Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Reviews

I really enjoyed the stay, until the sand heated up.

Such an ethereal place to visit in the state of mountains and prairies. Best to go in the swell, after the snow melt. Be prepared for mosquitos.

The dunes are largely independent of the deserts of southern Kezhou, and people seem to be in the waves of the sea. It looks more magnificent in the sunset.

Great park, especially for those who want to blaze their own trail (because there aren't really any other trails across the sand). It's exactly what it sounds like; a number of huge dunes stretching across a fairly vast space, with sand created by the winds and prevented from leaving by the mountains that edge around it.

We went during the few spring weeks when the snow melt flows across the main picnic area in a shallow creek. It was great to splash around and dig in the sand, but a lot of hikers seemed unprepared to have to cross the water in their boots.

You can go pretty much as far as you want into the dunes, just be aware of how hot it can get and how difficult it is to cross in a single day. Most will camp out for a night in the middle of it (you need a permit for this). The stars are really beautiful out there.

One of the amazing wonders. Glad I could watch it while around. Its really breathtaking to watch the sand dunes with snow capped mountains in the background.

I find people usually travelling to Colorado and skipping this place since its far away from Pikes peak and other places. Take the extra effort to drive 5 hours to this place and its totally worth it.

Being from Michigan I have to say although these dunes are beautiful they still can't beat Lake Michigan dunes. MI sand is different, the granules just run through your fingers. This sand is dusty, I found it similar to the Death Valley dune sand. Very different to see dunes against mountains instead of water. Really windy the day I was there and don't care what dune I'm on I don't enjoy being sandblasted.

What an anomaly of nature! I did not expect this park to be so interesting. Beautiful mountain backdrop with vast dunes in front. The combination of landscapes seems surreal.

Please note: if traveling in the summer bring lots of water, sun protection and mosquito repellent. In June during my visit we were swarmed by mosquitoes in the parking lot and around places with foliage. Once we were on the dunes mosquitoes were no longer an issue. Sand can get hot so shoes or at least socks are recommended to prevent burning your feet. Also the wind can pick up without notice which causes large gusts of sand. A light wind breaker and/or a handkerchief might come in handy to protect from the blowing sand.

For fun some sled or snowboard on the sand dunes. Rentals are available too. There is a stream at the base of the dunes were a lot of small children enjoy making sand castles and getting wet. Hiking is also an option, just beware hiking the sand dunes is a LOT harder than regular terrain.

Loved stopping here on the way to Steamboat Springs but it was very hard to go very far because of the altitude. Such a cool place but the sand was very hot so be prepared and bring sleds!

Go as early as possible. The dunes get hot about noon. So much fun!!!

This park is unbelievable! As the clouds passed by it changed the entire complexion of the dunes. Must see!

Beautiful!!! The dunes are deceiving on how far back they go. If you want to w as Dr in the river at all, early May is probably best. We went early June and it was already dried up!

Do your research before going. Be safe. Hydrate. Plan in walking. Pack a lunch.

Totally worth it even without the creek.

We stopped for the afternoon to hike up the dunes. Interesting. Windy! Bring eye protection or sunglasses. Price hike since we were there last.

Super fun for kids,my kids loved it as they had never seen a desert before

This was such a fun park. Kids love playing in the dunes. The hikes are definitely demanding, but they are also unique among our national parks.

Fun adventure. Can be costly to get in. Just an FYI...in the summer the sand is HOT! Like even with tennis shoes and socks on it still burns your feet. IF BRINGING AN ANIMAL OR SMALL CHILD...be prepared to carry them! SUN BLOCK !!! WATER!! AND A HAT!!

It was an amazing experience! We didn't camp there, only explored the dunes. I would recommend getting there early in the morning and renting the sleds ($20 for a day as of 2016, rent at the "Oasis" 3 miles before the park entrance). Be prepared to get dirty right off the bat as you walk through the water to get the Sand Dunes. Amazing views and it truly is the quietest place on earth. Highly recommended.

