Backpack the Great Sand Dunes

Alamosa County, Colorado

4.8/5

based on 8 reviews

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Added by Michael O'Keeffe

Camp in one of the most unique and exotic wildernesses in the West and climb the tallest sand dunes in North America. Distance and elevation gain vary depending on how far you choose to hike in.

Few places can match the epic scale of this bizarre wilderness in southern Colorado. Great Sand Dunes National Park contains 750 foot tall sand dunes (the tallest in North America) resting at the foot of 13,000 foot peaks (the Sangre de Cristo range). However, to really experience the park in its wildest, purest form you'll have to backpack and camp in the dunefield itself.

One of the coolest aspects of the Great Sand Dunes is that you have the freedom to hike and camp wherever you want on the sand dunes with just a few exceptions. Backpackers must hike at least past the day use area of the dunes (generally about a mile or so deep into the dunefield) as well as obtain a free permit from the visitor center. Once that is settled the Great Sand Dunes are at your disposal.

Make it a short overnight or turn it into a multi-day traverse of the entire dunefield, it is up to you! Just remember there is no water on the dunes so be sure to carry plenty of it. Also, if making the trek in summer, be sure to monitor weather conditions as frequent afternoon thunderstorms are common.

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Reviews

Jenna Mulligan

Backpack the Great Sand Dunes

06/28/20

It is a whole new ball game, hiking up the sand! This was exhausting, but the area is so stunning and was a great challenge

4.0

Maura Downey

Backpack the Great Sand Dunes

09/05/17

We backpacked in for 1 night; hiking up the dunes past the day use area is steep and arduous, especially packing in all the gear/water. However, watching the sun set on the dunes was 100% worth it. Sleeping on the dunes was also fantastic and unlike any other camping experience. Otherworldly for sure! Also keep any eye out for wildlife- there were a surprising amount of fresh tracks in the morning.

5.0

Explorer

Jonathon Reed

Explorer

Backpack the Great Sand Dunes

09/19/16

Wow. Nothing but sand dunes and sky and distant mountains. The sand was easier to climb than expected (that being said, the dunes were higher than expected). Be ready for unrelenting wind. Bring extra tent pegs.

5.0

Heather S

Backpack the Great Sand Dunes

08/17/16

Coming from Ohio, I have never seen anything like the Great Sand Dunes, let alone hike the dunes. I wouldn't consider myself an athletic person, but pushed myself all the way up to the first big range dune. Absolutely worth the struggle, plus face-plant into the sand on my first "down-hill" on the dunes... Definitely push your way up to the top... the view is absolutely worth it! We went early in the morning in July so the heat wasn't really bad at all. Photographers be aware of sand getting down into your buttons! My Camera was locked up for a few hours because one of the buttons was stuck. Overall, amazing experience!

5.0

Barbara Enright

Backpack the Great Sand Dunes

08/08/16

We've never done dessert camping before and it ended up being amazing. The Great Sand Dunes campground was full so we ended up staying at San Luis Lake Campground it was a great alternative. It's a 15 min drive to the Dunes and Zapata Falls.

5.0

Brandyn Murray

Backpack the Great Sand Dunes

04/26/16

I had the opportunity to backpack the dunes with my girlfriend a couple months back and it was amazing. We were so excited to get to what it looked like the highest dune but turns out there is no summit haha. All in all it was a great hike and adventure.

5.0

Explorer

Sonja Saxe

Explorer

Backpack the Great Sand Dunes

03/27/16

Backpacking in the dunes was one of the most unique camping experiences I have ever had. It is hard to grasp the scale of the dunes from photos but rest assured they will leave you in awe time and time again. I highly recommend this adventure to anyone. I also recommend bringing sandbags to keep your tent secure!

5.0

Explorer

Michael Wigle

Explorer

Backpack the Great Sand Dunes

03/31/15

Hiking the dunes is far more difficult than you can imagine. The more weight you carry, the more you will feel it on slipping sand. Start slow, and find ridges of compacted sand. The sunsets are mind blowing!

4.5

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Sandboard in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Outside of the national park there are two different companies that can rent sand boards and sleds for your day use at around $20 per board per day. However, If it is raining a lot and the dunes are too wet, or if the dunes are frosted over both companies will not rent out their boards in order to maintain quality. Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa 719-589-9759 the Oasis Store 719-378-2222 (Kr...

Hike to Star Dune

There is no established trail or route to summit Star Dune which is the beauty of the ever changing and serene nature in the Great Sand Dune National Park. Star Dune is the tallest sand dune in North America, at 750' tall and reaching a summit of 8617'. However, High Dune to its north is at a higher elevation, making it the highest point in the dunes. To summit Star Dune, hikers must chart thei...

Hike High Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park

The Great Sand Dunes are one the most unique landscapes in Colorado. These massive dunes are the tallest sand dunes in North America. Hiking these dunes can be very difficult, but well worth the amazing views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. If you plan on visiting in the summer, be sure to wear closed footwear. The sand can get up to 140 °F in the summer months. Be sure to bring a sled ...

Hike the Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP

The Mosca Pass trail is an (approx) 8 mile out and back hike that takes you through beautiful ponderosa and aspen forests to summit 1500 above the start. The trailhead parking is the first left after the Great Sand Dunes visitor center. It is a moderate hike, but allow for several hours, as the wildflowers are fantastic and there are several scenic views. The trail follows a beautiful babbling ...

Summit Mount Lindsey

At 14,042 Mt. Lindsey is not one of the tallest 14ers, but it is a fun objective regardless. The Lily Lake trailhead can be somewhat difficult to access without a high clearance car, but most cars can probably make it. There is quite a bit of private property along the road so just be careful if you are planning on camping there before summit day. From the trailhead, you can start south on ...

Zapata Falls

Driving towards the Sand Dunes, you will see a sign marker that indicates the road up to Zapata Falls. Turn right onto the road a follow it for about 2 miles until you hit the parking lot at the top. The road is in pretty rough condition so if your car doesn't have high clearance make sure you take it slow. Once you reach the parking lot, you will see an 10ft sign indicating the trail head. You...

Backpack the Great Sand Dunes

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Sandboard in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Hike to Star Dune

Hike High Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Hike the Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP

Summit Mount Lindsey

Zapata Falls

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