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Great Sand Dunes · November
November is one of the best times to visit Great Sand Dunes — quieter than October, busier than December.
Expect light crowds (2/10) and about 10.1 hours of daylight.
Crowd score
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 13% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 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
Visitation
November draws about 3% of Great Sand Dunes’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, GREAT SAND DUNES 7.0 SSW, CO US
What's open
The park and preserve are open 24/7 all year
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Due to the need for improvements in Piñon Flats Campground, sites can be reserved 3 months in advance beginning in 2026.
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 →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.
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.
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
Context
Alternatives
FAQ
November rates 2/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve — about 13% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 11,661.
In November, Great Sand Dunes averages a high of 0°F and a low of 0°F, with about 0.4 inches of precipitation.
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 .).
Great Sand Dunes is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
In mid-November, Great Sand Dunes gets about 10.1 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:43 AM and sunset around 4:50 PM.