Our Southern Colorado summer road trip took us through some of the most beautiful places in the state, including Ouray, Silverton, Mesa Verde, Durango, and Pagosa Springs. Our final stop before heading home to Denver was Great Sand Dunes National Park, a place unlike any other we had experienced. The Great Sand Dunes with kids is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
If you’re considering a visit to Great Sand Dunes with kids, this guide will provide everything you need to know, from the best way to experience the dunes to important tips for a smooth and fun trip.
Want to get to know us first? Visit our Five Bags Packed Introductory Blog Post
The History & Science Behind the Great Sand Dunes
Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest dunes in North America, formed over thousands of years by wind and water erosion. The unique landscape is a result of sand deposits from the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains, carried by streams and shaped by prevailing winds. The ever-changing dunes create a living, moving ecosystem that fascinates both kids and adults. Wildlife such as kangaroo rats, lizards, and even black bears have adapted to survive in this extreme environment. Learning about how the dunes formed and continue to shift is a fun and educational aspect of the visit, making it an engaging experience for families.
Getting to Great Sand Dunes National Park
We left Pagosa Springs in the morning and made the drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park, which takes approximately 2.5 hours (about 125 miles). The park is located in southern Colorado, near the town of Alamosa.
For reference, if you’re coming from Denver, expect a drive of about 4 hours (230 miles). If you’re making this part of a larger road trip like we did, plan for enough time to make stops along the way for snacks, gas, and breaks for the kids.
Stopping at the Visitor Center
Before heading to the dunes, we made a quick stop at the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center to pick up Junior Ranger packets for the kids. This is always a favorite part of our National Park visits, as it keeps the kids engaged while learning about the park. The Visitor Center also has great exhibits, maps, and a short film about the dunes’ history, making it a helpful first stop.
Renting Sand Sleds & Boards at Great Sand Dunes Oasis
One of the must-do activities at Great Sand Dunes with kids is sand sledding and sandboarding. Since regular sleds and boards will not work on the sand, we highly recommend renting from Great Sand Dunes Oasis, located just before the park entrance.
We rented:
- 1 sand sled (easier for the kids to sit and ride)
- 1 sandboard (trickier to master but really fun!)
Pro Tip: If you have multiple kids, consider sharing boards to avoid carrying extra weight. We attached ours to a backpack to make the hike easier.
The Hike to the Dunes
Once inside the park, we made our way to the main parking lot near the dunes. There are no designated trails, as the dunes are constantly shifting. You simply pick a direction and start trekking!
We recommend heading to the right once you start walking, as this area has fewer crowds and you can find a dune all to yourself. Hiking the dunes is exhausting, especially for kids, so be prepared to take breaks, stay hydrated, and manage expectations. Reaching the highest dunes can take hours, so we aimed for a manageable stopping point that still gave us a fantastic sledding experience.
Sand Sledding & Boarding: So Much Fun!
After finding our perfect spot, we spent about two hours sledding and boarding down the dunes. The sand sled is the easiest option for younger kids, while the sandboard requires a little more skill to get the hang of.
Pro Tips for Sand Sledding & Boarding:
- Use the wax provided with your rental—it makes a huge difference in how well the board slides!
- Start on smaller slopes before attempting steeper dunes.
- Expect to get sandy—everywhere! Bring a towel and extra clothes.
Why You Should Arrive Early
We highly recommend arriving early in the day, especially during the summer months. The sand heats up quickly, making it too hot to touch by midday. When we visited in August, afternoon thunderstorms rolled in, which can be dangerous when you’re out in the open dunes with no cover.
Best Times to Visit:
- Early Morning (before 10 AM): Cooler temps, fewer crowds, and better conditions for sledding.
- Springtime: If we return, we’d love to experience Medano Creek flowing at the base of the dunes. This creates a seasonal “beach” where kids can splash and play—something we missed since the creek was dried up in August.
Facilities & Important Packing Tips
After sledding, we returned to the main parking lot, which has:
- Restrooms
- Outdoor showers (very necessary to rinse off all the sand!)
What to Bring: ✔ Plenty of water – You’ll be far from amenities while on the dunes.
✔ Snacks – Fuel up before heading back.
✔ Sunscreen & Hats – The sun is intense, and there’s no shade.
✔ Towels & Change of Clothes – Trust us, you’ll need them!
✔ Sunglasses or Goggles – Helps prevent sand from getting in your eyes.
Exploring Beyond the Dunes
After freshening up, we decided to drive further into the park to the Point of No Return—a spot where 4WD is required to continue. While we had 4WD, we opted not to risk it, as getting stuck is a real possibility.
However, along the way, there are several pull-off areas where you can enjoy more scenic views, short hikes, and photo ops.
Junior Ranger Program & Visitor Center
Before heading home, we stopped at the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center so the kids could turn in their Junior Ranger booklets. The Junior Ranger program is free and a great way for kids to learn about the park while earning a badge.
While at the Visitor Center, we:
- Watched the park film (a great way to escape the heat!).
- Explored the small museum with interactive exhibits.
For more on Great Sand Dunes National Park, visit their website.
Final Thoughts: Is Great Sand Dunes with Kids Worth It?
Absolutely! Great Sand Dunes National Park is an incredibly unique experience, offering epic landscapes, fun activities, and an adventure unlike any other in the U.S. It was the perfect way to end our Colorado road trip before heading back to Denver.
Would we return?
✅ YES, but in the spring to experience Medano Creek flowing at the base of the dunes. ✅ YES, with older kids who can hike further and sled for longer! ✅ YES, because it’s one of the most unique National Park experiences we’ve ever had.
If you’re planning a Colorado road trip, definitely add Great Sand Dunes with kids to your itinerary. It’s challenging, rewarding, and absolutely unforgettable!
👉 Have you visited Great Sand Dunes with kids? Let us know your experience in the comments!
