Caution
Great Sand Dunes Enters Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
As of 12pm on June 29th Great Sand Dunes officially entered stage 2 fire restrictions due to ongoing dry, warm, and windy conditions. During stage 2 fire restrictions the following requirements are in effect: Prohibited: Open flame including fire, campfire, stove fire, charcoal grills and barbeques, coal and wood burning stoves. Smoking outside of an enclosed personal vehicle or trailer. Permitted: Devices using pressurized gas canisters for isobutene or propane that include shut-off valves.
Caution
Speed Limits are Much Lower Inside Park than Surrounding Highways
Speed limits for the park include 30 MPH near the park boundary and Great Sand Dunes Sign, and as low as 10 MPH near the Headquarters and Entrance Station. Speed limits are in place to protect park visitors, pedestrians, and wildlife in the park. Please drive carefully and responsibly.
Information
Sand Board and Sand Sled Rentals Not Available In Park.
Sand boarding and sand sled rentals are located in local communities surrounding the park. Visitors are encouraged to arrange rentals BEFORE coming to the park.
More infoInformation
Piñon Flats Campground, sites can be reserved 3 months in advance for 2026
Due to the need for improvements in Piñon Flats Campground, sites can be reserved 3 months in advance beginning in 2026.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
CO · Mosca
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! Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week year-round. There are no timed entries or reservations to visit.
Riding guide
Highlights
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offers one of the most unique riding landscapes in the country…
Riding
Rideable terrain here is noted as 20-30 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. While horses are not permitted on the main dune field, riders can explore surrounding trails and open areas suited to experienced horses comfortable with sand and changing footing. With big skies, shifting light, and striking mountain views, Great Sand Dunes delivers a one-of-a-kind Western riding experience for prepared equestrians.
Rideable terrain
20-30 miles
Trailer parking
Sand Pit Equestrian Parking Area This is the primary and recommended staging location for horse trailers. Why riders use it • Large parking area designed for horse trailers and trucks • Direct access to the Sand Ramp Trail, the main equestrian route in the park • Located on the southern side of the dune field • Good turning space for larger rigs • Most commonly used starting point for backcountry and dune-margin riding This area is specifically intended for equestrians. Trail Access from Sand Pit From this parking area riders can access: • Sand Ramp Trail (main equestrian route) • Backcountry areas along the dunes • Routes toward Medano Pass primitive road corridor The Sand Ramp Trail runs along the base of the dunes for about 11 Miles one way, making it the backbone of equestrian travel in the park. Important Things to Know • The main visitor area and dune parking lot do not allow horse trailers. • Roads leading to the Sand Pit staging area can be sandy and rough, especially after storms. • There are no developed horse camps at the trailhead.
Horse regulations
Where Stock Is Allowed Horses and other equines are permitted in the National Preserve portion of the park and on designated multiple-use trails and administrative roads. Riders must stay on approved routes and defined trails; cross-country travel off designated routes is not permitted. Horses are not allowed on the main dune field itself. Backcountry & Wilderness Area Rules Some sections of the preserve contain designated wilderness where stock use is allowed only on established trails that are appropriate for equines. Riders should check with the visitor center or trail maps for current wilderness stock access designations. Permits & Registration No general permit is required for day riding with your own horse, but riders should check in at the visitor center or ranger station for the most up-to-date allowed routes and seasonal closures. If you plan an overnight backcountry trip, contact the park’s Backcountry Office to confirm whether a backcountry or wilderness permit is needed for stock use and the specific trail segment you intend to ride. Grazing, Feed, & Weed Prevention As with most federal lands: Grazing is prohibited within the main park and preserve boundaries; riders must bring their own feed. Only certified weed-free forage (hay, straw, processed feed) should be used. Do not leave feed or hay on the ground and pack out unused material to prevent spread of invasive plants. Trail Etiquette & Safety Stay on designated stock routes at all times. Yield appropriately to hikers and other trail users. Be mindful of Medano Creek and other stream crossings; avoid lingering stock in sensitive wet areas. Follow seasonal trail closure notices; some routes close due to weather, sand movement, or resource protection.
Getting here
Use 11999 State Highway 150, Mosca, Colorado as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Sand Pit Equestrian Parking Area This is the primary and recommended staging location for horse trailers. Why riders use it • Large parking area designed for horse trailers and trucks • Direct access to the Sand Ramp Trail, the main equestrian route in the park • Located on the southern side of the dune field • Good turning space for larger rigs • Most commonly used starting point for backcountry and dune-margin riding This area is specifically intended for equestrians. Trail Access from Sand Pit From this parking area riders can access: • Sand Ramp Trail (main equestrian route) • Backcountry areas along the dunes • Routes toward Medano Pass primitive road corridor The Sand Ramp Trail runs along the base of the dunes for about 11 Miles one way, making it the backbone of equestrian travel in the park. Important Things to Know • The main visitor area and dune parking lot do not allow horse trailers. • Roads leading to the Sand Pit staging area can be sandy and rough, especially after storms. • There are no developed horse camps at the trailhead.
