Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Visit the tallest sand dunes in North America.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located in southern Colorado. This park features North America's tallest dunes, rising over 750 feet high. The Medano Creek and beach are a great place to relax on a summer day at the base of these dunes. Backpacking enthusiasts will love exploring the backcountry Medano Pass Primitive Road, which winds through a canyon toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains. All visitors can see forests, wetlands, and alpine lakes like Medano Lake, home to trout and tundra wildlife.  

Take as many pictures as you like featuring the scenic backdrop of the steep Sangre de Cristo mountains. This geological wonderland features over 30 square miles of massive dunes and became a national monument in 1932. With the passage of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act, recreational areas include alpine lakes, ancient spruce and pine forests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, and wetlands. This habitat makes for diverse wildlife and plant species throughout the park. 

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is open 24/7 year-round. Experience a starry sky on moonless nights or a surreal walk on the dunes under a full moon. Day or night, this national park is sure to amaze you. Bring your friends and family to this unique place the next time you're traveling to Colorado.