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Great Sand Dunes National Park and PreserveMedano Creek
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Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Fees & Reservations
 

Entrance fees are $3 per adult (age 16 and older).  Entrance fees are valid for one week from date of purchase.  Children are free at all times.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Annual Pass costs $15, and admits pass holder and all family members in the vehicle into the park for one year from date of purchase.

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass
This $80 pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) This pass can be obtained in person at the park; by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1; or via the internet.

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass  
This is a $10 lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass 
This is a free lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

More information on the various America the Beautiful passes is available here .

All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.

Commercial tours are charged by the number of passengers:

1-6   = $25
7-25 = $40
26+  = $100

Camping Fees and Reservations: Pinyon Flats Campground is first-come, first-served for individual sites.  Individual sites are $14 per night.  Size limit: 6 people or two tents maximum per site.  Sites fill most nights in summer, so plan to arrive early if possible.  Three group sites may be reserved by groups of 10 or more by calling the Visitor Center at 719-378-6399.  Group sites are primarily for tents; parking is limited.  Reservations for each year are accepted beginning January 2. 

Backcountry camping, including backpacking and car camping along the Medano Pass 4WD road, is first-come, first-served for designated sites.  A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is required to access the portion of the Medano Pass road where car camping is permitted.  A free backpacking permit, available at the Visitor Center during business hours, is required for any backpacking in the park and preserve. 

Education Program or Interpretive Program Request: Contact the Education Specialist at 719-378-6344 or send an email.  Please contact the Education Specialist at least two weeks prior to the program date.

Educational Entrance Fee Waiver: Accredited school groups that are planning to visit the park for primarily educational purposes may apply for an entrance fee waiver. The educational content of your trip must relate directly to the resources of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in order to qualify. To apply, download and fill out an Educational Fee Waiver Form (.doc Word file, 50KB). Form must be received at least two weeks prior to your visit. When complete, return it via email to the address on the form, fax it to (719) 378-6310, or mail it to: Fee Supervisor,
Great Sand Dunes NPP, 11500 Hwy 150, Mosca, CO 81146.

Questions may be directed to: Fee Supervisor, (719) 378-6352, or send an email

America the Beautiful Pass
The new America the Beautiful Annual Pass
This new pass offers a cost-effective way to experience America's public lands
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Great Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle  

Did You Know?
Great Sand Dunes is home to at least six endemic insect species - found nowhere else on earth. The Great Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle is the best known of these endemics.
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Last Updated: March 05, 2008 at 13:06 EST