Hikes and walks (4)
| Hike | What it is | Time, season, pets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 trac | All year · Pets OK |
| 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. | 30 to 240 Minutes · All year · Pets OK |
| 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 a | 8 to 12 Hours · Summer, Fall · Pets OK |
| 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. | 10 to 15 Hours · Summer, Fall · Pets OK |
Other things to do (4)
| Activity | What it is | Time, season, pets |
|---|---|---|
| Splash in Medano Creek | Medano Creek is a popular seasonal stream enjoyed by all ages. | 1 to 8 Hours · Spring · Pets OK |
| 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. | 2 to 8 Hours · All year · Pets OK · Fee |
| 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. | 30 to 300 Minutes · All year · Pets OK |
| 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. | 1 to 3 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall · Pets OK |
Before you set out
Trail conditions change with snow, fire and storms. Check the park’s current alerts, carry the ten essentials and read know before you go.
Sources
- National Park Service: things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (Data API, public domain)
Last checked 1 November 2026.