Stunning views and a challenging climb to the top of the dunes. Loved everything about it.

We stayed until night and caught a great glimpse of the starry sky.

Our family has been to other sand dunes around the country, none of them compare to these! These are amazing! There really is no way to describe the size, you have to see it for yourself! If you are there late in the afternoon, bring bug spray.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must see place. It is surrounded by the white cap mountains so whole picture looks amazing. You can rent sandboards or sleds in a village nearby and it is pretty fun attraction, however very phisically demanding so be aware. It is recommended, if you are keen on trying sandboarding to have glasses, otherwise your eyes will suffer :) (mine did) cuz of strong winds and sand. Parking lot is kinda close, but you will walk! Nonetheless it is worth it, we spend here about 5 hours plus and were wasted. But pleasant memories will stay for loooong time. If you can, don't think twice :) By the way, you have to pay or use national parks card in order to enter the park.

A hidden gem in Southern Colorado. It's like a beach in the desert without the sharks. Great place to bring the family for playing in the water, climbing the dunes, building sand castles, 4x4 trails, or just chilling.

Plan a shower if you can especially if you use boards or sleds. Beautiful area

Nice place, not very big and besides the dunes nothing much to do.

I come here every year. The best times are in the mid spring and early Autumn. Take 285 if you're from Denver and catch the aspens changing on the way down. There's a weekly fee per vehicle and shops nearby for your basic needs. Campsites and RV spots are almost always booked mid-season. Do yourself a favor and back country camp the Dunes. The silence is unbelievable.

Insanely unique National Park. There's A LOT of mosquitoes in the parking lot and right before you get to the creek. Once you get on the dunes they disappear. If you want to get ready for this trip physically make the stair master your best friend.

This was our second time here, really enjoy it. It's been a super wet spring and summer, so was great to see some lush green vegetation coming out of "nowhere". River is still flowing, so lots of people hanging out as if it were a beach.

Incredible place to visit. There may be shallow water to walk through to get to the dunes. The sand can be quite hot so bring appropriate footwear, and water!

Beautiful and very secluded National patk but beware..make your campground resrrvations in advance . The dunes are ENORMOUS..a Paradise for sand boarders and surfers. The campground was very nice but crowded and the westernmost sites have the best views of the dunes.

Fun place for kids. The water and sand is about a half days worth of activities. But, rent your sand board in Alamosa. The campground/gas station next to the park will randomly decide to not rent boards, and lie about the reasons. (They told us the sand was too wet. Turns out, wet sand is exactly what you want.)

This place just keeps going! Absolutely gorgeous and definitely worth spending several hours at. Bring a sled and sunscreen!!!

This was the first time I ve been to a sand dune. We just went to the sand dunes. I wasn t able to go off-roading, nor did I go to customer service center. I only have two bad things to say. The public latrine, no good and people really need to pick up after there pets. Seriously, come on people
Will definitely go back before I leave Colorado... hopefully

Beautiful! I have only ever gone in winter, so the sand is presumably easier to walk on than in the summer. Such a fun challenge - never seen anything like it!

Didn't know what to expect. Watched the short movie at the Welcome Center and was totally intrigued. Gorgeous in their simplicity, the dunes tower above you.

amazing dunes, great views. carry water, shade (for head and for eyes), might be too hot in the mid-day sun, even with shoes

Surprisingly a very nice National Park. A great stop!

In fact, I didn t expect much but it was great experience and it was very beautiful there. It worth a long drive there.

This place is awesome the sand dunes are amazing!!! This is a very cool weekend trip

Beautiful place of tranquility ......very peaceful and amazing of how it is created.......a one of a kind.

Very diverse ecosystem, lots to explore and majestic views of the unexpected sand dunes in the middle of the Rockies.

One of the most unique and beautiful national parks in the country! This place literally has it all: trails through the mountains, snowcapped peaks, sand dunes and a riverside beach, and rivers. There are a lot of campsites and backcountry camping options too. The next time I come back, I plan on staying for longer!

If you love sand you will adore Great Sand Dunes National Park

We went in August, we hot, but a fun time. We went out on the dunes at night when they has cooled down and watched the stars, so amazing would recommend.

Wonderful place to see. I highly recommend to any nearby traveler. Just don't make same mistake as we did. Flip flops are not good for climbing sand dunes. Sand is really hot and you won't be able to walk!

fantastic place. Be sure to pick up sand boards at Christy sports and shred the gnar :) at the dunes

Worth the trip. A must see in Southern Colorado. An incredible national park. During the summer there is a small stream that runs in front of the dunes. In the winter there is typically no stream. They are taller than they look too. If you like hiking you can hike as much or little as you want here. A great place for landscape photography.

Love the place, I will always come back. It was my third time.

One of nature exquisite beauties, in Colorado. Not to be passed on any trip to my state.

Looked great from a distance. The line was so long and slow we turned around.

Such a unique, cool place. Rent the same board from the Oasis and take it on the dunes for a lot of fun.

Absolutely incredible National Park! Great Sand Dunes also has very dark skies, perfect for star gazing! Be sure to get a free backcountry permit and spend a night in the dunes!

I've visited many national parks and monuments, but this is the one I'll never forget.

Take the family there in mid june for the last 10 years aweso.e the grand kids love the water love Colorado

This place was one of the coolest places I've ever been. There weren't too many people.

This place is so much more than I expected from looking at photos. It's a unique and wonderful park to spend the day at. We rented sandboards from the shop down the road and spent all day on the dunes. They also have sleds you can rent. People of all ages (and dogs too!) can enjoy hiking the dunes and taking in the scenery of the mountains. Make sure to stop here if you're in the area, especially if you have a 4WD vehicle as some attractions can only be reached off the paved roads.

Nice park for little fun take lots of water and be ready for lots of sand. Small but nice visitor center. Bring a board because nears town to rent them is 25 minutes away but great fun

Big huge dunes at the base of the mountain. Why are they there. There is nothing else like them for hundred of miles. Go hike them but know it is a good workout. Also hike the neat trail on the other side of the road.

It was awesome plus I challenged myself to hike the tallest dune and I did it!

The great mystery is how everything seems to drift into place.

Unbelievably breath taking. Must check it out looks unreal but it is!

Loved this morning on the sand slopes. If you don't own a wooden board, rent one in town before you go. All the hills are good runs, just a bit of work climbing beach one. Recommend going in the morning or evening as the sand gets pretty hot during day. Plenty of parking, even for vehicles with trailers. Suggest you wear a Banda to keep the sand out of your face as you slide. Sunscreen and some bug spray is also helpful, as there is the occasional mosquito (you walk through some shallow water getting to the dunes, so take off your shoes or bring your Crocs). There is restrooms in the parking lot. If you ride in the evening, stay until dark, as the skies light up with milky ways and galaxies after dark, especially on a moonless night. If you are just going to watch, bring a lawn chair and an umbrella. Enjoy, definitely worth the visit.

This place is truly unique. You must visit in late May/early June to see the creek and not roast on the sand.

Very interesting and Beautiful place Amazing view Excellent photography

Nice palce for the who want to chill out during summers and has good scenic views of desert and the only place where we can see desert and water flowing around it

Came in the back way on the primitive road. Very fun.

Great place to come experience a different part of Colorado! Bring sunscreen and lots of water though!

Such a wonder and a fun place to visit. We've been in summer and winter. In summer, climb the dunes early as the sand will burn your feet later in the day. Rent sleds there...most of the flimsy plastic ones you use for snow won't work. In winter go while the sun is high. It will be freezing as the sun sets! There is a little creek at the base of the dunes where kids can play. Bring towels, blanket and a picnic. There is an outside shower and bathroom by the parking lot.