Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Elk are sometimes seen by visitors along the park entrance road or County Lane 6, primarily fall through spring.
Open 24/7 year round! There are no timed entries or reservations to visit. The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Stay on a moonless night to experience countless stars in this International Dark Sky Park!
Map showing location of park.
A man in a green ball cap and a grey park ranger uniform shirt standing in front of a view of the Sand Dunes
Great Sand Dunes newest Chief Ranger Zachary Parkes
The National Park Service welcomes the newest Chief of Visitor and Resource Protection Zachary Parkes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The selection was made earlier this year by Superintendent Andrea Compton.
Wildfire Smoke Around Star Dune and Crestone Peaks
Smoke From Distant Wildifires at Great Sand Dunes
Smoke is at 'Moderate' level, affecting visibility with potential affects to health of sensitive individuals.
An NPS graphic with the words “National Park Week 2024, April 20-28”. In the center is a circular image of forest, mountains, and a soaring raptor against a sunset sky.
National Park Week at Great Sand Dunes
National Park Week starts Saturday, April 20 with a fee-free day! Each day has a different theme to highlight various aspects of Great Sand Dunes and the National Park Service as a whole.
Grasslands, large dunes, and snow-capped peaks at sunset
Photo by NPS/Patrick Myers
Girls Sand Sledding
Photo by NPS/Patrick Myers
Elk, Grasslands, Dunes, and Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Photo by
Lower Sand Creek Lake, Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
Photo by NPS/Kris Illenberger
Upper Sand Creek Basin, Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
Photo by NPS/Patrick Myers
Fall Colors Along Mosca Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park
Photo by NPS/Patrick Myers
Gold cottonwood trees, large dunes, a silver cloud, and snow-capped mountain
Photo by NPS/Patrick Myers
A teen girl sits on a floatation device
Photo by NPS/Patrick Myers