Great Sand Dunes National Monument and Preserve

Nestled in Southern Colorado, North America's tallest dunes rise almost 700 feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The wind shaped dunes glow beneath the rugged backdrop of the mountains, creating a memorable scene.

In 1932, President Herbert Hoover proclaimed the Great Sand Dunes a National Monument under protection of the National Park Service. This geologic wonderland contains 39 square miles of dunes, much of it designated National Wilderness. For a detailed history and in-depth tour of the area, click here .

Activities

Ranger - Interpretive walks and talks start Memorial Day weekend and continue through Labor Day. Programs include evening slide presentations and nature walks.

Self Guided - Explore the dunes; there are no trails. Traverse the ridges or stroll along the base of the dunes. Splash in Medano Creek flowing on the edge of the dunes in spring and early summer.

Away from the dunes, hike the nature trail or other established trails such as the Little Medano Trail. Wander the trailless areas into diverse habitats around the dunes. Wildlife viewing, tracking, and night walking are rewarding.

Camping

The Pinyon Flats campground is open year-round: first-come, first-served, and self registration. Facilities include picnic tables, fire grates, flush toilets, and drinking water. With 88 sites, the campground fills by noon on summer weekends and by evening during the week. Maximum per site: six. Handicapped sites available.

Group Sites - Three group sites are available for organized camping. Reservations are required. These sites are in great demand; reserve starting January 2. The fee is based on number of people/night. Maximum group size, 50 people, with a minimum of 12.

Backcountry Camping - Wilderness camp in the dunes or at designated primitive backcountry sites. Free backcountry permits are issued at the Visitor Center. Permits are also required for overnight parking in the Monument when camping in adjacent National Forest areas.

Picnicking - The picnic area near the base of the dunes has water, tables, and grills (charcoal fires only). Handicapped site. One group area can be reserved.