Tucked against the rugged peaks of southern Colorado lies a landscape you’d never expect: towering sand dunes that rise up to 750 feet tall, surrounded by alpine forests, grasslands, and snow-capped mountains. Welcome to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, a surreal and stunning natural wonder unlike anywhere else in the country.
Where Desert Meets Mountains
Located near the town of Alamosa, Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the dunes create a jaw-dropping contrast—especially when the wind kicks up or the sun sets over the peaks.
This unexpected desert landscape was formed over thousands of years as sand and soil were blown into the San Luis Valley from surrounding mountains. The result is a sprawling sea of dunes covering over 30 square miles.
Top Things to Do at the Sand Dunes
1. Sandboarding & Sand Sledding 🏂 Yes, it’s a thing—and it’s as fun as it sounds. Rent a sandboard or sled in nearby towns and ride down the soft slopes for a one-of-a-kind experience.
2. Splash in Medano Creek 💦 In spring and early summer, snowmelt from the mountains feeds Medano Creek, creating a seasonal stream that runs along the base of the dunes. It’s a popular spot for wading, skimboarding, and cooling off.
3. Hike the High Dune 🥾 The most accessible summit offers panoramic views of the dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The climb is only about 2.5 miles round-trip—but with loose sand and high elevation, it’s a solid workout.
4. Stargazing & Night Photography ✨ As a certified Dark Sky Park, the dunes offer some of the best stargazing in Colorado. On a clear night, the Milky Way blazes across the sky, and meteor showers light up the horizon.
5. Explore the Surrounding Wilderness 🌲 Beyond the dunes, the park includes alpine lakes, forests, and wildlife-rich terrain in the adjacent preserve. Backpacking, wildlife watching, and 4WD trail adventures offer more ways to experience this diverse ecosystem.
Tips for Visiting
- Bring plenty of water—hiking the dunes can be surprisingly strenuous.
- Avoid midday heat during summer months. Mornings and evenings are best.
- Check wind conditions, especially if you’re planning to sandboard.
- Wear sunglasses and gaiters—blowing sand is real.
A Colorado Must-See
Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, adventurer, or just passing through, the Great Sand Dunes are a reminder of Colorado’s incredible natural diversity. It’s one of those places that looks like another planet—and makes you appreciate the wild beauty of our own.
Ready for something different? Add the Great Sand Dunes to your Colorado adventure list.
