Things to Do at Great Sand Dunes National Park in the Summer: Sandboarding, Hiking & Stargazing
Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of Colorado’s most surprising and unforgettable summer destinations. With towering dunes, a seasonal creek, and a backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it offers a perfect mix of adventure, natural beauty, and family fun. Here’s your guide to the best things to do at Great Sand Dunes in the summer.
🏜️ Climb the Tallest Sand Dunes in North America
You can’t visit without climbing the dunes themselves. With Star Dune reaching over 740 feet tall, there’s plenty of room to explore. Start early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy cooler sand.
- High Dune on First Ridge offers amazing views with less of a climb
- Star Dune is the tallest and most challenging hike
There are no official trails—just pure adventure across miles of ever-shifting sand.
🏄♂️ Go Sandboarding and Sledding
One of the most unique things to do at Great Sand Dunes is sandboarding or sledding down the slopes. Rent a board or sled in nearby towns before arriving at the park. Make sure to wax your board for a fast, smooth ride, and choose the gentler slopes to start, especially with younger kids.
💦 Splash Around in Medano Creek
In early summer, Medano Creek flows across the base of the dunes, creating a natural splash zone that feels like a desert beach. It’s shallow, perfect for wading, and kids love building sandcastles and floating their toys in the gentle waves. The creek usually peaks in May and June, so plan accordingly.
🌌 Stargazing and Full Moon Hikes
Great Sand Dunes is an official Dark Sky Park, and the stargazing here is next level. On a clear summer night, you can see the Milky Way stretch across the sky. Full moon hikes are also incredible—walking the dunes by moonlight feels like something out of a dream, with cool sand under your feet and silver shadows all around.
🏕️ Stay at Piñon Flats Campground
For the full experience, camping in the park is the way to go. Piñon Flats Campground is the official campground, just a short walk from the dunes. The sites are surrounded by piñon and juniper trees and offer gorgeous views of the mountains. Book early—summer fills up fast!
🥾 Explore More Trails Nearby
While the dunes steal the show, there are plenty of other hikes around the park.
- Mosca Pass Trail takes you through forests to a scenic mountain pass
- Montville Nature Trail is an easy, shaded loop great for families
- Zapata Falls, just outside the park, is a short hike that ends with a waterfall hidden inside a rocky crevice—bring water shoes for the cold stream crossing!
Final Thoughts on Visiting Great Sand Dunes in the Summer
Great Sand Dunes National Park offers one of the most unique landscapes in Colorado. Whether you’re surfing down sand dunes, splashing in the creek, or gazing up at the stars, it’s a place full of unexpected wonder. It’s perfect for families, adventure-seekers, and anyone looking for a summer trip that’s truly one of a kind.
