Great Sand Dunes National Park
4.5
MountainsNational ParksDeserts
Write a review
About
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice? Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
- Red Canyon Loop Half Day Jeep Tour64Recommended100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.4WD Toursfrom $119.00 per adult
- Royal Gorge Half-Day Rafting Trip185Recommended100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.On the Waterfrom $98.00 per adult
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon Half-Day Rafting195Recommended98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.On the Waterfrom $84.00 per adult
- Captain Zipline Aerial Adventure Park491Recommended97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Extreme Sportsfrom $120.00 per adult
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon Full-Day Experience29Recommended100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Full-day Toursfrom $132.00 per adult
- Half Day Royal Gorge (FREE Lunch, Photos, and Wetsuits)198Recommended99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.On the Waterfrom $131.88 per adult
- Royal Gorge Loop Half Day Jeep Tour144Recommended97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.4WD Toursfrom $149.00 per adult
- Mild Cottonwood Family Float33Recommended93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Adventure Toursfrom $94.08 per adult
- Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip - Most Exciting Rapids!133Recommended96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Raftingfrom $133.28 per adult
- Royal Gorge Rafting Half Day Tour (FREE wetsuit use!) - Class IV Extreme fun!174Recommended98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Adventure Toursfrom $235.00 per adult
- Royal Gorge Half Day Rafting in Cañon City (Free Wetsuit Use)454Recommended99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Adventure Toursfrom $139.11 per adult
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon Half Day Tour (Free Wetsuit Gear Use)1,052Recommended99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.Adventure Toursfrom $127.42 per adult
- Half-Day Royal Gorge Whitewater Rafting Adventure Cañon City CO28Recommended100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.On the Waterfrom $119.00 per adult
- Royal Gorge Full-Day Rafting Trip58Recommended100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.On the Waterfrom $179.00 per adult
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
4 within 6 miles
See all
See what travelers are saying
Jack
Old Bethpage, New York865 contributions
Great Views!
Me and my family were here the other day and it was perfect! The view was amazing, with the huge dunes with a mountain backdrop. You can rent sleds and sand boards at the Oasis Store and I highly recommend. It is so fun and from late May to July, the Medano Creek flows. The dunes are usually hot, but when they are normal temperature, like during April, me and my family went barefoot. Keep in mind that it is very hard hiking up the dunes. There is a visitor center with great views and a Junior Ranger program. Overall, I highly recommend. It is one of my favorite National Parks.
Visited April 2023
Written
April 10, 2023
Lauraly B
United States23 contributions
Day at the beach
It's hard to imagine over 300 square miles and over 700 feet high dunes of sand. Add to that creeks flowing down from the mountains and you've got quite the impressive beach. To get to the dunes you have to walk through Medano Creek. The day we visited the park the creek was wide and flowing nicely. The water would come in waves as it broke through the sand and created interesting patterns as it flowed. It was easy to cross to reach the dunes. Just like a day at the beach, only better.
Visited May 2023
Traveled as a couple
Written
May 19, 2023
Haley
2 contributions
Worth the drive
This was just an awesome experience. We drove 3 hours to see it, and 4 hours back. I debated do or don’t because of the commute. I’m so glad I did. It felt like a once in a lifetime experience. We rented a sled and a board right outside the park ($20 each), paid the entrance fee ($25). The only con was the line to get in was so slow. I think we were in line about 45 mins or more, then they opened both lanes and things began moving. Once we got in it was great. The water before the dunes was so cool, and refreshing. There’s no avoiding the water, you have to walk thru it. There are also lots of rocks on the way to the dunes. So I recommend water shoes. On the dunes, you do get sand blasted often, I would bring a face shield. Also, the trip back to your car is long, bring your drinks and snacks out with you. Additionally, the dunes got painfully hot around 2pm. We were barefoot for most of the day. Thankfully we had water shoes, which were needed at that point. We didn’t hike beyond the dunes, but I hear the waterfall is dope. I imagine the view at the top would be cool. It was hard enough to breathe at the bottom. Also, they have real restrooms (plumbing) but didn’t have hand soap dispensers, so if you’re a germ freak like me, BYOS. 🧼 I know most of this probably doesn’t sound great, but it was a fun experience lol. Swear.
