Itinerary · 2 days · Colorado
2 Days in Great Sand Dunes National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Great Sand Dunes National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: May–Jun, Sep. Closest major airport: Colorado Springs (COS), about 2.5–3 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Climb High Dune. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Splash in Medano Creek (spring).
- Evening: Sandboard or sled the dunes (rentals outside the park).
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Hike to Zapata Falls.
- Afternoon: Watch the stars from the dunes.
Wear shoes on the dunes in summer; the sand can burn bare feet. Start dune hikes by 9 a.m.
When to go
The best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park is May–June and September.
Best time to visit Great Sand Dunes, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: climb high dune and splash in medano creek (spring) on day one, then hike to zapata falls on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Great Sand Dunes itinerary?
Go in May–Jun, Sep, when the park is rated at its best. September offers the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Great Sand Dunes in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss hike to zapata falls. Two days is the sweet spot.