Planning your visit
• Horses are not allowed on the main dune field. Stock use is limited to designated trails and areas within the National Preserve and approved routes. • Sand changes everything. Deep, shifting footing can quickly fatigue horses not conditioned for it. Choose routes carefully and monitor hydration closely. • Elevation ranges from high desert basin to alpine terrain in the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Weather can shift quickly, and afternoon storms are common in summer. • Grazing is not permitted. Bring certified weed-free feed and pack out all unused forage. • Water sources can be seasonal. Medano Creek flows strongest in late spring and early summer but may be minimal or dry later in the season. • Some routes cross sandy washes or creek beds that can change after storms. Confirm current conditions with the visitor center before heading out. • Services are limited, and cell coverage can be unreliable. Arrive self-sufficient and with a clear route plan.
Where to stay
Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. Horse camping is allowed, so this destination can work as more than a quick in-and-out ride if you want to build a longer federal-land stay around it. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Mosca before heading deeper into federal-land access points.
Entrance fees & passes
- $25.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Fees are charged only when the entrance station is open in the spring, summer, and fall seasons or when the visitor center is open in the winter season. Fees can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Passes may also be purchased in advance online through recreation.gov .
- $15.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
15+ passenger vehicle, age 16+
- $20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
- $25.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
This fee is for a commercial group of 1-6 people in a smaller vehicle. Valid for 7 days.
- $40.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
This fee is for a commercial group of 7-15 persons in a van. Valid for 7 days.
- $40.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
This fee is for a commercial group of 16-25 persons in a mini-bus. Valid for 7 days.
- $100.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
This fee is for a commercial motor coach with 26+ capacity. Valid for 7 days.
- $15.00
Entrance - Per Person
Entrance Fee for Bicycles or Walk-In Visitors
- $45.00
Annual Entrance - Park
If you visit Great Sand Dunes more than once in a year, consider purchasing an annual pass to save money. The Great Sand Dunes Annual Pass admits the pass holder(s) and all family members in the vehicle into the park for one year from date of purchase.
Park map
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
Backpacking Campsites in the Dunes or Forest
27 sites · 24 horse-friendly
The most popular and unique backpacking option is camping in the 30-square-mile dunefield, beyond the major dune ridgeline (about 1.5 mile hike minimum over dunes). Enjoy wide open views of the starry sky or a bright moonlit night. Designated sites are also available in the trees of the foothills, or camping is available in higher forests of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. Reserve national park backpacking permits for the dunes or foothills through recreation.gov
Reserve a siteMedano Pass Primitive Road Campsites
21 sites
Roadside camping is permitted at 21 campsites in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve beginning 5.2 miles from where the road begins near Piñon Flats Campground. These designated sites are free of charge and first-come, first-served. All 21 sites fill on summer weekends. Passable only in the warmer months and only with high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles. This road crosses areas of deep sand, traverses Medano Creek nine times, and passes through excellent habitat for bighorn sheep.
Piñon Flats Campground
91 sites
Piñon Flats is a National Park Service campground located one mile north of the Visitor Center, open April through October. All sites are by reservation on recreation.gov. Beginning in the 2026 season, Individual and group sites can be reserved up to 3 months in advance.
Reserve a site
Points of interest
Hidden Dune
POIHidden Dune is one of the two tallest dunes in North America, located in a remote part of the dunefield of Great Sand Dunes.
High Dune on First Ridge
POIThe most popular to climb of the tall dunes at Great Sand Dunes
Medano Creek
POIMedano Creek is a popular seasonal stream enjoyed by all ages.
Medano Pass
POIMedano Pass was likely the historic route used by Zebulon Pike in January 1807 as he led an expedition to explore this region. Today Medano Pass is primarily traveled by 4WD vehicle, on a rough 22-mile road connecting Great Sand Dunes with the Wet Mountain Valley and Colorado State Highway 69. Passable only in the warmer months and only with high-clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicles, it gives access to Medano Pass (elevation 10,040’) and Great Sand Dunes National Preserve.
