How to Take a Road Trip from Denver to Great Sand Dunes National Park
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Nothing says an unforgettable journey like hopping in a car, loading up on snacks, and heading out of Denver to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Get ready to experience a place where the tallest stacks of sand you’ve ever seen collide with the mountains.
A lot of people ask, ‘Where are the great sand dunes in Colorado?!’ If you’re driving from Denver, you’ll be heading down to the southern central part of Colorado, where you can get to know this incredible park.
After visiting the Great Sand Dunes on a southwest road trip from Denver, it quickly became one of our favorite spots. Buckle up because in this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know to explore Great Sand Dunes National Park from Denver.
Why You Should Road Trip from Denver to Great Sand Dunes
Did you know that Great Sand Dunes have some of the tallest sand dunes on the entire continent?! We mean it when we say that these sand dunes are worth the trip. Great Sand Dunes is a place where you can see some of the most unique landscapes in all of the U.S. national parks.
There’s even a variety of wildlife and outdoor activities that are fun for every age. Plus, Great Sand Dunes is perfect either for the weekend or for a longer adventure.
How to Travel from Denver to Great Sand Dunes National Park
The most convenient way to get from Denver to Great Sand Dunes National Park is by car. We recommend driving yourself because then you’re in control of how long you’re spending in the park, where you want to travel, and what time you want to do everything on your Great Sand Dunes bucket list.
You can expect the drive from Denver to the park to take about four hours. The total distance from Denver to Great Sand Dunes National Park is about 240 miles.
This is just enough time to feel like you’ve traveled far without spending all day in the car! And hey, who wouldn’t want a Denver to Great Sand Dunes road trip?! Just imagine the views!
If you don’t want to drive and would rather sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible views, you can look into joining a guided tour. I would research well ahead of time to see if tours are available and if there are any open spots in the group.
Where to Stay Between Denver and Great Sand Dunes
If you want to take full advantage of the drive from Denver to Great Sand Dunes, we recommend stopping overnight in either Salida or Alamosa. There are quite a few great hotels in both of these quaint cities.
There are even some really cool lodges which could make the experience that much more memorable!
Tips for Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park from Denver
One of the best ways to experience any National Park is to get there early. Most people start heading into the park to explore around late morning or early afternoon.
To make the most of the weather and the fewer crowds, we’d plan on getting into the park around 8 or 9 am. That way, you can maximize your time at the park, head to the biggest tourist attractions, and explore without getting in the way of too many crowds.
Before you even leave Denver, make sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time. This national park’s weather can change quite quickly, so we’d recommend bringing a few extra layers and sunscreen and checking the weather before you head out on any hikes or activities.
If you plan on staying overnight in or around the park, we’d recommend booking those well ahead of time. That way, you can make sure you have a stopping point to stay at if you are planning on breaking the trip up into two days. This tip is especially important if you are visiting during the peak season.
Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks before you start your adventure in the park. The weather can get pretty warm, and it’s full of sand! If you’ve got your eyes on any hikes in the area, make sure you are fueled up and ready to go before heading out.
If you plan on visiting any of the other Colorado national parks after your Great Sand Dunes adventure, you should look into getting an America the Beautiful Pass.
For $80 a year, this pass allows you to visit as many national parks and even some state parks as you want. It’s a no-brainer if you’re chasing national parks!
You can’t visit Great Sand Dunes National Park without sandboarding! You can rent sand sleds or sandboards in the park, and we highly recommend doing this!
Please keep in mind most of the shops close around 3/4 p.m., so you want to get there early enough to be able to rent these. It’s such a cool experience and one of the few places in the U.S. where you can do this activity.
Best Time of Year to do a Denver to Great Sand Dunes Road Trip
As you probably know, Colorado can heat up in the summertime. This means the best time to explore Great Sand Dunes is from May to September. During this time, the temperatures stay pretty mild, which makes any outdoor activity enjoyable.
Keep in mind that this mild season is also the park’s busiest. Of course, if winter’s your thing, you can explore the park from December to February.
Perfect 3-Day Denver to Great Sand Dunes Itinerary
Are you excited about your trip to Great Sand Dunes?! We’re excited for you! Here’s what we think is a perfect three-day itinerary from Denver to Great Sand Dunes.
Day One:
- Stock up on snacks and water and depart Denver at 8 am
- Stop for lunch and to explore Salida
- Continue on to Alamosa and arrive in the evening where you can explore the town
- Check into your hotel and rest up for a full day of sand dunes!
Day Two:
- Check out of your hotel in Alamosa at 7 am and finish the drive to the park (or leave even earlier!)
- Spend the mid-late morning exploring the dunes, hiking, and sandboarding
- Eat a picnic lunch in the park
- Drive back to Alamosa in the evening
Day Three:
- Enjoy an early breakfast in the hotel or in Alamosa
- Stop at Zapata Falls if you have the time
- Finish the drive back to Denver
It’s safe to say that a road trip from Denver to Great Sand Dunes National Park is an unforgettable adventure. It really shows off the beauty of Colorado! Make sure to bookmark this guide so that when it comes time to pack your trip, you’ve got what you need to make the most of your journey.