Visited June 2023
Traveled with family
Written
June 23, 2023
louisaharp
Louisville, Kentucky13 contributions
Epic sand wind and views
Don’t let the drive in discourage you, this park is amazing! Hard to describe the epic sand and winds. We went in the evening to watch the sunset and explore and stayed to watch the stars come out in this certified international dark sky park. Went back the next day to rent sand boards and sleds. Bring socks when the sun is out because the sand gets very hot on your feet. One of our favorite parks and a must see.
Visited July 2023
Traveled with family
Written
July 15, 2023
rcordero
San Antonio, Texas62 contributions
Great views and photos, but physically hard!
This was on the bucket list for our family trip. I'm glad we went. The views of the dunes against the mountains are gorgeous - largest sand dunes in the US. However, walking on sand is difficult! We rented sleds from the store right outside the park. The heat is also a factor. Take plenty of water. It is a long walk from the parking lot to the actual dunes. Once you ride down the dune, walking up the hill to do it again is hard! We had three teens with us and we lasted two hours total.
Visited July 2023
Traveled with family
Written
July 29, 2023
Kimberly W
Evergreen, Colorado6 contributions
Sand Dunes
The sand dunes were amazing, sure they were hard to hike, but they were fun to play in a were just a stunning sight. One thing that was our mistake it taking cardboard. To future travelers, just rent their sand boards. Nothing else works. Overall the sand dunes is must see attraction.
Visited August 2023
Traveled with family
Written
August 3, 2023
Mike F
Antigo, Wisconsin354 contributions
Amazing!
Amazing! Arrived to the Oasis campground around dinner time, set up camp, quick dinner and drove to the main dunes parking lot for the sunset. Our boys ran around in the massive flat area, amazing sunset! Got up early and made the big hike, once you get to high dune, the tallest peak(star) is pretty easy to get to. Saw people who had camped in the dunes which was pretty cool, also met some people who had rented sleds and they let my boys take a trip down(thank you guys!) and trekked back by about 9:30. Oasis doesn't open for renting until 8 so that was too late for us, but went there for breakfast after the big hike and it was perfect! This place is so cool, my wife says its her favorite NP. We loved our trip!
Visited August 2023
Traveled with family
Written
August 18, 2023
Nashville_brent_65
Franklin, Tennessee308 contributions
It all depends on what you’re expecting
It’s crazy to see; huge sand dunes in Colorado?!I wouldn’t make a trip just to see this but we stopped by on our way to Durango.We went in October so the sand was a perfect temperature. It would be too hot to fool with in the summer.Be ready to walk and breathe heavy.It’s almost a mile from the parking lot to the base of the dunes walking on sand.Walking up the dunes is not easy because the sand shifts so much.However, I made it up to the highest dune you see from the parking lot.
Visited October 2023
Traveled with friends
Written
October 26, 2023
bluegrassmom3
Owensboro, Kentucky458 contributions
A must see park
This was a unique national park. Be sure and rent a slide thing before you arrive. Our glamping site had them to rent. It is a strenuous walk from the parking lot to the dunes themselves then you must walk up them. We did not go all the way up but were able to slide down a few times. We had a ball!
Visited September 2023
Traveled with family
Written
October 29, 2023
MooseMom57
50 contributions
A Unique Park Experience
Who knew that there were sand dunes in CO? We certainly didn't, but thoroughly enjoyed our time wandering around. It can be a bit of a workout - the 30 year olds in our group climbed up pretty far while those of us pushing 70 were not quite as adventurous. Definitely worth the visit, even if it is off the beaten path.
Visited September 2023
Traveled with friends
Written
October 31, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Write a reviewUpload a photo
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order. Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,040 reviews
Excellent
769
Very good
211
Average
46
Poor
11
Terrible
3
Jessica Mesler
Oakboro, NC51 contributions
Definitely put on your bucket list
Jan 2024 • Friends
Wonderful place to visit. Unique place in the US that is in an unexpected area. Had a great time climbing the dunes with our friends and taking pictures. We didn't bring anything to slide down the dunes but will definitely plan that for the next time.
Written January 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NF2013_13
Orlando, FL864 contributions
Glad it's a national park for preservation
Jul 2023 • Couples
We visited this national park for a day. We went early since we were there in July. Granted, it would be more pleasant in cooler weather as we were not motivated to walk too far over the dunes. Walking in soft sand is hard enough without the heat added to that. You do have to walk alot to get anywhere in the park. The road through it is not long. We stopped and did one hike; tried another one but the mosquitoes were out there in full force. Glad we got to see another beautiful national park along our way.
Written November 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cassie M
Littleton, CO29 contributions
One of the most Unique Places on Earth
Jun 2023 • Couples
The Sand Dunes is a great national park. There is something for everyone, a fun creek to play in, sand dunes to hike and slide down, mountains to explore. One of the most unique places on earth. Also, you're never too old to do become a Jr Ranger! I love doing the JR ranger programs to learn more about the parks.
Written November 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bwdcougar
Gainesville, FL50 contributions
A Great Sand Dune Experience
Nov 2023 • Couples
This National Park is a bit off the beaten path. The Visitor Center is very good at explaining how these sand dunes were created. You drive to the main parking lot and walk about 20 minutes to the base of the first dunes. It takes some effort to get to the base of the dunes and then to the top. If you want to climb up to the top you will want to give yourself at least 3-4 hours. In the two hours we were there we were able o climb u a couple of the dunes which was enough for us. It was a wonderful and memorable experience.
Written November 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MooseMom57
Middletown, NJ50 contributions
A Unique Park Experience
Sep 2023 • Friends
Who knew that there were sand dunes in CO? We certainly didn't, but thoroughly enjoyed our time wandering around. It can be a bit of a workout - the 30 year olds in our group climbed up pretty far while those of us pushing 70 were not quite as adventurous. Definitely worth the visit, even if it is off the beaten path.
Written October 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bluegrassmom3
Owensboro, KY458 contributions
A must see park
Sep 2023 • Family
This was a unique national park. Be sure and rent a slide thing before you arrive. Our glamping site had them to rent. It is a strenuous walk from the parking lot to the dunes themselves then you must walk up them. We did not go all the way up but were able to slide down a few times. We had a ball!
Written October 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nashville_brent_65
Franklin, TN308 contributions
It all depends on what you’re expecting
Oct 2023 • Friends
It’s crazy to see; huge sand dunes in Colorado?!
I wouldn’t make a trip just to see this but we stopped by on our way to Durango.
We went in October so the sand was a perfect temperature. It would be too hot to fool with in the summer.
Be ready to walk and breathe heavy.
It’s almost a mile from the parking lot to the base of the dunes walking on sand.
Walking up the dunes is not easy because the sand shifts so much.
However, I made it up to the highest dune you see from the parking lot.
Written October 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohan V
Manvel, TX7 contributions
Geographic Marvel
Oct 2023 • Family
Geographical marvel! Amazing place for kids, breathtaking scenic places around. We visited with friends and family in fall colors.
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cynthia
Grenada, MS55 contributions
Not White Sands National Park
Oct 2023 • Couples
We were very disappointed after having been to White Sands National Park where it’s a drive through beautiful experience. You can’t get anywhere near the dunes other than walking or horseback. I’m disabled and not able to walk a mile through sand. It was a large lovely range of dunes and had a nice visitor’s center and campgrounds but as far as seeing the dunes, you can see them just as well from the highway.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SCMDJKWhite
Atlanta, GA270 contributions
Get a sled and have fun!!
Sep 2023 • Couples
Very fun!! And very unique!!
We stopped at the Oasis and rented sleds. They are light and can be easily carried up the dunes.
We saw people having picnics part way up the dunes while the kids slid down the dunes.
The sand easily brushes off so go ahead and have fun! I had about a cup of sand in each shoe! And some in my ears! (I did not stay on the sled on all of the runs! 🤣)
Written September 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2
…
Showing results
1
-
10
of
986
Also popular with travelers
See all
- 2023Zapata Falls471Waterfalls
- South Zapata Lake11Bodies of Water
- San Luis Lakes State Park31State Parks
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing