Great Sand Dunes

Alerts and closures

• Caution

  Creek Crossings on Medano Pass Primitive Road Have Deep and Swift Water

  The park weather station measured 1.5 inches of rain overnight on 10/23/2026. Medano Creek is currently flowing at 28 cubic feet per second. These conditions have resulted in many of the 9 creek crossings on this 4WD only road to have swift moving water that is 3 or more feet deep on some of these crossings. Extreme caution is advised. NOTE this does not affect access to the Main Dunes Parking or Pinon Flats Campground, or Visitor Center areas of 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

  Great Sand Dunes Currently at Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

  As of August 18th, Great Sand Dunes is under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. All wood and charcoal fires must be in established fire rings in designated campsites or picnic sites. No other open fires are allowed. Fires MUST BE put out COLD before leaving your site and must not be left unattended. camp stoves and other pressurized gas devices allowed.

• 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

• 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.

About

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.

Things to do: Arts and Culture, Craft Demonstrations, Live Music, Auto and ATV, Auto Off-Roading, Astronomy, Stargazing, Biking, Mountain Biking, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Car or Front Country Camping

Entry and fees

• Entrance - Private Vehicle

  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 .

  $25

• Entrance - Non-commercial Groups

  15+ passenger vehicle, age 16+

  $15

• Entrance - Motorcycle

  Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

  $20

• Commercial Entrance - Sedan

  This fee is for a commercial group of 1-6 people in a smaller vehicle. Valid for 7 days.

  $25

• Commercial Entrance - Van

  This fee is for a commercial group of 7-15 persons in a van. Valid for 7 days.

  $40

• Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

  This fee is for a commercial group of 16-25 persons in a mini-bus. Valid for 7 days.

  $40

• Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

  This fee is for a commercial motor coach with 26+ capacity. Valid for 7 days.

  $100

• Entrance - Per Person

  Entrance Fee for Bicycles or Walk-In Visitors

  $15

Fees change. Confirm on nps.gov before you go.