Mosca Pass
POIJust above the dunefield are woodlands of pinon and ponderosa pine, and subalpine aspen and conifer forests. The easiest hiking access to forest in the national park is in Mosca Pass, on the Montville Nature Trail and Mosca Pass Trail. On these trails, you are walking in the footsteps of Pleistocene mammoth hunters, indigenous tribes, diverse settlers, American explorers, and 19th century African American Buffalo Soldiers.
Sand Creek Basin
POISand Creek Basin is part of the alpine watershed of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. A longer drive and hike is required to reach these lakes and peaks, but the mountain scenery is worth the effort. Check with a ranger for conditions before travel. Snow may block these trails from November into June.
Star Dune
POIOne of the two tallest dunes in North America, pyramid-shaped Star Dune rises 741 feet (225 m).
The Dunefield
POIThe centerpiece of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is the 30-square-mile (78-square-km) dunefield, featuring the tallest dunes in North America. Because there are no trails, you can venture out anywhere you'd like to discover unusual insects, plants, wildlife tracks, ripples, and sand grains of every color. In warmer months, watch for one of 7 species of endemic insects, found nowhere else in the world, that are specially adapted to the extreme environment here.
Things to do
4WD Medano Pass Primitive Road
Drive a a 4WD around the eastern edge of the dunes then over a forested mountain pass. Be prepared for soft sand, creek crossings, and rocky terrain.
Duration: 1-3 Hours
Experience the Night
Half the park is after dark! Night at Great Sand Dunes can include dunes exploration under a bright full moon, viewing thousands of stars on a clear moonless night, listening for owls along the foothills, or observing migrating amphibians on a wet night.
Duration: 30-300 Minutes
Explore the Dunes
Explore the tallest dunes in North America! The centerpiece of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is the 30-square-mile (78-square-km) dunefield, featuring the tallest dunes in North America. Because there are no trails, you can venture out anywhere you'd like to discover unusual insects, plants, wildlife tracks, ripples, and sand grains of every color.
Hike Medano Lake and Mount Herard
Take your 4WD vehicle around the dunes and up to Medano Pass, hike to a small alpine lake, then continue to the summit of 13,297 ft (4,053 m) Mount Herard for an aerial perspective on the entire dunefield! This is a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding way to experience many of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve's ecoystems, from desert dunes to alpine tundra. Watch the high-energy 40-second video to get a glimpse of this unique experience!
Duration: 8-12 Hours
Hike Montville Nature Trail or Mosca Pass Trail
Just above the dunefield are montane woodlands of pinon and ponderosa pine, subalpine aspen and conifer forests, alpine lakes and rugged mountains over 13,000 feet (4,000 m) in elevation. The easiest access to forest in the national park is on the Montville Nature Trail and Mosca Pass Trail.
Duration: 30-240 Minutes
Hike Sand Creek Lakes
Sand Creek Lakes are part of the alpine watershed of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. A longer drive and hike is required to reach these lakes, but the mountain scenery is worth the effort. Check with a ranger for conditions before travel. Snow may block these trails from November into June.
Duration: 10-15 Hours
Sandboarding and Sand Sledding
Sandboarding and sand sledding are the most popular activities on the dunes. Read the information on this page to have a positive, fun, and safe experience.
Duration: 2-8 Hours
Splash in Medano Creek
Medano Creek is a popular seasonal stream enjoyed by all ages.
Duration: 1-8 Hours
Visitor centers
Entrance Station
Purchase park passes at the Entrance Station, located on the main entrance road. Entrance Station hours are variable depending on the season and day, but are generally open during standard business hours in warmer months.
Get directionsGreat Sand Dunes Visitor Center
The visitor center offers restrooms, a water fill station, interactive exhibits, and a 20-minute video about the park. Park rangers are available to answer questions and help you plan your time.
Get directions
Webcams
Visitor Center
Currently unavailable.
Hours of operation
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
The park and preserve are open 24/7 all year
Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All Day
Activities
Weather
Temperatures are relatively cool all year at the park elevation 8000 ft. Conditions are most often calm, but winds can arise, especially in spring and during storm fronts. Daytime temperatures feel warmer here year round due to intense high-altitude sunlight, and mid-day summer sand surface temps can be 160 degrees F! Plan to explore the dunes morning or evening during summer. Nights are cool in summer, and frigid in winter. Visit https://nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/weather.htm for details
Contact
Photos
Stay near this park
No horse-friendly stays listed near Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.
List your propertyDirections
To access the main park area, including the Dunes Parking Lot, Visitor Center, and Pinon Flats Campground, take US 160 to CO 150 from the south, or CO 17 to Lane 6 to CO 150 from the west. The national park is at the north end of CO 150.
Source: nps.gov