Reviews
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
User Reviews
Joshua Lehew
Great Sand Dunes National Park is breathtaking! The massive dunes against the mountains create an unforgettable view especially during the fall foliage. Visit at sunrise or sunset to capture the shifting light that turns the sand shades hues of gold, pink, and orange. Peaceful, surreal, and one of the most unique landscapes in Colorado!
Vicky Ilango
It’s an amazing place given it’s a unique park on its own. While the rest of Colorado is filled with mountains fall trees and skis, this is something unique to look for in the state. I missed skateboarding. PRO TIP: Skateboards are available for rent in the gift shop before entering the park. 20 dollars for a day and you need to stay in the neighbor till Alamosa is fine ,so they give you. Best time would be noon to go and play post summer time or in fall time as it will be chilly. For photography you need red shade come in the sunset time but make sure you go back earlier it gets dark. For golden calm shade go early morning. I also did star gazing, it’s a nice spot to see. You can just do it by parking your car in parking lot and the moon phase is somewhere close to no moon else the moonlight is gonna take the spot (which is good if you are looking for moonlight). The road will be lil scary at night as it’s all plains around and you will keep driving in. The restrooms are there and a place to change you dress. Wear ankle boots to skip sand going inside or wear a sandal if you want to feel it ( not in summer, it’s gonna be hot)
MsDarBay
This is an amazing and extraordinary national park with stunning sand dunes! I visited at the beginning of October — it was very windy, but there were no crowds and no entrance fee since it was the off-season. The restaurant is closed until May, and the store is open only until 4 p.m. Definitely a must-visit.
Sandy Smith
Fabulous! End of September is a great time to visit...perfect temperature, sand is not hot and Fall colors in the Sangre de Christo range are gorgeous. Plenty of room to have dunes pretty much to yourself. It is really fun to play on the dunes! Neat experience.
Eric Ealy
A quick stop before sunset...before the government shuts down! It's a very large sand dune!! Quite a long walk from parking to the actual dunes. And, some brave souls were hiking up to the top...I did not have time today...but would love to come back. Saw a few mule deer...
Sujan Gautam
This is very beautiful. Naturally amazing: snowy mountains at one side and low green land on another and sand dunes in the middle. I played walked and enjoyed in several aspects. But I found only sand dunes is all about National park basically. Still worthy to pay. Lovely Colorado. Want to go again.
Adam K
Amazing hikes in the sand dunes and star gazing. It's very difficult to hike gear in for overnight camping in the dunes but worthwhile. Great star gazing. Not a driving park, unless you can take a rugged vehicle into the mountains. Great camping and hiking though. Family friendly sledding low on the dunes.
Seth Kleinglass
A hidden gem. Seek out this park and you will not be disappointed. It is a rare wonder of the power of Mother Nature. The facilities are very nice. Rangers were friendly and willing to talk about the parks history. Be sure to bring water.
Tushar Jain
Probably one of the most unique national parks that I've ever been to in the United States. The sunset views are like out of the world experience. We reached here about a couple of hours before the sunset. Unfortunately it has rained just before we reached so see couldn't sled as it was unsafe to do so. However, that made it easier to walk/hike on the sand. I was fortunate enough to hike the highest peak/dune in the entire of North America (Star dune, 755 ft). Hiking on the sand can be tricky. Visitor center recommended hiking shoes. Sun glasses helps protecting your eyes from the sand grains that gets carried by strong winds. Carrying a jacket is a personal choice. If it's warm/hot then it's extra weight. The view from the top of the peak is mesmerizing. You get a 360° view of a sea of dunes and grassland on one side and mountains on the other.
Bill Z
Beautiful place! A must see if you have the time. A couple of tips from first time visitors... -wear water shoes and socks. I had on flip flops and kids had just water shoes. The sand was RED HOT!!! -rent skim boards at the pool that is close by ( the only pool for miles) Google it. They cost $20 ea vs $40ea at gas station just outside of park. -leave dogs home or make them wear shoes! -SPF 75+ a must -small creek to cool off in. Small, but wide. Kids will love it. -have fun!