Discover North America’s Tallest Sand Mountains at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Uncover the wonders of North America‘s highest sand dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park, situated where the Sangre de Cristo Mountains curve inward. The park’s dunes have been forming for millennia, thanks to the San Luis Valley’s distinct wind patterns.

Spanning 30 square miles, the dune field boasts a height of 750 feet at its tallest point. Visitors of all ages enjoy sledding down the sandy slopes and exploring the tracks left by previous adventurers. The park also offers picnicking, hiking, and camping, along with a challenging four-wheel drive on Medano Pass, horseback riding trails, and ranger-led nature walks. Don’t miss the park’s unique features, such as the enigmatic Medano Creek and the opportunity to scale 14,000- and 13,000-foot peaks like Crestone Needle, Crestone Peak, Cleveland Peak, and Mount Herard.

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At an elevation of 8,200 feet and with its remote location, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a favorite among stargazers. The park hosts special astronomy programs from May to September and offers a Junior Ranger program for children ages 3 to 12.

Camping options include the Piñon Flats Campground, managed by the National Park Service, with 88 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis or through advance reservations. For 4WD vehicle owners, 21 campsites are available along Medano Pass Road within the park. Backpackers can obtain free backcountry permits from the visitor center and camp anywhere in the 30-square-mile dune field outside the day-use area. Backpacking is also allowed in the foothills and mountains along the Sand Ramp Trail within the park.

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Several private and public campgrounds are available within an hour’s drive of the park, including San Luis Wildlife Area, offering a range of facilities from primitive to luxurious.

Experience the magic of the park by choosing your own path up the dunes, especially at dusk when the golden light casts mesmerizing shadows across their wind-sculpted ridges. The park also provides special sand wheelchairs for reservation at no cost, as well as an accessible picnic area and ranger-led programs.

Fascinating Facts About Great Sand Dunes National Park:

• The park contains North America‘s tallest sand dunes, with Star Dune standing at 750 feet and High Dune at 699 feet.
• The world’s tallest sand dunes are located in Inner Mongolia,…