Nestled
in southern Colorado, North America's tallest dunes rise over 750 feet
high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The wind shaped dunes
glow beneath the rugged backdrop of the mountains. This geologic wonderland,
containing 30 square miles of dunes, became a national monument in 1932.
With the passage of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act
of 2000, resources now also include alpine lakes and tundra, six peaks
over 13,000' in elevation, ancient spruce and pine forests, large stands
of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, and wetlands--all habitat for diverse
wildlife and plant species.
Operating
Hours & Seasons
The monument is open
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Visitor center open daily, closed on winter holidays.
Communities
Surrounding Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Nestled
in southern Colorado, North America's tallest dunes rise over 750 feet
high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The wind shaped dunes
glow beneath the rugged backdrop of the mountains. This geologic wonderland,
containing 30 square miles of dunes, became a national monument in 1932.
With the passage of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act
of 2000, resources now also include alpine lakes and tundra, six peaks
over 13,000' in elevation, ancient spruce and pine forests, large stands
of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, and wetlands--all habitat for diverse
wildlife and plant species.