Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
When I first started planning our visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park, I knew we wanted to hike up into the dunes. I got a bit hung up on the ‘best’ trail and how far we wanted to go. In reality, hiking Great Sand Dunes is a bit less formal than other places. While there are two distinct hikes in the dunes, there isn’t a specific trail and most people simply hike however they want up into the dunes. In this article, I’ll outline the two main dune hikes, how to get the most out of hiking, and a few other suggestions for hiking trails.
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Quick Look at the Two Main Dunes Hikes
High Dune Trail
Distance: 3.0 miles Elevation Gain: 600 feet Difficulty: Hard Type: Out-and-Back
The High Dune Trail is the most popular hike in Great Sand Dunes National Park by far, but it’s essential to set the right expectations before you begin.
Number one – there’s no official trail. The High Dune hike simply starts at the main parking lot and ascends to the High Dune. You’ll need to create your own path across the steep dunes and deep sand. Carry a map or have a GPS app on your phone to help guide you to the correct peak and find the easiest route. While this hike might seem short, remember that you are hiking on deep sand. This means that for every step up you will slide back a few inches.
The good news is you don’t have to get to the very top to enjoy the views – you can simply hike as long as you want.
Despite its prominence, High Dune is not the tallest summit in the park. One fun way to hike to the dune is to carry a sand board or sled and slide on the way down.
Star Dune Trail
Distance: 7.3 miles Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet Difficulty: Moderate Type: Out-and-Back (or Loop with High Dune)
Star Dune is one of the two tallest dunes in North America at 741 feet. Just like High Dune there is no set trail, but rather a destination. You can do the two hikes together or takea more direct route just to Star Dune from the base along Medano Creek.
This hike is more than twice the distance of High Dune, so come prepared with plenty of food and water, and is much less popular.
8 Other Great Sand Dune Hikes
If hiking on hot moving sand doesn’t sound fun, there are several other hiking trails in the park to explore. Below are 8 other options.
- Mosca Pass Trail
- Distance: 7.0 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Scenic forested trail, great views of the San Luis Valley, historic pass.
- Medano Lake Trail
- Distance: 7.0 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: Alpine lake, wildflowers in summer, potential for wildlife sightings.
- Sand Ramp Trail
- Distance: 11.0 miles one-way
- Difficulty: Hard
- Highlights: Follows the base of the dunes, views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, varied terrain.
- Dunes Overlook Trail
- Distance: 2.3 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Short hike with expansive views of the dunes and mountains, great for families.
- Montville Nature Trail
- Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Shaded by trees, good views of the dunes, interpretive signs along the way.
- Wellington Ditch Trail
- Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Historical features, views of the dunes, crosses through lush vegetation.
- Zapata Falls Trail
- Distance: 0.9 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Short hike to a secluded waterfall, views of the dunes from the trailhead.
- Point of No Return Trail
- Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Short, easy trail with views of the dunes, perfect for those with limited time.
Things to Know about Hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park
One of the best things to do in the park is to get out on a hike, but there are a few important considerations. You can find up to date information about the park at the National Park Service.
No Designated Trails in the Dunes
There are no official trails on the sand dunes, so you’ll need to navigate your own path. A map or GPS app can help you find the right direction and reach your destination. If you are only going a short distance and the weather is good, you will be able to see where you are going.
The Sand is Tough
As mentioned, hiking on loose sand is much more challenging than on solid ground. Even moderate elevation gains can feel significantly harder, so prepare for a slower pace and bring extra energy. We did the hike to High Dune planning to go onto Star Dune, but found the 3 miles round trip to be the right amount.
Weather Considerations
The weather can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms being common in the summer. Morning hikes are recommended to avoid the hottest part of the day and the risk of lightning. On the day we hiked in the park the afternoon had burning hot sand and in the evening it snowed. High winds can also cause blowing sand, so make sure to wear pants.
Stay Hydrated and Protected
The dry environment and intense sun mean you’ll need more water than usual. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are also essential to protect against the harsh sun. As mentioned, pants are also a good idea.
Footwear Matters
Sand can get extremely hot during the day, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a helpful. Consider bringing gaiters or wearing shoes with a tight fit to keep sand out. We were surprised about the temperature of the sand even on a cool day in April. I really can’t image how hot it is in the summer. In the morning we actually hiked barefoot before the sun got hot as we were getting so much sand in our shoes.
Looking for more guide on Visiting National Parks across the United States? Check out some of these guides:
- Guides to National Parks
- The Ultimate Guide to Planning a National Parks Trip
- Month-Long US National Parks Road Trip
