Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park with Kids

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This post is all things about how to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park with kids. From what to wear and what to eat to timed entries and where the bathrooms are, I strive to answer common questions you might have about visiting. This was a trip of a lifetime!

The clouds were so close, Spiriteds, I convinced myself if I reached high enough, I could just touch them.

That’s how I felt when I hiked Great Sand Dunes National Park. Not only do the clouds look like they are floating just above you, but they also cast contrasting shadows, enveloping you as you go. 

And that’s not the only thing that’s breathtaking. Great Sand Dunes National Park may not be as popular as other national parks, but it is just as immersive. With the dunes on one side of you and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains, on the other, you’ll find yourself pleasantly sandwiched between two gorgeous national parks.

Our foursome LOVED Great Sand Dunes so much we plan to go back. It’s family-friendly and low-key. But there are more challenging paths and off-road adventures you can take, if you are so inclined.

Spiriteds, if you’re thinking about visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park with kids, then read on. Journey with us through one of the most beautiful parks I’ve had the privilege to visit.

Land acknowledgment and Indigenous Peoples affiliated with Great Sand Dunes

If you are curious about the Indigenous Peoples who first called this place home, whose histories are rooted in this land then visit the National Park Service’s page, Affiliated Tribes of Great Sand Dunes.

How to get to Great Sand Dunes National Park

How far is Great Sand Dunes from Denver and Colorado Springs?

Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado, or about 3.5 hours from Denver and about 2.5 hours from Colorado Springs.

Should we stay overnight near Great Sand Dunes National Park or make it a long day trip?

This is totally up to you. Great Sand Dunes National Park is in a remote area with few amenities outside the park. In fact, when we drive from Colorado Springs to the dunes, during the final hour of driving, there are NO places to stop off. Because of this, we always stay in Colorado Springs, drive the 2.5 hours to the park, spend a long day there, and then drive the 2.5 hours back.

When is the best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park?

Although Great Sand Dunes National Park doesn’t typically require timed entries, crowds do increase throughout the peak season, which is from about April to October. We like to visit right at the beginning of June when the weather is warm but not hot, crowds haven’t picked up too much, and we can explore at our own pace.

It’s important to follow the weather, especially if you want to sandboard or sand sled. If the dunes are wet, then most businesses won’t rent out boards or sleds those days. The wet sand interferes with the integrity of the boards, shortening their shelf lives.

Kid-friendly hikes at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Hiking at Great Sand Dunes National Park with kids isn’t the same as hiking at other parks such as Arches National Park or Rocky Mountain National Park. Instead of direct hiking paths, you navigate a wide open space. And based on your timeframe and energy levels, you decide how far to explore. Below are our favorite family-friendly hiking spots inside Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Playing in Medano Creek

Medano Creek was our girls’ favorite spot after they stopped hiking the dunes. Water levels in the creek vary throughout the year. But even at low levels, you can still enjoy a good splash. And this is one area where you can definitely go barefoot. It’s a popular space for families of all ages. People even set up beach tents and have picnics near the edge of the creek.

Easy hikes for families with young children: hike the smaller dunes

We stuck to the Sand Dune Basin area of the park, forgoing the Medano Pass Primitive Road, since we don’t have the right vehicle for it. And one of the best parts of hiking the dunes is how easy it is to hike as far as you want and then turn around when you are ready. 

We also noticed on our hikes how kind and patient others are. If you need to stop for a rest, turn around and hike back, or want to keep going, you’ll have (or be given) the space to do so. 

Is it worth hiking to High Dune on the First Ridge?

High Dune on the First Ridge plays tricks on the eyes because although you can see it from the parking lot, actually getting there is another matter entirely. This popular Great Sand Dunes hike is best suited for hikers who are acclimated to the higher elevation and can tolerate extreme and ever-changing weather.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Hiking time: 2 hours roundtrip (on average), up to 4 hours if you need to stop several times to rest

Our children have not hiked this path. And while K-Hubs and I got close to High Dune, we did turn around and head back before we reached it.

What to do at Great Sand Dunes National Park with kids

Here’s the big question: did we go sand boarding? The answer is, no, we didn’t. If you do want to sand board, then you’ll need to rent your boards before you enter the park, as the boards are not rented through Great Sand Dunes. You’ll also want to arrive early to get in line.

But, like us, you can create an incredible experience without sand boarding. We hiked first while we had the energy, making it as far as the second highest dune. We followed a dad and his three sons, who figured out it was easier to walk just to the side of the dune ridges, rather than right on top. And they also figured out you could walk back down the sides of the dunes, even though they are steep.

We took the plunge and followed, gaining momentum down the dunes as we went. We had the sand in our boots to prove it. Then the girls wanted to play at the base of the dunes, where water had collected, creating an ocean beachfront-like scene. We spent as much time at the base as we did on the dunes themselves.

The Great Sand Dunes were an experience of contrasts. On top of the world and away from it all. Surrounded by tourists with the place to ourselves. While the girls played in the water, I walked over to the edge of the dunes, where tall grasses swayed. It was a bottle moment, one I knew I’d tuck away to retrieve and remember later.

