Great Sand Dunes National Park

When to Visit

Elk may be seen all year in and around the Great Sand Dunes National Park

The National Park is around 7500' high at the valley floor and rises to 8200' at the top of the dunes so unlike many desert environments it does not typicaly have very high summer temperatures, during the day typically average 70 to 80 degrees, lows may drop to 40 degrees. However the sand can get eye wateringly hot, 140F is not unknown.

Wear shoes, and you will get them full of sand! Bring water and wear a hat and sunscreen too if required, it's a sunny, dry location, only about 30-40 days a year are cloudy.

In fall, winter, and spring, expect moderate daytime temperatures and freezing to sub-zero temperatures at night.

Beware of high winds, it makes conditions out of a car not a whole lot of fun, sand gets driven everywhere and can make visibility and even breathing properly difficult.

Thunderstorms are quite common in the summer months, in the exposed locations of the National Park it is dangerous to remain out on the dunes, if thunderstorms threaten, return to your vehicle.

The National Park receives around 3 feet of snow a year, a rare sight indeed, snow covered sand dunes... the most common month for snow is March.

Introduction - Key Information - How to get to - When to Visit - Around the Park - Top Attractions - Hikes and Trails - Gallery