Ride the winds of time across Great Sand Dunes National Park, where ancient lakes, relentless winds, and the ceaseless dance of sand have sculpted North America’s tallest dunes.
Discover how Indigenous peoples revered this ever-shifting landscape long before Spanish explorers first mapped its golden peaks.
Finally, meet the diverse modern communities that call this region home, shaping its story as much as the winds shape the dunes.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Walk across the sand to climb the tallest dunes in North America.
• Hike to Zapata Falls and feel the cool mist on your face.
• Follow the Dunes Overlook Trail for wide views of sand and sky.
• Trek the Mosca Pass Trail through forests, meadows, and mountain scenery.
• Take the Montville Nature Trail for a short walk with shade and views.
The Great Sand Dunes is known for having the tallest sand dunes in North America. Visitors come for sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing under dark night skies. The park also features wetlands, grasslands, and alpine forests.
Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado, near the town of Alamosa. It's part of the San Luis Valley and bordered by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The park is about a 4-hour drive from Denver.
Yes, the Great Sand Dunes is great for kids. They can splash and play in Medano Creek, build sandcastles, and sandboard on dunes. Ranger-led programs, a Junior Ranger activity, and easy hikes make it fun and educational.
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
This tour has 24 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops, and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Go!
The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.
Blanca Wetlands: seasonal openings, closed February through July
UFO Watchtower: 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday and Sunday only
Colorado Gator Reptile Park:
9 AM - 5 PM Winter
9 AM - 7 PM Summer
Fort Garland Museum:
March 1 thru October 31, 9 AM to 5 PM
November 1 thru February 28, 10 AM to 4 PM
Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
No, the Great Sand Dunes Tour can’t be taken in reverse—it follows a one-way route. The tour has three starting points, each offering access to different parts of the dunes.
Yes, you can join along the route.
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.