As our daughter likes to say, a little bit of some magic helps. And if you believe in magic, then I’d say that’s what we found while we were there. 

How long does it take to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park?

You can spend anywhere from half a day to two or three days or more visiting various points of interest, depending on how far into the park you want to go. We spent the better part of a day there, and that was perfect for what our schedule allowed. It did mean we skipped the Medano Pass, and we didn’t go to the other side of the dunes. 

But we were able to enjoy hiking, playing in the water, picnicking in our car, and hanging out in the visitor’s center.

If you have the right vehicle, you can trek along the Medano Pass Primitive Road. There are rules around this, so it’s a good idea to make sure your vehicle meets the requirements before you start your journey.

What should I wear at Great Sand Dunes National Park? And how do I pack in advance?

Pay attention to the weather in US national parks

One thing to know about visiting US national parks is not only can the weather change from day to day, but it can also change depending on where you are in the park you’re visiting. 

When we entered Great Sand Dunes National Park, I asked the park ranger if she thought we needed pants or shorts. She suggested shorts because the temperature rises as you climb the dunes, with the sun reflecting on the sand. At the base of the dunes, the weather is comparatively cooler.

So, when you pack ahead of your trip, assume you’ll need layers of clothing that can easily be added and removed throughout your hikes.

What to wear (or have on hand) at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Following the ranger’s suggestion for what to wear, we went with shorts and long-sleeved shirts over short-sleeved tees. And she proved right. Thanks to the ranger’s suggestion, we stayed comfortable as we ascended the dunes and the temps increased. We appreciated the layers as we hiked back down and the temps dropped. Clothing made of nylon or polyester is great because the sand is easy to brush off and moisture is wicked away. 

Here is our family’s packing list for Great Sand Dunes National Park:

• Short-sleeved shirt
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Nylon or polyester pants (bonus points if the pants can be unzipped to create shorts)
• Nylon or polyester shorts
• Windbreaker
• Hiking boots with tall socks
• Hydration backpacks
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Daypack for lighter gear (We love this brand so much, we have several colors and styles for regular use.)

Extras: Water-resistant hiking sandals if you want to play in the water at the base of the dunes, face covering to protect from the wind, and goggles or snowboarding eyewear to protect your eyes from the sand and sun.

What type of shoes do I need at Great Sand Dunes National Park?

Allow me to walk to the top of my mountain on this one. You will get sand in your footwear, no matter what. It is a national park made of sand dunes. There will be sand. Yes, the Medano Creek feels like a beach at the base of the dunes. But that is not to say this national park is a full-on beach.

In fact, it’s a real beach to wear the wrong footwear while there. See what I did there? I’ll just see myself out.

But I digress.

If you plan to hike the dunes, then you’ll want some hiking boots, and the taller they are, the better. This has less to do with preventing sand from getting in your footwear (remember: it will) and more to do with being able to continue hiking even as it pours into your shoes. Because there’s a good chance your feet will sink into the dunes as you walk, and you’ll want heavy, well-footed boots that are easy to pull out of the sand as you move. 

What not to wear: Great Sand Dunes National Park Footwear Edition

We saw several people repeatedly stop to empty the sand in their footwear (and struggle to walk/hike along the paths). Common examples of troublesome footwear include but are not limited to: rubber sandals, shower flip-flops, soccer slip-ons, cork-bed sandals, and tennis shoes. Once the sand makes its way into those footwear and feet start to sink, it’s hard to keep going. 

An excellent rule of thumb for choosing quality hiking boots to wear in national parks

My stepmother, aka Grandma Colorado, has a great rule of thumb for checking the quality/fit of a hiking boot. When wearing the boot, try to find an incline or decline and walk up or down (it doesn’t have to be a significant elevation difference). If your foot stays in place as you walk, then it’s likely a good fit. If it doesn’t, then check the fit as it could be uncomfortable on longer or more strenuous hikes.

Should we go barefoot in the park?

Although there are suggestions to go barefoot in Great Sand Dunes National Park, I would not highly suggest it on the dunes themselves. Especially if you are visiting during a warmer season. The dunes will typically be hotter than the base and surrounding towns. Whatever the daily temperature is, assume the dunes will be even hotter.

Having said that, going barefoot at the base of the dunes can be a lot of fun! Our kids do that and LOVE it. You’ll see families of all ages relaxing barefoot at the base of the dunes, enjoying their day.

In short: boots on the dunes, barefoot at the base.

Tips for hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park

1. Move to the left or the right of the sand peaks. If you get tired from the hike along the dunes, then move a few steps to the left or the right of the ridge where the sand is compacted and easier to hike on. 
2. Listen to your body. At one point, I got winded, likely from the higher elevation and the effort to hike in sand. I took several breaks standing up, but finally I moved off to the side and sat for a few minutes. After that, I was right as rain and didn’t have another problem. If you feel you need a break, then take it. Everyone there was super-nice (and in the same boat). They’ll walk around you, encourage you, or even join you in a rest.
3. Wear pants at the dunes, or if you wear shorts, then crouch if a wind gust hits you. It gets windy on the dunes, which means sand whips everywhere. If the winds were particularly strong, we tucked down in a crouching position with the wind to our backs, and let it pass over us. The sand pricked a little, and if you think this might bother your skin, then consider long or capri/cropped hiking pants for additional protection.
4. Re-tighten your laces if you hike for long periods or over several days. Even a well-fitting hiking boot is no match for laces that have loosened.

