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National Park & Preserve · CO
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes is quietest in January and February and busiest in July.
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.
461K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Great Sand Dunes
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 26 | Overcast | 82°F | 49°F | 12% |
| Thu 27 | Heavy drizzle | 84°F | 57°F | 14% |
| Fri 28 | Light drizzle | 83°F | 55°F | 6% |
| Sat 29 | Overcast | 80°F | 59°F | 21% |
| Sun 30 | Rain showers | 76°F | 58°F | 40% |
| Mon 31 | Overcast | 70°F | 55°F | 42% |
| Tue 1 | Fog | 77°F | 54°F | 32% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | — | — | 0.5" |
| February | — | — | 0.4" |
| March | — | — | 0.7" |
| April | — | — | 1.0" |
| May | — | — | 1.0" |
| June | — | — | 0.9" |
| July | — | — | 2.3" |
| August | — | — | 2.0" |
| September | — | — | 1.4" |
| October | — | — | 0.8" |
| November | — | — | 0.4" |
| December | — | — | 0.5" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, GREAT SAND DUNES 7.0 SSW, CO US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $25 — 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 .
- Hours
- The park and preserve are open 24/7 all year
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
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.
- 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.
Details on nps.gov → - 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
Rinse Water and Potable Water Unavailable at Dump Station
The water line to the dump station is broken. Rinse water and potable water not available at RV dump station in the park. Estimated date of water service restored will be late July 2026.
- Danger
Great Sand Dunes At Stage 2 Fire Restrictions - No Open Fires.
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.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Great Sand Dunes questions
When is the best time to visit Great Sand Dunes?
Great Sand Dunes is least crowded in January, February, and December. July is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Great Sand Dunes?
Entrance to Great Sand Dunes costs $25 (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 .).
When is Great Sand Dunes busiest?
Great Sand Dunes is busiest in July, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.