Great Sand Dunes National Monument & Preserve

Nestled in southern Colorado, North
America's tallest dunes rise over 700
feet high against the rugged Sangre de
Cristo Mountains. The wind shaped
dunes glow beneath the rugged
backdrop of the mountains, creating a
memorable scene. This geologic
wonderland, containing 39 square miles
of dunes, became a national monument in 1932.

11500 Highway 150
Mosca, CO 81146-9798
719-378-2312 - Headquarters

By Car
Great Sand Dunes National Monument is located 35 miles northeast of Alamosa,
Colorado, reached by US Highway 160 and Colorado Highway 150 from the south;
or from Colorado Highway 17 and County Six Mile Lane from the west.

Getting Around
by foot or personal vehicle.

In fall, winter, and spring, expect moderate daytime temperatures and freezing to
sub-zero temperatures at night. Summer temperatures during the day average 70 to
80 degrees, lows may drop to 40 degrees. Sand temperatures can reach 140
degrees in summer; shoes are highly recommended for hiking the dunes.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Mountaineering
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Recommended Activities
Visitors can go hiking on the dunes and several nature trails, observe flora and fauna,
picnick, and backcountry camp. Medano Creek, which flows at the base of the
dunes during spring and early summer, allows for sand castle building and pleasant,
refreshing hikes.

Allow about two hours to hike the dunes.
Friends of the Dunes, Inc. host several summer events: castle building and kite flying
contest, summer concerts, seminars, photography workshops and a 5K/10K race.
Call the monument for more information.