This Great Sand Dunes National Park one day itinerary will help you plan the perfect visit. In just one day, you can experience the tallest sand dunes in North America and explore some of the park’s most unique landscapes.
Beyond the peaks, you can discover the hidden oasis of Zapata Falls or explore the diverse alpine trails nearby. This guide covers the best things to do so that you can experience the park’s unique landscape and stunning views in just one day.
Our visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park was part of a larger trip that my wife and I took. We also visited Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
Make sure to check out my posts about 10 hikes to do in Glacier National Park, a 3 day itinerary for Glacier National Park, and a 2 day Yellowstone National Park itinerary.
One Day Itinerary for Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Morning: Visitor Center and Hike Montville Nature Trail and the Wellington Ditch Trail
- Midday: Explore and Hike the Sand Dunes
- Afternoon or Late Afternoon: Visit Zapata Falls
Best Things to Do in One Day at Great Sand Dunes National Park
Start at the Visitor Center
A great first stop to make in the park is at the visitor center. It is only a little over 3 miles from the entrance of the park to the center.
At the visitor center, there are rangers to answer any questions that you may have. There are also restrooms, a bookstore, historical exhibits, a large diorama depicting park and preserve ecosystems, a 3D model of the valley and geology animation, and a 20 minute park video.
There is a nice patio area to the front of the visitor center. It was my favorite part since it had great views of the dunes and the surrounding area.
Hike the Montville and Wellington Ditch Trails
Great Sand Dunes does offer some hiking trails that aren’t on the dunes. Two of them include the Montville Nature Trail and the Wellington Ditch Trail.
The Montville Nature Trail is a .5 mile loop trail. It is classified as an easy trail. The trail has a slight incline at the start as you travel through the woods. There is a small wooden bridge that crosses a creek about halfway through the loop.
Shortly after the bridge, you can continue on the Montville Trail or you can turn onto the Wellington Ditch Trail. The Wellington Ditch Trail is a 1.8 mile out and back trail that ends at the Pinon Flats Campground.
The trail is classified as easy and follows along the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos hills. There are prickly pear cactus and yucca along the trail. What I liked best about this trail were the views of the sand dunes.
Hike and Explore the Sand Dunes
Obviously, the main attraction in the park is the sand dunes themselves. There is a nice sized parking area that leads to the dunes. It is about a half mile walk from the parking lot out to the dunes.
The dunes are quite impressive to see, with 5 of them reaching over 700 feet high. It feels like one huge sandbox. If you decide to hike on the dunes, there are no official trails to follow, so you’ll be on your own.
The day that we were there was damp and overcast. It wasn’t a great day for people who were trying to sled or sand board. During the summer, the sand can reach temperatures of 150 degrees on clear sunny days.
My wife and I were in the park for 3 to 4 hours total. We both enjoyed our time in the park and were glad that we got to see more of God’s creation.
Visit Zapata Falls
“Wait, but there is more.” I feel like a guy in a commercial selling something on TV. The more in this case is stopping at Zapata Falls.
Zapata Falls isn’t located inside the Great Sand Dunes National Park but it is a place that I would highly recommend stopping to see. Once you leave the park on CO 150, it’s just over 5 miles to Zapata Falls Road.
After you turn left onto Zapata Falls Road, it is a little over 3.5 miles up to the falls parking lot. The road is paved and has some switchbacks on it. Once in the parking lot, you have a great view back into the park.
The trail from the parking lot leading up to the falls is .8 miles round trip. The trail climbs 193 feet and is classified as moderate. You will want to be careful on the trail since it is very rocky most of the way up to the South Zapata Creek.
Once you get to the creek, you have to wade through rushing cold water to get to the cave to see the falls. I had a pair of Chacos on and I was going to wear them through the water but I took them off and went barefoot. I should have went with my gut and kept them on.
You have to take your time stepping over the rocks. Some are large and some are smaller but if you take your time you can do it.
The falls are 30 feet in height and it was cool to see. There is a pool of water that the lower falls empties into. I was going to have to get my shorts totally soaked to get a closer view. Needless to say, I chickened out.
We went to the Zapata Falls in August but another great time to come see the falls is during the winter time. During the winter, the falls freeze over and so you get a totally different experience when you are there.
Where is Great Sand Dunes National park Located?
The Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado on the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley. The adjacent national preserve is located in the Sangre de Cristo Range.
It is a 3 hour and 45 minute drive from the Denver International Airport, 2.5 hour drive from Colorado Springs Airport and a 4 hour drive from the Albuquerque Sunport. Alamosa is the largest city closest to the Great Sand Dunes and is a 30 minute drive to the park.
Places to Stay When Visting Great Sand Dunes National Park
There is no lodging inside the park or preserve. A few places to stay near the park include: Great Sand Dunes Lodge, Great Sand Dunes Oasis: Campground, RV Park, Cabins, and Zapata Ranch.
Some area communities where you can stay include: Mosca, Alamosa, Hooper, Monte Vista, San Luis, and Crestone.
Entrance Fees to get into the Great Sand Dunes National Park
It cost $25 to get into the park with a private vehicle and $20 with a motorcycle. If you are visiting 3 or more national parks in a year, it is usually cost effective to get a National Park Pass.
Other Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park
There are many different things that you can do while in Great Sand Dunes National Park. You can hike, backpack, sandboard, sand sled, horseback ride, and fish just to name a few of the different things to do in the park. You can get a full list of things to do in the Great Sand Dunes National Park by clicking here.
If you want an adrenaline rush, you can do an off road tour. A great company that has numerous tours to choose from is the Mountain Masters Off-Road Tours. They are licensed to take you into the park.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park
The best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park is typically in the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate. Summer is popular, but the sand can get extremely hot.
This is especially true in the middle of the day. The early morning or evening are the best times to explore the dunes comfortably.
If you visit in late spring, you may get to experience Medano Creek flowing at the base of the dunes, which is a unique and fun addition, especially for families. Fall usually brings fewer crowds and cooler weather, while winter offers a quieter experience but with colder conditions and potential snow.
What to Bring for Your Day at Great Sand Dunes
A visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park requires a little preparation since the environment can be more challenging than it looks. Make sure to bring plenty of water, as walking on sand takes more energy and can be dehydrating.
Footwear is important since the sand can get very hot, so shoes or sandals that can handle heat are a must. You’ll also want sun protection like sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses since there is very little shade anywhere on the dunes. A small backpack with snacks and extra water can make your visit much more comfortable, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring.
Tips for Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park
Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique experience, and a few simple tips can help you make the most of your time. Try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
The dunes don’t have marked trails, so you’re free to explore, but it’s helpful to keep track of landmarks so you can easily find your way back.
Wind can pick up quickly, so be prepared for changing conditions. If you’re interested in sandboarding or sand sledding, you’ll need to rent equipment outside the park, as rentals are not available inside.
Most importantly, take your time because walking in the sand can be tiring, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
Final Thoughts
Great Sand Dunes National Park was well worth the time to visit the park. The park has many different things that you can do while there. The dunes are just so impressive to see and experience. It is different from any other national park I have been to.
Adding a stop to Zapata Falls before or after visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park is something you won’t regret. The combination of both things makes for a great day.
