Hike through North America's tallest sand dunes to the High Dune summit with spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the surreal dune landscape. Walking on loose sand makes this harder than it looks.
The High Dune Trail is the signature hike at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado's San Luis Valley, ascending through the tallest sand dune field in North America to the High Dune summit at approximately 2,497 m (8,192 ft). The park visitor center is located at 11999 State Highway 150, Mosca; a National Park entrance fee applies ($25 per vehicle as of 2025, or covered by America the Beautiful Annual Pass). No designated trailhead or marked path exists on the dunes; hikers navigate across open sand toward the High Dune's visible crest. No permit is required for the dune hike. The route covers approximately 3.5 km (2.2 miles) round-trip with 200 m (656 ft) of elevation gain, though the effort required is considerably greater than these figures suggest as every step on loose fine-grained sand demands significantly more energy than equivalent hiking on firm ground. The approach first crosses the seasonal Medano Creek, which flows along the dune base from approximately late April through early July, creating a unique braided stream with intermittent surge flows caused by sand dam formation. Beyond the creek, the dune field is entirely open and featureless except for the sand ridgelines and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rising steeply to the east. The High Dune can be approached from multiple angles; the most direct route ascends the southwest ridge, which offers the shortest line to the crest. Sand surface temperatures can reach 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) on summer afternoons; hiking before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. is critical from June through August. UV reflection off the sand is intense; sunscreen, sunglasses, and gaiters to exclude sand from footwear are essential. No water sources exist on the dunes; carry at least two liters per person. Afternoon thunderstorms over the Sangre de Cristo range are a serious lightning hazard on the open dune field.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mosca
- Best season
- Late September to May; early morning only in June through August
Highlights
- High Dune summit views
- Medano Creek at dune base (seasonal)
- Sangre de Cristo Mountain panorama
- Unique desert-mountain landscape
Tips for visiting
- Hike before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. in summer months; sand surface temperatures reach 60 degrees Celsius at midday and bare skin on the sand will burn within seconds.
- Sand gaiters or waterproof socks prevent sand ingress from the Medano Creek crossing and throughout the dune field; many hikers carry shoes to wear only at the creek crossing.
- Carry a minimum of 2 liters of water per person; there are no water sources anywhere on the dunes and the dry San Luis Valley air accelerates dehydration.
- Begin the descent from High Dune before 1 p.m. to avoid afternoon lightning; the open dune field provides no shelter of any kind.
- Sandboarding and sled riding on the dunes are permitted; rental boards and sleds are available from private vendors on Highway 150 just outside the park entrance.
When to visit
Late September through May offers the most comfortable hiking temperatures. Summer visits should be limited strictly to before 10 a.m. due to extreme sand surface heat. May and June see Medano Creek flowing at its base, adding a distinctive seasonal element to the approach.
Accessibility
The High Dune hike is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers; the entirely soft sand surface makes wheeled mobility impossible beyond the parking area. A paved path from the visitor center extends toward the dune base area and is wheelchair accessible, providing views of the dune field and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains without entering the sand.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a marked trail to the High Dune?
No. There is no designated trail or marked path on the sand dunes. Hikers navigate by sight toward the High Dune summit, which is visible from the dune base. The terrain is disorienting in low visibility or during blowing sand conditions.
What is Medano Creek and when does it flow?
Medano Creek is a seasonal stream that flows along the base of the dune field, fed by snowmelt from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It typically flows from late April through early July, with peak surge flows in May and June. The creek is generally fordable at ankle to knee depth during peak flow.
Can visitors sandboard or sled on the dunes?
Yes. Sandboarding and sand sledding are permitted on all dunes within the national park boundary. Equipment rental is available from private vendors on State Highway 150 just outside the park entrance; no rental equipment is provided within the park.
What is the park entrance fee?
As of 2025, the vehicle entrance fee is $25 for a 7-day pass. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entry. The visitor center is open year-round with seasonally adjusted hours.