Best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Updated April 26th, 2022
Campground Full Park Entrance Sign
Image credit: welcomia / 123rf

Great Sand Dunes National Park is famous for its large sand dunes, which are the tallest in North America. The park is also famous for its unique landscapes, which include the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Rio Grande, and the Great Sand Dunes themselves. The best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park are to hike to the top of the dunes, camp in the backcountry, and stargaze at night. Other top tourist attractions in the park include the Medano Creek, the Visitor Center, and the Sand Dunes picnic area.

1. Hiking - There are many different trails available for hikers of all skill levels

Visitors will start their hike at the visitor center and follow the map along the paved trail. The trail is well-maintained and always easy to follow. The views of the dunes and the surrounding area are amazing!

2. Camping - Great Sand Dunes offers great camping opportunities, with sites available for both RVs and tents

Visitors can enjoy the outdoors and the beauty of the Great Sand Dunes National Park while camping. Visitors who camp at Great Sand Dunes National Park enjoy great outdoor opportunities and the beauty of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Campsites are available for both RVs and tents, and visitors can enjoy the outdoors and the beauty of the Great Sand Dunes National Park while camping.

3. 4x4ing - With over 30 miles of 4x4 trails, Great Sand Dunes is a great place to take your off-road vehicle

The trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of difficulty levels. Visitors who 4x4ing will have a great time exploring the trails. The trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of difficulty levels. The trails are also great for people who want to explore the area off-road.

4. Wildlife watching - Great Sand Dunes is home to many different types of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer

Visitors can often spot these animals from the viewing platforms and trails throughout the park. Visitors will be able to enjoy wildlife watching from different vantage points throughout the park. The viewing platforms and trails provide great opportunities to spot bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer. Visitors will also be able to hear the various sounds made by these animals, including grazing, bleating, and bugling.

5. Photography - The sand dunes offer a unique and beautiful landscape that is perfect for photography

When a visitor photographs the sand dunes, they will enjoy the unique and beautiful landscape that is perfect for photography. The dunes are a popular tourist destination and offer a great opportunity to capture stunning photos of the landscape.

6. Visiting the Visitor Center - The Visitor Center at Great Sand Dunes is a great place to learn about the history and geology of the area

Visitors will first walk through the entrance and will be greeted by a large map of the area. They will then be able to browse through the different displays about the history of the dunes, geology, and wildlife. There is also a small gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs.

7. Going for a swim - Despite being called "sand dunes," Great Sand Dunes also has a few small lakes where you can take a dip

The lakes are quite shallow, so you'll have to be careful when swimming and avoid the rocks. Swimming in the lakes is a great way to cool off on a hot day. When visitors go for a swim at Great Sand Dunes, they will notice that the lakes are quite shallow. However, the lakes are great for cooling off on a hot day. Visitors should be careful when swimming and avoid the rocks.

8. Star gazing - The clear night sky makes Great Sand Dunes an excellent place for stargazing

The dunes are situated in the middle of the desert, away from city lights, and offer a clean, dark sky. The dunes are also situated in a quiet, rural area, which makes it easy to find a spot without other people. When a visitor arrives at Great Sand Dunes, they can find a place to sit and look up at the night sky. The dunes are situated in the middle of the desert, away from city lights, which makes it a great place to see the stars. The dunes are also situated in a quiet, rural area, which makes it easy to find a spot without other people. The clear night sky makes it easy to see the stars and planets. The visitor can see the Milky Way, the sun, and the stars.