Open 24 hours a day, every day, year round, at about 8,200 feet. There are no trails in the dunefield, no reservations or timed entry, and in spring Medano Creek can run along the base of the dunes.
Know before you go. The park doesn't list sensory supports. Here's what it does say about the creek, the sand, the heat and getting around.
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round. The visitor center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, and the park's FAQ says it also closes on federal holidays in winter. Its hours vary by season, so call 719-378-6395 for your day.
Visitor Center, 11999 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146
Stay close“Water may be up to 6 inches deep for wading across to access the dunefield and the route to High Dune.”
“Surface temperatures on the dunes may reach 150 degrees F on summer afternoons.” “plan to hike the dunes in early morning or evening in summer months.”
“When you see storm clouds forming or hear thunder, seek shelter in a building or in your vehicle.”
“There are no trails in the dunefield.”
“Late May and early June weekends can be crowded with overflowing parking lots, a crowded beach, and some delays at the entrance station.”
Pick one small slope near the Dunes Parking Area and call that the goal. Before you walk out, agree on who stays at your kid's side if the creek is running.
For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.
Ask before you go
sensory hours
a quiet room
sensory kits or headphones to borrow
Call 719-378-6395More about Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
$25 per private vehicle. Fees are charged when the entrance station is open in spring, summer and fall, or when the visitor center is open in winter.
Flush toilets and a water fill station are in the visitor center lobby during open hours.
Free balloon-tire sand wheelchairs: reserve one in advance by calling the visitor center at 719-378-6395. The park says the 3-wheel chair may work for a small child, you'll need a strong helper to push a chair through sand, and the chairs are for those who need a chair for access. Leave an ID at the visitor center, and return the chair at least half an hour before the visitor center closes.
The National Park Service does not rent sand sleds or sandboards.
The park has limited mobile phone service and no wi-fi in or near the park.
Pets are not allowed inside the visitor center and bathrooms.
Pick up a Junior Ranger activity book at the visitor center.
Never feed or approach wild animals, including deer, birds, chipmunks and ground squirrels.
