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| NPS Photo by Patrick Myers | | Medano Creek flows around the base of the dunes in average to wet years. Visit in late spring or early summer to experience this natural beach environment. |
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Below is general information for each season, including camping, ranger programs, available services, and weather
Visiting in Spring
Spring at Great Sand Dunes can mean anything from warm sun and mild spring temperatures to chilly winds or blizzards - sometimes in one day! At this 8200' (2470 m) elevation, be prepared. Have clothing available for a warm, calm day splashing in the water, but also for snowy or windy conditions if needed. Check weather online for a current forecast for the main visitor use area of the park. In average to wet years, the popular Medano Creek begins as a trickle in early April, increasing to a wide, shallow stream flowing in rhythmic waves at its peak in late May. Bring a swimsuit to enjoy this natural beach environment. Check current conditions of Medano Creek.
Spring is the windy season at Great Sand Dunes, and throughout the southwestern U.S. Generally afternoons are often the windiest, so plan to hike on the dunes in morning when possible. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for those unable to walk in the dunes. See our Outdoor Activities page for more suggestions on spring activities in the park and preserve.
Camping in Spring
The Piñon Flats Campground has 88 individual sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. In warmer spring months, the campground often fills on weekends. Group sites for groups of 10 or more are available by reservation: (719) 378-6399. A private campground, the Oasis, is also available just outside the park's entrance beginning in April. Tent sites or RV camping with hookups are available there. Reservations for sites at the Oasis can be made at (719) 378-2222.
Backpacking sites in the national park are available by free permits available at the Visitor Center. You may either camp in the backcountry of the dunefield, or at a designated site at the perimeter of the dunefield.
Camping with your vehicle in the backcountry is available without a permit along the Medano Pass road, in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. This road is passable only with a high-clearance 4WD vehicle (ATVs are not permitted). Heavy spring runoff can cause creek crossings on the road to reach over two feet. Call the Visitor Center at (719) 378-6399 for current road conditions and seasonal closures.
Programs in Spring
Scheduled ranger programs are available as staffing permits in spring months. Call the Visitor Center at (719) 378-6399 for current programs.
Services in Spring
The Oasis store and restaurant, (719) 378-2222, is located just outside the park entrance. It provides gas and basic groceries daily beginning the latter half of March or early April, and a restaurant daily beginning in May. The Great Sand Dunes Lodge, (719) 378-2900, is a modern motel located behind the Oasis. It usually opens in late March or early April, and is the closest lodging available near the park. All services and motels are available year-round in Alamosa; shops and motels in Blanca, Mosca, and Hooper are open most days in warmer spring months. Check our lodging page for more details on available motels in the area. The Visitor Center is open from 9-4:30 in early spring. During spring break, hours on Fridays and Saturdays extend to 9-5:30. Call (719) 378-6399 to reach a ranger at the Visitor Center.
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| NPS Photo by Scott Hansen | | Summer sunset on dunes and 13,297' Mount Herard |
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Visiting in Summer
About 300,000 visitors come to the park annually, and most visit during the warmer summer months. Summer temperatures at this 8200' (2470 m) elevation average in the 80s F., with lows at night averaging in the 40s F. July and August can bring heavy afternoon rainstorms with lightning. Call the local National Weather Service number, (719) 589-3232, or check weather online for a current forecast and conditions for the main visitor use area.
Exploring the Park in Summer
Plan to hike on the dunes in morning or evening to avoid afternoon storms, and to avoid the hot mid-day sand surface. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for those unable to walk in the dunes. Afternoon activities can include hiking in the adjacent Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Cool off at Zapata Falls, a popular 1/2 mile hike; the trailhead is 12 miles south of the Park and Preserve. In average to wet years, Medano Creek begins to flow as a trickle in early April, increasing to a wide stream flowing in rhythmic waves at its peak in late May. Unless the mountain snowpack is high, the creek usually begins to disappear back toward the mountains by mid-summer. Check current Medano Creek conditions. See the Outdoor Activities page on this site for more suggestions on summer activities.
Camping in Summer
The Piñon Flats Campground has 88 individual sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. In summer months, the campground often fills by mid-day on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and often fills on other weekday nights. Group sites for groups of 10 or more are available by reservation: (719) 378-6399. A private campground, the Oasis, is also available just outside the park entrance. Tent sites or RV camping with hookups are available there. Reservations for sites at the Oasis can be made at (719) 378-2222.
Backpacking sites are available by free permits available at the Visitor Center. You may either camp in the backcountry of the dunefield, or at a designated site at the perimeter of the dunefield.
Camping with your vehicle in the backcountry is available without a permit along the Medano Pass road, in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. This road is passable only with a high-clearance 4WD vehicle (ATVs are not permitted).
Programs in Summer
Scheduled ranger programs are available most days in summer. These include nature walks, children's programs, and evening programs at the amphitheater. Check the link above, or call the Visitor Center for details at 719-378-6399.
