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Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most breathtaking and unique places in Colorado. Having visited multiple times while living in Colorado, I always discovered something new to enjoy—whether it was sand sledding, hiking the dunes, or stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the U.S.

Whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend getaway, or a full adventure, here are six must-do activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park.

6 Things To Do In Great Sand Dunes National Park

1. Go Sand Sledding or Sandboarding

The most exciting thing to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park is to go sand sledding or sandboarding!

How to Sand Sled at the Dunes:

• Rent a sandboard or sled (local shops outside the park rent them—no rentals inside the park).
• Wax your board to help it glide smoothly.
• Find a steep dune and get ready for the ride!

We had a blast as we went down multiple times. Sometimes, we went down on our own, and other times, we went on the same board.

You can choose which size dune you want to go down. I fell multiple times off my board, and it didn’t hurt as badly as it looks.

The sand was soft, which helped with the fall.

Want to know more? Read my guide on Sand Sledding At Great Sand Dunes: Everything To Know!

Pro Tip: Be prepared to hike back up the dunes each time you slide down—it’s a workout!

2. Cool Off in Medano Creek

During late spring and early summer, Medano Creek forms a seasonal river at the base of the dunes, creating a natural beach in the middle of the park.

Many will lay out their lounge chairs, soaking their feet in the icy cold water.

Bring a cooler, kick back, and relax, or take an icy dip to cool off from the hot Colorado sun.

Why Visit Medano Creek?

• Perfect for wading & cooling off in the hot sun.
• Unique wave-like surge flow created by shifting sand dams.
• Family-friendly spot—great for kids!

Pro Tip: The best time to visit Medano Creek is May–June when snowmelt is at its peak.

2. Camp At Pinot Flats Campground

Camping inside a national park is always a memorable experience, so I was beyond excited when I landed a reservation at Pinon Flats.

The campground is walkable to the dunes and has some of the best stargazing.

Take a walk at sunset to get a beautiful view of the dunes before cozying up around a campfire.

Why Camp at Pinon Flats?

• Walkable access to the dunes.
• Unmatched sunset & sunrise views over the sand.
• Incredible stargazing—no light pollution!

Pro Tip: This popular campground books up fast, so make reservations early!

Read my guide on the campground here: The Best Campground At Great Sand Dunes National Park.

4. Hike The High Dune Trail

For a challenging but rewarding adventure, hike High Dune, one of the tallest dunes in North America.

Trail Details:

• Distance: 3 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 88 feet (but feels harder in soft sand)
• Difficulty: Strenuous due to the loose, shifting sand

It is a challenging 3-mile hike with an elevation gain of 88 feet. The sand makes it seem more than it is.

So take your time, go slow, and prepare for the sun because this hike has no shade.

Tips for Hiking High Dune:

• Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
• Wear sunglasses & a buff—sand gets everywhere!
• Check the wind forecast before heading up.

Want more hikes in other National Parks? Read all of my Hiking Guides!

5. Stargaze From The Dunes

Great Sand Dunes National Park is designated an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in North America for stargazing!

Best Stargazing Spots:

• Medano Creek Bed – Wide open sky views.
• Dunes Parking Lot – Easy access, great visibility.
• High Dune Summit – The ultimate panoramic stargazing experience.
• Piñon Flats Campground– If you stay at Piñon Flats Campground, you can walk over the dunes and avoid driving at night.

Want to read my guides on other national parks that have incredible stargazing? Here is Stargazing at Great Basin National Park and The Best Spots For Stargazing at Arches National Park!

6. Walk The Nature Trails

If you need a break from the dunes, Great Sand Dunes National Park has beautiful nature trails that showcase Colorado’s diverse landscapes.

Mosca Pass Trail

Distance: 7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
Highlights: Historic forested canyon trail with stunning views.

Montville Nature Trail

Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 88 feet
Highlights: Short & shaded trail with interpretive signs about the area’s history.

Pro Tip: These trails are great alternatives when the sand is too hot for hiking.

Where Is Great Sand Dunes National Park?

You can find the national park near Alamosa in Colorado.

Explore More National Parks

Whether you’re looking for thrill-seeking activities like sandboarding, relaxing by Medano Creek, or hiking some of the tallest dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Planning your trip? Check out my guide to Sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes!

Make sure to book your reservations at The Best Campground At Great Sand Dunes National Park!

Another amazing hike is the Hanging Lake In Colorado, here is your Ultimate Hiking Guide!

My favorite hike in Colorado is Ice Lake Basin: A Hiker’s Guide to Colorado’s Prettiest Lake!

Try these Summer Hikes In Colorado With Views!

You can read all of my Colorado Hiking Guides!