Perfect One Day in Great Sand Dunes National Park (4 Things You Can’t Miss)

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of those places that will leave you in awe of nature’s power.

If you’ve only got one day to explore, don’t worry—there’s still plenty to do! From hiking through towering sand dunes to catching the best views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it’s the kind of place where you can really experience the vastness of the desert landscape.

Here’s how to make the most of your one day in Great Sand Dunes National Park!

Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado, about 35 miles northeast of Alamosa.

Nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this park spans over 149,000 acres, with 30 square miles covered by the tallest dunes in North America.

From Denver, the drive is about 235 miles and takes 3.5 to 4 hours. The route primarily follows I-25 south, then US-160 west before turning onto CO-150, which leads directly to the park entrance.

If you’re coming from Alamosa, it’s only a short 30-minute drive. Along the way, you’ll enjoy wide-open views of the San Luis Valley and the dramatic silhouette of the dunes rising against the mountains.

First Glimpses of Great Sand Dunes / One Day in Great Sand Dunes

First Glimpses of Great Sand Dunes / One Day in Great Sand Dunes

Here are some key travel tips for getting there:

• Navigation: Signs guide you to the entrance, but a navigation app is helpful, as cell service can be spotty in rural areas.
• Road Conditions: CO-150 is paved and well-maintained, but there are limited services once you leave Alamosa, so fill up on gas beforehand.
• First Glimpses: Watch for the dunes as you approach—they appear as a golden expanse against the mountains and make for an exciting preview of what’s to come.

First Glimpses of Great Sand Dunes / One Day in Great Sand Dunes

• Hours

Great Sand Dunes National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. This makes it perfect for early starts, late-night stargazing, or catching a sunrise over the dunes. The visitor center, however, has specific hours, typically open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily, with reduced hours or closures on major holidays.

• Fees

The park entrance fee is $25 per vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days. If you’re entering on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle, the fee is lower at $15 per person or $20 per motorcycle.

For frequent visitors, the America the Beautiful Pass ($80 annually) covers your entrance to this park and all other national parks in the U.S.

Great Sand Dunes National Park Sign / One Day in Great Sand Dunes 

• How to Get Around

Once you arrive, getting around the park is straightforward. Most of the main attractions, including the dunes and the visitor center, are located along Main Park Road, which is fully paved and suitable for all vehicles.

If you plan on venturing further, such as to Medano Pass or the Sand Ramp Trailhead, a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is required. These areas feature sandy or rough terrain that standard cars can’t handle.

If you’re sticking to the main areas, walking is the best way to explore. The dunes are a short stroll from the parking lot, and many trailheads are easily accessible on foot.

Map Credit: NPS

Climbing the dunes is an absolute must-do when visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park!

These dunes are the tallest in North America, and the highlight is Star Dune, which rises an impressive 750 feet from its base to its summit. Reaching the top is no small feat, but the reward is worth every step.

View of Great Sand Dunes / One Day in Great Sand Dunes 

From the summit, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the vast expanse of dunes below, framed by the dramatic peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the sprawling San Luis Valley.

PRO TIP: To make the most of the climb, it’s best to start early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the temperatures are cooler.

The sand heats up quickly under the midday sun and can reach scorching temperatures of up to 150°F in summer.

Hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park / One Day in Great Sand Dunes 

Climbing sand is tougher than regular hiking, as every step sinks into the soft surface, making the climb to Star Dune a challenge that can take 2-3 hours round trip.

GOOD TO KNOW: If you prefer a shorter trek, High Dune offers a similar experience at 650 feet tall and can be completed in about 1 to 1.5 hours round trip.

Hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park / One Day in Great Sand Dunes 

PRO TIP: For easier climbing, follow the ridges of the dunes. The sand is firmer along these natural pathways, making your ascent a bit less exhausting.

Hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park / One Day in Great Sand Dunes 

Whether you conquer Star Dune, High Dune, or simply climb one of the smaller formations near the parking area, the experience of standing atop a sand dune and taking in the sweeping views is unforgettable. It’s one of those adventures that makes the effort truly worth it!

If you’re visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park in the spring or early summer, you can’t miss Medano Creek.

This seasonal creek flows right at the base of the dunes, creating a one-of-a-kind spot where you can cool off and have some fun. It’s one of those magical places where a clear, shallow stream meets towering sand dunes—it doesn’t feel like something you’d find in Colorado.

Medano Creek / One Day in Great Sand Dunes 

Medano Creek usually starts flowing in late April or early May, depending on how much snowmelt there is from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The creek is at its peak in late May to early June, with water levels varying daily. During its prime, you’ll often see families wading, kids building sand castles, and even people floating on small inflatable tubes.

The coolest part? The creek experiences a phenomenon called “surge flow,” where small waves form as the water flows over the sand. It’s like watching tiny, natural tides!

Medano Creek / One Day in Great Sand Dunes 

By mid to late summer, the creek usually dries up, so timing your visit is key if you want to experience this unique feature.

PRO TIP: Bring water shoes or sandals if you plan to splash around—the sand under the water can be surprisingly coarse.

Medano Creek / One Day in Great Sand Dunes 

If you’re looking to add a little adventure to your visit, sandboarding and sand sledding are absolute musts at Great Sand Dunes National Park!

Sandboarding, Sand Sledding and Hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park 

Sandboarding, Sand Sledding and Hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park 

GOOD TO KNOW: To get started, you’ll need a sandboard or sand sled, which you can rent from local shops like Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa or Oasis Store, located just outside the park entrance.

Rentals typically cost $20-$25 per day, and the equipment is specially designed to glide on sand (regular sleds won’t work here).

Sandboarding, Sand Sledding and Hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park 

PRO TIP: For the best experience, head to High Dune or one of the smaller dunes near the main parking area.

Whatever you do, don’t leave too early—sunset at Great Sand Dunes National Park is pure magic!

As the sun sinks lower, the entire landscape transforms. The golden light softens the dunes, and their shadows stretch out dramatically, creating an ever-changing masterpiece of color and contrast.

Sunset in Great Sand Dunes National Park / One Day in Great Sand Dunes 

GOOD TO KNOW: The best spots for sunset are near the main dune field. You don’t have to climb to the top of the tallest dune (unless you’re feeling ambitious), but finding a higher vantage point will give you an incredible view of the rolling sands and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background.

Sunset in Great Sand Dunes National Park / One Day in Great Sand Dunes 

PRO TIP: Sunsets here are especially stunning in late spring and summer!

Staying for sunset isn’t just about the view. It’s about the quiet, peaceful vibe that settles over the dunes as the day ends. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your adventure!