Nearby Campgrounds
§ 02 — OVERVIEW
The most popular and unique backpacking option is camping in the 30-square-mile dunefield, beyond the major dune ridgeline (about 1.5 mile hike minimum over dunes). Enjoy wide open views of the starry sky or a bright moonlit night. Designated sites are also available in the trees of the foothills, or camping is available in higher forests of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve.
Reserve national park backpacking permits for the dunes or foothills through recreation.gov
§ 03 — LOCATION
Directions
To access the main park area, including the Dunes Parking Lot and backpacking trailheads, take CO Highway 150 from the south or County Road 6 from the west. Both are paved highways.
Weather Notes
Spring can sometimes bring high winds, mainly in the afternoon. Temperatures may vary widely: highs may reach into the 70s F, or only into the 30s F with snow and an even colder wind chill. In summer, daytime high temperatures average 75-80 degrees F. However, sand surface temperatures can soar to 150 degrees F on sunny summer afternoons. Fall is generally mild, with Indian summer days. Highs average in the 60s - 70s F, with chilly nights in the 20s - 30s F. Frigid temperatures are the norm in winter.
§ 04 — AMENITIES
§ 06 — CONDITIONS
National Weather Service · seven-day outlook · updated hourly
§ 07 — SIGNAL
FCC broadband data · actual signal varies in remote terrain
§ 08—11 — FROM THE FIELD
Community Intel from visitors, written reviews, dated trip reports, and reader-submitted photographs.
§ 09 — REVIEWS
§ 10 — TRIP REPORTS
§ 11 — COMMUNITY PHOTOS
Backpacking Permit Fee
Fee to make a required reservation for a backpacking permit through recreation.gov
§ 05 — TRAILS NEARBY
Trip Reports
0 reports
Sign the ledger to file a review.
Nearby Trails
§ 01 — VITALS
Sign in to add your own photos.
No community photos yet — be the first to share one from your visit.
No cell coverage detected at this coordinate.
Today
78°F
Areas Of Blowing Dust
30 mph SW
Wed
83°F
Sunny
10 to 30 mph WSW
Thu
81°F
Sunny
5 to 10 mph WSW
Fri
82°F
Sunny
5 to 15 mph SW
Sat
82°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
5 to 10 mph WSW
Sun
79°F
Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
5 to 10 mph SW
Mon
77°F
Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
5 to 15 mph SW