[FULL GUIDE] 50 Unforgettable Experiences at Great Sand Dunes National Park for All Ages

Key Takeaways:

• Great Sand Dunes National Park offers unique experiences, from sandboarding to stargazing under the night sky.
• The park is home to North America’s tallest sand dunes, providing breathtaking views and challenging hikes.
• Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or simply want to relax, the Great Sand Dunes offer something for everyone.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, located in southern Colorado, is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, with some reaching up to 750 feet. The park’s dramatic landscapes include not only vast stretches of sand but also wetlands, grasslands, and alpine forests, making it a diverse destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors flock here to hike the dunes, try sandboarding, and explore the surrounding beauty. The park’s unique setting offers a tranquil atmosphere for stargazing, wildlife watching, and peaceful retreats. With its rare combination of activities and natural wonders, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience something extraordinary.

50 Things to Do at Great Sand Dunes National Park:

#1 Sandboarding Down the Dunes:
Try the thrilling sport of sandboarding, racing down the steep dunes for an exciting ride.

#2 Hike to the Top of Star Dune:
Climb to the highest dune for panoramic views of the park’s sandscapes and surrounding mountains.

#3 Explore Medano Creek:
Cool off by wading in Medano Creek, which flows during spring and early summer.

#4 Take a Scenic Drive to the Dunes Parking Area:
Enjoy a short drive with stunning views of the dunes and surrounding desert landscape.

#5 Go Stargazing at the Great Sand Dunes:
The clear, dark skies offer incredible stargazing opportunities for astrophotographers and night sky enthusiasts.

#6 Take a Sunset Hike:
Hike the dunes at sunset for mesmerizing views as the sand changes colors in the evening light.

#7 Visit the Visitor Center:
Start your adventure at the visitor center, where you can learn about the park’s history and ecology.

#8 Sand Sledding on the Dunes:
Ride down the sand dunes on a sled, offering a fun and unique way to experience the park.

#9 Explore the Pinon Flats Campground:
Set up camp in the Pinon Flats Campground for easy access to the dunes and nearby hiking trails.

#10 Photograph the Dunes at Dawn:
Capture the soft morning light and long shadows as the sun rises over the dunes.

#11 Hike the Montville Nature Trail:
This short, accessible trail takes you through diverse habitats and offers views of the dunes.

#12 Take a Ranger-Led Tour:
Learn more about the park’s geology, history, and wildlife with a guided tour from a park ranger.

#13 Go Horseback Riding Near the Dunes:
Explore the surrounding grasslands and foothills on horseback for a truly unique perspective.

#14 Visit the Great Sand Dunes Backcountry:
For those seeking solitude, explore the less-visited backcountry areas for hiking and wildlife viewing.

#15 Explore the Sand Creek Trail:
This trail takes you through the park’s wetlands and offers views of wildlife and beautiful scenery.

#16 Picnic at the Oasis:
Relax at the Oasis Picnic Area with beautiful views of the dunes and nearby mountains.

#17 Explore the Park’s Wildlife:
Look for wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, and various bird species that inhabit the park.

#18 Climb the High Dune Trail:
This challenging trail rewards you with stunning views from the top of the park’s largest dunes.

#19 Try Photography at the Dunes at Night:
Capture the ethereal beauty of the dunes and the night sky with long exposure shots.

#20 Walk the Sand Dunes at Sunrise:
Experience the peaceful beauty of the dunes as the first light hits the sand in the early morning.

#21 Visit the Zapata Falls:
Take a short hike to the stunning Zapata Falls, a hidden gem near the park entrance.

#22 Go Cross-Country Skiing in the Winter:
When the snow falls, enjoy cross-country skiing across the park’s snowy landscapes.

#23 Take a Scenic Flight Over the Dunes:
For a truly unique experience, take a scenic flight to view the dunes and surrounding landscape from above.

#24 Go Snowshoeing in the Winter:
Snowshoe through the park’s winter wonderland and explore its quiet, snowy landscapes.

#25 Hike the Sand Dunes to the Medano Pass:
For more experienced hikers, take this challenging trail that leads you to Medano Pass.

#26 Visit the Historic Fort Garland Museum:
Learn about the history of the area and its early settlers at this nearby museum.

#27 Join a Sand Dune Photography Workshop:
Take a photography class and learn how to capture the unique beauty of the dunes at different times of day.

#28 Relax by the Dunes at Sunset:
Sit back and relax as the sun sets, casting beautiful golden hues over the dunes.

#29 Explore the Dunes on an ATV:
Rent an ATV for a thrilling ride across the park’s expansive sand dunes.

#30 Take a Scenic Drive to the San Luis Valley:
Enjoy a scenic drive through the valley, with stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

#31 Attend the Sand Dunes Stargazing Program:
Join a ranger-led program to learn more about the night sky and celestial wonders visible at the park.

#32 Visit the Visitor Center’s Exhibits:
Explore exhibits at the visitor center to learn about the park’s unique landscape and wildlife.

#33 Take a Sunset Photography Tour:
Join a photography tour to capture the dunes as they transform during the golden hour.

#34 Try Wind Surfing on the Dunes:
For a unique experience, try windsurfing across the park’s vast sand dunes.

#35 Explore the Sangre de Cristo Mountains:
Hike or drive into the nearby mountains for more opportunities to explore diverse landscapes.

#36 Go Birdwatching at the Dunes:
The dunes are home to a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching.

#37 Take a Family-Friendly Hike:
Explore the shorter trails that are perfect for families with young children.

#38 Walk the Wetlands Trail:
This easy trail takes you through the park’s wetlands, offering opportunities to spot various wildlife.

#39 Try Sand Tobogganing:
Hop on a toboggan and slide down the dunes for a fast-paced, fun adventure.

#40 Visit the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge:
Explore this nearby wildlife refuge, home to migratory birds and diverse ecosystems.

#41 Take a Photography Class Focused on Dunes:
Learn how to photograph the dunes during various times of the day with a professional instructor.

#42 Take a Guided Sand Dunes Hike:
Join a ranger for a guided hike and learn about the park’s geology and ecosystems.

#43 Relax by the Medano Creek in Summer:
Visit Medano Creek in the summer, where you can wade or play in the cool, shallow waters.

#44 Take a Wildlife Photography Tour:
Capture the beauty of the park’s wildlife on a specialized photography tour.

#45 Explore the Nature Trails Near the Visitor Center:
Walk along short, easy trails to learn more about the park’s plants and wildlife.

#46 Visit the Dunes During the Fall:
Experience the dunes in fall, when the temperature is cool and the crowds are fewer.

#47 Join a Family Sand Dune Adventure:
Bring the whole family to explore the dunes, with family-friendly activities and hikes.

#48 Go Hiking in the Rock Creek Trail:
This scenic trail offers a chance to explore the park’s diverse terrain, including forests and wetlands.

#49 Explore the Sand Dunes at Night:
For a unique experience, visit the dunes at night and enjoy the quiet solitude and cool air.

#50 Take a Photography Tour During Golden Hour:
Capture the dunes in the soft, golden light of early morning or late evening for stunning photos.

To plan your perfect weekend in Great Sand Dunes National Park, use PlanMyWeekend.ai for personalized recommendations!

Author: Dejon Brooks

Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai