand. It was so packed, but without being overly full. The water was full, freezing, and amazing. Never seen the water so very high. There are showers to rinse the sand off when you're done. Bathrooms are clean. Grills are charcoal only, and clean. Will def be going again
Been years. Very beautiful. Have to go early morning.
Amazing. The farther you go into the dunes, the more magnificent it is. If you are physically able, do it!
Even if not adventurous, it is still worth seeing from road and visitor center. Staff in visitor center was great also - ranger gave us great recommendations for hiking.
Just too beautiful to explain!! Worth the trip!! Camp grounds and hotels near by.
We went while the winter melt off was still running and it was great. I didn't expect so many people and dogs but it was seriously so much fun for my whole family!
One of the finest places to visit. Natural sand dunes are beauty to watch surrounded by mountains and water flowing is a treat to watch. Glorious place
Absolute hidden gem. These dunes will blow your mind!
Visit early in the day, as the sun will heat the sand to unbearable temps. Rent a sand sled from nearby vendors-it s amazing to slide down these dunes! Expect a workout-Walking in sand is no easy task! Be prepared for wind-when we went there were Gusts of 40+ mph.
Really intriguing and cool national park. Unlike other nat'l parks, there are no trails and you can freely go anywhere in the park (paying to go in first of course). The sandboarding and hiking is really different and fun. Trust me, its not overrated as some people think it is.
The surge was like nothing I had ever seen. It was amazing. It was a day at the beach in the middle of Colorado!
Been here twice now on spring break. Kids and I love it. Beautiful views of the dunes and mountains. The first time we came we tried to walk to the top of the dunes but couldn't make it. It's pretty exhausting for little ones or if you aren't phyically fit. However you can still have fun climbing the lower dunes and sandboarding or sand sledding. You can't use regular snow boards and sleds, they don't slide good. However you can rent boards and sleds for like $20 at the Sand Dunes Oasis gift shop just outside the park entrance, they provide the board wax. Well worth the price. We bought a sled in Michigan at Third Coast Surf Shop and brought it with. The lady at the Oasis shop told us sand boarding and sledding retail was actually started here by a guy from Michigan. Be aware that in the spring the weather can be very windy and cold, so dress appropriately (like winter layers). Also, sometimes Medano Creek is flowing so you might have to wade through that to get to the dunes. Also a great place to see the night sky. Saw thousands of stars on a clear night before the moon came up.
Wow. Must see. Parking and the line to get in got very busy around 11-1130. Get in early! $25 to enter the park. There seemed to be a rental for boards to use on the dunes. Dogs are allowed.
This place is stunning! A sandy oasis surrounded by mountains. Truly picturesque and something for everyone to enjoy.
Fantastic hiking, great views. Very tiring, great leg day walking up the dunes.
Loved it! The hike up to the highest point is a great workout. Also going down is super fun!
So much fun for the entire family!Definitely stop here if you are in the area.
One of my favorite places to visit! My parents took me here as a toddler but I hadn t been back since. I was itching to go and finally made it there last year. It is a wonderful place to visit. You can bring boards and sleds or rent them to ride the dunes. You can also just walk and explore. You must see the dunes at sunrise and sunset. The views and pictures are extra special at these times. Camp grounds don t open Until the Mid April to early may so keep that in mind if your looking to visit in the spring.
It's pretty, but not spectacular. For me it's a day's stay, maybe 2 days. I hate to bash any National Park, but this is a little brother to the quintessential national parks.
This national park is an incredible combination of many different landscapes. The dunes are the main attraction but you can see the mountains and plains and the creek too. In may the creek was very full so be prepared. The dune we hiked was 650 feet tall, and took quite a bit of effort to get up the sand to the top but was totally worth it. The top rewarded sweeping views of the surroundings, and getting down was super fun sliding in the sand. Definitely a must see!
Very unique place. Sahara desert surrounded by a range of Colorado mountains.
The beauty is spectacular, and the night sky is to die for. Watch sand boarders board down the dunes. Definitely worth a day in the sand. When the creek is running, build a sand castle with the kids. So much fun.
Incredible landscape. If your in shape hiking the dunes is a great experience.
Good place to visit. But make sure you check out this place early if you are travelling a distant place. As we faced snow wind.
Awesome place! Arrive early otherwise plan on waiting in line. The river only flows from Mid-May to July. We were there in August and in was already underground.
Just Perfect I cannot explain how I was excited here. Sand, tons of it. It's not the same Seashore sand. Nope. You cannot climb on the top of sand mountains (approximately from 300 to 450 feet). This Park is surrounded mountains and overlook every time is changing when you move from point to another. $15.00 per week- sounds good. You can take a place for campground and got a trail to the Peaks of Mountains. Or take a wonderful pictures and breath slowly without pressure. Also the road from Central Colorado to the South is so colorized. Wild West!!
Awesome, Awesome place to take your family and friends. With the stream flowing, plenty of sand, sunny and hot, just like you are at a beach. Many families with children playing in the stream, sand, just having fun. I never get tired of visiting the Great Sand Dunes, 8th time now. Only bad comment, parking.... get there EARLY.
Park is in the middle of nowhere but well worth a visit. Definitely recommend renting a sand sled at one of the shops before entering the park (they don't rent out the boards at the visitors center) otherwise it's a beautiful park for a hike, picnic or stargazing!
Neat place. Grew up in the valley. Wish I had hiked them in dark under a full moon.
Awesome Sand dunes. Lots of fun for kids sledging down the dunes and play at the running water below.
Growing up in the area this was a staple location to go to when family visited. After 30+ years of going I still love to go and bring my kiddo. In late May or early June with the water flowing is amazing. Campgrounds are great. Lots of little areas just off the dunes with the grills to have a nice lunch. Worth a visit if you're in the area, hands down. Something for everyone at any age, literally.
We drove about 4 hours out of our way to get here. It's amazing. Breathtaking and awe inspiring. Though, the website said to come in the evening if you want to avoid being burned by the hot sand. However, that leaves you no time to actually hike! Oh well! That was our fault. We had to walk about 20 minutes before you even start climbing the sand. We got there right as the sun was starting to set and a rain storm on the horizon. Probably would have enjoyed it more if we had better timing! Seriously though, to see this site from miles and miles away is amazing.
Had a fantastic time camping on the sand dunes! Got a backcountry pass at the visitor center then hiked out over the first dune to find a tent spot that we liked. The river crossing was freezing but seeing the waves was really neat! This was a truly unique experience and amongst a road trip filled with many outstanding adventures, it was one of my favorite things!
Craziest thing ever to drive up to the Dunes. Out of nowhere all the sudden you can see the white sands from far out and realize how special this place is. We slid down the dunes on cardboard and played in the ebb and flow river and had a blast. Woke up at the campsite with a herd of feeding deer in our camp. Sweet. Next time we'll backcountry camp in the dunes~
If you have the chance to see this park at sunset you must!!! We didn t plan to stay that late but we couldn t pull ourselves away.
We stopped at the first view point inside of the park then parked and followed one of the many trails into the dunes.
We didn t bring much other than water and a camera and didn t make it all the way up into the dunes, it s a strenuous walk, especially if you re not used to sand. It was incredibly beautiful, pictures couldn t do it the justice it deserves.
One of our most favorite places to camp and visit.
We go out of our way to go here. Even contemplated moving near by.
Best time to go is the spring and they have a really good Junior Ranger Program.
The sand dunes are always amazing as well as the creek.
The problem is this national treasure is so poorly managed I wont be coming back any time soon.
Arrived at 830am Sat morning and there was already no place to park. With the price of 25$ a vehicle you think they would create better parking to accommodate the thousands of vehicles that visit daily.
I had to fend of several dogs from my children .the dogs were loose running around even though the rules state all dogs must be on a leash. And when we mention it to one of the park rangers they just giggle and say "yeah it happens ".........
On the way out we heard that there are sometimes long waits to get in but OMG...... I set my trip odometer to zero at the main gate and measured 4.5 miles of stopped traffic waiting to get in at noon/lunchtime.with more joint the line.
So if you plan to visit get there as the sun is coming up and you might be ok . If your any later then that I hope you brought a nice long book and that your air conditioner works cause your in for a long wait.
Beautiful place. Good campground. Lots of wild life. Can 4WD down primative road and go about 20 miles crossing stream etc. Comes out at highway on the other side.
Visitor s Center:
Awesome shop and information center. Great selection.
John C was so friendly and helped a ton. He helped me find a sticker pack I ve been looking for forever! He even went in the back to find me the more updated one. Definitely stop in, if you have the chance.
The Dunes:
The dunes are wild and a good trek through if you want to be out there for a while. Stunningly beautiful, especially since it s dropped right in the middle of the mountains! 10/10 would recommend.
Fantastic place to take walks in the middle of nothing. Just sky and sand
Fantastic natural formations, and exciting experience to see and feel, walking barefoot in the dunes. Experience lighting storms where a bit frightening.
The dunes themselves were beautiful. However, the one person manning the entrance is inefficient and time consuming. We tried to beat some of the heat but ended up sitting in traffic for an hour. Then, after sweating and torturing our feet, we stop at the visitors center and get welcomed to non working restrooms (portable toilets swarming with flies and no wash station or hand sanitizer were available) and a non-working drink machine. That was VERY disappointing!
The sand gets very hot during the day, but it is very cool during when the sun goes down. It's very sandy.
Worth the stop. Dunes are further than you think from the visitors center.
Impressive and magnificent dunes.
You have to have the courage to climb them.
Desert in front of snow mountain! A good choice to experience desert vibes. Be sure to wear boots or high top shoes so the sand won t get in lol
One of my all time favorite national parks. Absolutely astounding to see dunes this height nestled at the foot of the Rockies. You can see them from 50 miles away which makes the drive in all the more worth it.
This was one of our favorite family vacations. We rented sandboards from town and all of my children, aged 4,10, and 15 had a blast sandboarding! Make sure to cover your eyes and mouth!
So much fun. Sun was shining bright. Use sunscreen. Walking through sand is a workout. Bring Lots of water. We brought a sled and went down dunes. We spent a couple hours there. You have to purchase park pass $25 per car or $80 for 1 year parks pass.
Amazing! The sand can get very hot so be prepared. Go sand boarding early morning or evening. Rent boards just outside park. Long walk through sand from car park to get to actual dunes. Take water. Remember you're at high elevation. Great ranger/visitor center, very informative and friendly rangers. Worth visiting. In August remember there are wildfires everywhere that can limit views and the area gets summer rains, but it clears up later in the afternoon. It's worth the visit.
Magnificent sight, would love to return to do some camping and hiking!!!
Whenever I am in Colorado this is my must visit place. Pictures say it.
Breathtaking. But for the love if God cover every bit of yourself. The sand hurts.