What to pack for food (and why this family-friendly national park is the perfect place for a picnic)

One of my favorite discoveries had nothing to do with the dunes. Rather, it was how everyone parked alongside the road once inside the park, opened the trunk/hatch, and enjoyed a car picnic. In spite of a lot of traffic, the experience was quite peaceful, and everyone was respectful of one another.

There is a designated picnic area at the entrance to Sand Dune Basin. But it fills quickly.

Pack a picnic lunch for Great Sand Dunes National Park

For our car picnic lunch, we packed:

• Sandwiches (deli meats and/or nut/seed butters)
• Prepackaged granola and applesauce
• Fresh fruit
• Chips and crackers
• Chickpea Cookie Dough Bars

How to store your food at Great Sand Dunes National Park

We stored as much of our food in reusable silicone bags as possible. While we have combed around for our favorite Stasher bags, I found a 6-pack set that closely resembles what we used in the park (we didn’t use pouch or snack bags this trip). We also used a heavy-duty cooler with a tray insert. This was perfect for keeping foods cool and fruits and other treats from sinking to the bottom of the cooler and becoming soggy. We found the Stasher bags prevented a lot of our softer foods from getting smashed during our trip.

Side note: Keep trash bags on hand for trash, in the event the on-site trash bins (which have heavy lids to keep animals out) are already full. And while there isn’t the same worry about animals getting into your food at the base of the dunes as there would be farther into the park, it’s still a good idea to keep everything locked down tight.

FAQs about visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park with kids

Is Great Sand Dunes National Park kid-friendly?

Yes! I consider this one of the kid-friendliest parks we’ve visited. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, opportunities for picnicking, and an environment unlike any other. The geo-diversity is a sight to behold. And you’ll find yourself asking, “Are we really in Colorado?” Oh, yes, yes, you are. Pretty cool, isn’t it?

Can you camp inside the park?

Pinon Flats is a campground inside Great Sand Dunes National Park, however you’ll need a permit to stay there. At last check, camping in cars or non-designated areas is prohibited. Always check the guidelines before you go. We only went for the day and did not camp overnight.

We saw families bring beach tents to the base of the dunes to picnic or relax in while their kids played in the water. Some individuals wore bathing suits and water shoes while others went barefoot. We didn’t bring our tent since we car picnicked, but if you plan to make a day of it and have littles with you, that’s something to consider.

Is there a timed entry to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park?

When we went in early June, there was not a timed entry requirement. We showed up, waited in a short line of cars, presented our America the Beautiful Pass, and entered the park with ease.

If a park requires a timed entry, then slots open up usually a month or so in advance of the date for the timed entry. If you are curious about this process, then visit the National Park Service’s Timed Entry for Rocky Mountain National Park page for more details. Wherever you decide to visit, planning well in advance of when you want to go is imperative.

Side notes: I’ve noticed over the years that the list of national parks requiring a timed entry ticket changes from year to year. It’s a good idea to check the list in late winter or early spring for updates to see that year’s list of timed entry parks. Additionally, you’ll need an entrance pass to the parks (not the same as a timed entry). You’ll want to allow several weeks for your pass to arrive in the mail. Local offices aren’t always open, offer passes regularly, or have them immediately available.

Is one day at Great Sand Dunes National Park with kids enough?

Yes! This is actually one of our favorite Colorado day trips to enjoy as a family. The relaxed atmosphere and flexible pace mean you can spend as much or as little time at the park as you want.

Are there modern facilities in the park?

Yes! There is a visitor’s center once you enter Great Sand Dunes National Park. It includes modern bathrooms, a shop, a small museum-like space with a diorama of the park, and an outdoor lookout area. You can also become a Junior Ranger, if desired.

Closer to the dunes are portable restrooms. The lines weren’t bad and the facilities were clean.

For further reading

We got the idea to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park from two unrelated sources. One source was friends of ours who took a family vacation to several national parks, including Great Sand Dunes. The other source was author Aaron Johnson’s National Parks Mystery Series. His novels are not only fabulous reads but he’s also an avid national parks goer. Within his novels he includes tips, tricks, and histories to get explorers of all ages and backgrounds interested in US National Parks.

We have enjoyed reading his books and eagerly await the next installment. So, you if you are looking to get your kids more excited about the great outdoors, and want them to read more, then this might be a series worth your time. We read Discovery in Great Sand Dunes National Park before we visited.

That’s it, Spiriteds! That’s our trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park. If you get a chance to go (or have already been), then share your experiences in the comments below.

Stay well and stay wild. Jump into the fun when you can, and always remember I’m glad you’re here. ❤️