Services in Summer
The Oasis store and restaurant, (719) 378-2222, is located just outside the park entrance. It provides gas, basic groceries, and a restaurant daily during the summer. The Great Sand Dunes Lodge, (719) 378-2900, is a modern motel located behind the Oasis. It is the closest lodging to the park. All services and motels are available year-round in Alamosa; shops and motels in Blanca, Fort Garland, Mosca, and Hooper are open daily in summer. Check the lodging page on this site for more details and other area lodging options. The Visitor Center is open every day in June, July and August from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (719) 378-6399 to reach a ranger at the Visitor Center.
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| NPS Photo | | Autumn color in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve |
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Visiting in Fall
Fall at Great Sand Dunes can mean anything from warm sun and mild fall temperatures to blizzards - sometimes in one day! At this 8200' (2470 m) elevation, be prepared for any conditions. Typically, however, fall days are sunny with highs in the 60s to 70s F. and lows in the 30s F. Fall colors generally peak in late September to early October. Call the National Weather Service local weather line at (719) 589-3232 or check weather online.
Exploring the Park in Fall
Plan to enjoy a hike on the dunes without the crowds of summer. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for those unable to walk in the dunes. Hike on a mountain trail, or use your high-clearance 4WD to explore Medano Pass in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve to enjoy the fall foliage up close. Fall hunting is permitted in the mountains of the national preserve, so wear bright orange colors and be alert. Check with a ranger for exact hunting seasons and locations. Hunting is not permitted anywhere in the national park, including the dunes, and grasslands and forests around the perimeter of the dunes.
Camping in Fall
The Piñon Flats Campground has 88 individual sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. In warmer fall months, the campground often fills on weekends. Group sites for groups of 10 or more are available by reservation: (719) 378-6399. A private campground, the Oasis, is also available just outside the park's entrance through October. Tent sites or RV camping with hookups are available there. Reservations for sites at the Oasis can be made at (719) 378-2222. Backpacking sites are available by free permits available at the Visitor Center. You may either camp in the backcountry of the dunefield, or at a designated site at the perimeter of the dunefield. Car camping in the backcountry is available without a permit along the Medano Pass road, in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. This road is passable only with a high-clearance 4WD vehicle (ATVs are not permitted). Call the Visitor Center at (719) 378-6399 for current road conditions and seasonal closures. Aspen color generally peaks along the road in late September.
Programs in Fall
Scheduled ranger programs are available as staffing permits in fall months. Call the Visitor Center at (719) 378-6399 for current programs, or check the link above for a current list of programs.
Services in Fall
The Oasis store and restaurant, (719) 378-2222, is located just outside the park entrance. It provides gas and basic groceries daily through October, and a restaurant daily through September. The Great Sand Dunes Lodge, (719) 378-2900, is a modern motel located behind the Oasis. It is usually open through October, and is the closest lodging available near the park. All services and motels are available year-round in Alamosa; shops and motels in Blanca, Fort Garland, Mosca, and Hooper are open most days in warmer fall months. Check the accomodations and camping page on this site for more options. The Visitor Center is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Longer hours may exist as staffing permits in September and October. Call (719) 378-6399 to reach a ranger at the Visitor Center.
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| NPS Photo by Patrick Myers | | Snow blankets the dunefield and Sangre de Cristo Mountains |
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Visiting in Winter
Winter at Great Sand Dunes offers solitude, natural quiet, and incredibly clear day and night skies. Days are generally sunny and chilly, and the sand may even feel warm in the intense alpine sun. But be prepared for any winter conditions at this 8200' elevation, including blizzards and subzero temperatures at night.
Exploring the Park in Winter
When snow does fall on the dunes, sledding, snowboarding or skiing are fantastic, with no trees or rocks as obstacles. Whether the dunes are snowy or sandy, a winter hike on the dunes can be a refreshing experience for all ages. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for those unable to walk in the dunes.
Camping in Winter
Piñon Flats Campground is open all year, with one accessible restroom and running water. However, the RV dump station closes when freezing temperatures occur regularly, usually late September through mid May.
Services in Winter
The Visitor Center is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except federal holidays in winter. Longer hours may exist in spring, summer, and fall. Call (719) 378-6399 to reach a ranger at the Visitor Center. The closest lodging in winter is in Alamosa, Fort Garland, and Mosca. Check the Lodging and Camping page on this site for more details and options. Backpacking sites are available by free permits available at the Visitor Center. You may either camp in the backcountry of the dunefield, or at a designated site at the perimeter of the dunefield.
Safety in Winter
Be prepared! No gas, food, or lodging facilities are open nearby. All services are available year-round in Alamosa; shops in Blanca, Fort Garland, Mosca, and Hooper may not be open every day.
To check local weather conditions call the National Weather Service at 719-589-3232, or check weather online.
Mule deer and elk frequently cross the road in winter. Drive slowly and be prepared to stop.
Hypothermia is a dangerous condition of untreated low body temperature. It occurs when your body loses warmth more quickly than it can produce it. Cold winds and wet conditions make hypothermia more likely. Always take extra layers of clothing, try to stay dry, and watch your companions for signs of coldness.
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Out of the Blue
An on-line curriculum resource for K-12th grade teachers and students
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Sand Sea Wonders
Natural History of Great Sand Dunes
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Artwork and Photographs
Explore Great Sand Dunes through photographs and artwork.
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