Why The Great Sand Dunes National Park In The United States Is Worth Visiting: A Complete Guide
I recently climbed to the peak of the highest sand dune in North America with my partner, and what a climb it was! Imagine trudging straight up hill, wind fiercely blowing in your face, and smooth sand quickly pulling your steps nearly back to where you started with every step that you take. Now imagine that fierce wind throwing sand in your eyes, ears, mouth, teeth… and other places that I don’t have to explain to you.
It sounds brutal but if you asked me if it was worth it, I would still say yes and encourage you to visit. Even if you’re not a ambitious hiker who is ready to trudge your way up the side of massive piles of sand, this park offers something for everyone.
What To Do At The Great Sand Dunes National Park
When we arrived at the Great Sand Dunes National Park there was one thing on our mind: hiking. But there are other incredibly fun and enlightening activities to do at the park, so don’t miss the other activities listed later in this guide.
1. Hike The Highest Sand Dunes In North America
I must say, to begin with, we didn’t plan on hiking to the top of High Dune and Star Dune. But with no marked trails and the urge to see what lies on the other side, we were inspired to make the challenging climb. NPS.gov says the following about the dunes: “Great Sand Dunes has the tallest dunes in North America. Star Dune rises 750 feet from its base to its crest. The ‘High Dune’ on the first ridge rises 699 feet from its base, but because it starts on higher ground, its crest is higher above sea level that of Star Dune.”
What To Know About Hiking The High Dune And Star Dune
The hike to the top was intense. We chose one of the windier and colder days to explore the dunes, making the hike chilly and sandy. The odd thing about the dunes is that they trick your mind into thinking that you are closer to your desired point than you are. You can see some of the taller dunes at the parking lots and assume that you can take a stroll up the hill, not imagining that your hike will consist of a few miles and hours. For those who are ready to get their heart pumping, the Star Dune and High Dune may be for you. Even if you’re not ready to put on your hiking boots and test your limits, the Great Sand Dunes seems to have something for almost everyone.
Be the kind of person that sees an obstacle as a mountain, (or a giant sand dune in this case!) and throws on their hiking gear.
Casar Jacobson
Accessibility On The Dunes At The Great Sand Dunes National Park
One thing that I appreciated about the park is that they provide wheelchairs that can more easily trek through the sand. They can be acquired at the visitors center, so check to make sure they will be open when you visit the park.
2. Sled And Roll Down The Dunes
There are so many actives at the dunes that don’t require embarking on an epic hiking journey. The dunes invoke wonder because of their diverse, beautiful, and unique ecosystems. The dunes are surrounded by alpine peaks, a desert valley, magnificent rolling dune views, and have creeks flowing on the surface of the sand.
The dunes can invoke a playfulness in the spirt of kids and adults alike by offering a place to roll, ski, snowboard, and sled down the dunes. Be sure to do your research to see where you can find these fun tools if you don’t plan on bringing them, because not all of the shops are open year round and none of them are located inside of the park.
3. Stargaze At The Great Sand Dunes National Park
The National Park Service says that “Half the park is after dark!” High elevation, very little light pollution, and dry air is the perfect recipe to become certified as an International Dark Sky Park. That means that visitors can hope to see a night sky filled with bright stars, and even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way Galaxy. Seeing the Milky Way requires good timing and knowing how to find it. The Great Sand Dunes National Park offers different programs through out the summer and fall, so check their schedule to see if they’re leading any nighttime activities.
If you’re out exploring or stargazing in the dark, keep a keen eye out for night movement on the dunes from camel crickets, toads, kangaroo rats, coyotes, bobcats, owls, and more. It’s important to not approach, hurt, or try and touch wildlife, and keep in mind that their nocturnal eyes are highly sensitive to artificial light.
To protect the skies, there are no outdoor lights illuminating the dunes or making areas, so carry a flashlight for safety as needed, but keep use to a minimum. Using a red light, which does not affect night vision, is recommended. Learn more about exploring the park at night and stargazing on the park’s website.
4. Cool Of In Medano Creek
Medano Creek is a wide creek that has a gentle, shallow flow. You can find it at the Dunes Parking Lot. Bring your bathing suit, towels, and sense of adventure because during certain times of the year it’s a great place to splash around, skim board, and cool off. Check the creek’s status and conditions here.
5. Admire The Sandhill Crane Migration
Ready to see the park form a a bird’s eye view? The National Park website says: “Sandhill cranes are an iconic species of the San Luis Valley – majestic, large, and wild. One of 250 bird species found in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, they are a delightful part of the area’s natural diversity.
Over 20,000 cranes spend part of their spring and fall each year in this valley. After wintering in southern New Mexico, they typically begin to arrive in the San Luis Valley in early February, while winter temperatures still drop below zero degrees F at night. While here, they build up energy by feasting on barley grains in agricultural fields and aquatic invertebrates in wetlands. Cranes mate for life, but each spring they renew their bond through a courtship ritual that includes dancing, bowing, chortling, and throwing tufts of grass in the air.”
Check the national park website to find out where you can see these iconic birds and which seasons are best for viewing.
Great Sand Dunes National Park Pet Rules, Camping, Maps, And More
Visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park (or any national park, for that matter) takes some planning and preparation. Be sure to check out this great free resource for planning your visit that can answer any additional questions that you may have.
Are Pets Allowed At Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Although pets must be leashed at all times, animal companions are permitted in the Preserve (including Mosca Pass Trail) and main use areas of the Park (including Piñon Flats Campground, Dunes Overlook Trail, and along the Medano Pass Primitive Road). They are not permitted inside the visitor center or bathrooms, in the back country of the dune field, off of the Dunes Overlook Trail, beyond the first high ridge of the dunes, orth of Castle Creek Picnic Area (except along Medano Pass Primitive Road), north of Point of No Return (including Sand Ramp Trail), or in any backpacking campsites located inside the national park.
Be sure to check their website for a map of places pets are allowed, current regulations, and fines and fees for not following their rules when it comes to your furry friends.
What To Know Before You Go
Here are some other pages on the national park’s website to check out for critical information:
- Visit their calendar page to learn more about events and ranger programs
- Visit their fees & passes page to get updated information on park entrance costs
- Visit their weather page to know how to pack and dress for various seasons
- Visit their safety page to learn about sand collapsing, mountain lions, black bears, and more
- Visit their camping page to learn about backpacking, camp grounds, and more
- Visit their accessibility page to learn more about wheelchair accessibility in the park
- Visit their directions page to learn how to safely get to the park
