Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center: Gateway to a Sandy Wonderland
Start your adventure at the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center: Information, exhibits, and expert advice await!
The Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, located at the entrance to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, serves as the perfect starting point for exploring North America's tallest dunes. Offering interactive exhibits, a short film, and ranger assistance, it provides essential information about the park's geology, ecology, and history.
A brief summary to Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center
- 11999 CO-150, Mosca, Colorado, 81146, US
- +1719-378-6395
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit early or late in the day to avoid the heat of the midday sun on the dunes.
- Check the weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly.
- Rent sandboards or sleds from local outfitters outside the park, as the visitor center does not offer rentals.
- Reserve sand wheelchairs at no cost by calling the visitor center for visitors with mobility issues.
- Stay hydrated and bring sun protection, as the high altitude and sandy environment can be challenging.
Getting There
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Driving
The Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center is located along CO-150. From Highway 160, between Alamosa and Blanca, follow the signs and turn north onto CO-150. Drive 15 miles to the park entrance. From Highway 17 near Mosca, turn onto County Road Lane 6N, then turn left onto CO-150. The visitor center will be on your right. Entrance fee is $25 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
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Walking
From the main Dunes Parking Area, the visitor center is located about a half-mile south. Follow the paved road, keeping an eye out for traffic. The walk is relatively flat and easy.
Discover more about Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Great Sand Dunes Parking
0.8 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, the tallest dunes in North America, from this convenient parking area.
Sierra Blanca Historical Information Panels
29.5 km
Uncover the rich history of Alamosa at the Sierra Blanca Historical Information Panels, where stories of the past come alive amidst stunning landscapes.
La Veta Pass-Uptop Historic District
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Explore the rich history and breathtaking scenery at La Veta Pass-Uptop Historic District, a hidden gem in Colorado's stunning landscapes.
The Secret Garden and Grotto
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Amelia Earhart Memorial
41.1 km
Visit the Amelia Earhart Memorial in Alamosa, Colorado, and immerse yourself in the history of aviation while enjoying breathtaking mountain views.
Sbarro
41.9 km
Savor the authentic taste of Italy at Sbarro in Alamosa, offering delicious pizza, pasta, and more in a friendly, casual atmosphere.
State Ave River Trail access
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Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Alamosa at the State Ave River Trail, featuring scenic paths and abundant wildlife for an unforgettable hiking experience.
Knee Knockers Bar & Grill
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Alamosa City Hall
42.5 km
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Alamosa Public Library
42.5 km
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Nino's Del Sol LLC
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Calvillo's Mexican Restaurant
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Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area
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Mi Taquito
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The Carver House
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Unmissable attractions to see
Wellington Ditch Trail
0.6 km
An easy, scenic trail in Great Sand Dunes National Park, following a historic ditch with views of dunes and mountains.
Piñon Flats Campground
1.6 km
Camp beneath the towering dunes and majestic peaks at Great Sand Dunes National Park's premier campground.
Mountain Master Off-Road Tours
4.0 km
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Escape Dunes
4.5 km
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Star Dune
4.5 km
Hike North America's tallest dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park for panoramic views and a challenging desert experience.
Great Sand Dunes Oasis
5.5 km
Your adventure begins here! Campground, cabins, restaurant, and store at the entrance to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
Indian Grove
6.2 km
Discover a unique blend of nature and Native American history at Indian Grove, where scarred ponderosa pines whisper tales of the past.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
10.4 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty and adventure at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where towering dunes meet stunning mountain landscapes.
Zapata Ranch Preserve
11.3 km
Explore a unique Colorado landscape where conservation meets ranching, bordering the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Zapata Ranch
11.4 km
Experience the American West at Zapata Ranch: a unique blend of ranching, conservation, and stunning landscapes near Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Zapata Falls Trailhead
13.1 km
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Zapata Falls
13.1 km
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Zapata Falls Campground
13.2 km
High-altitude camping with stunning views & a hidden waterfall near Great Sand Dunes National Park in the San Luis Valley.
San Luis State Wildlife Area
21.0 km
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Liberty Gate
22.7 km
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Essential places to dine
The Great Sand Dunes Oasis Restaurant
5.5 km
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Country Kitchen - Alamosa
41.7 km
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4th Street Grille
42.6 km
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El Super Taco
42.7 km
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Hunan
42.7 km
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All Valley Cafe
42.7 km
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Thai House
42.8 km
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Mammoth Spud Cafe
42.9 km
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Thai Hut
43.0 km
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Pizza Hut
43.1 km
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Siam Cuisine Alamosa Thai & Sushi
43.2 km
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Pizza Hut Express
43.3 km
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Domino's Pizza
43.4 km
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Sonic Drive-In
43.5 km
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Campus Café
43.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Great sand dunes Oasis sled rental
5.5 km
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Primitive Road Campsites
11.1 km
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Sand Dunes Recreation
30.7 km
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Sinclair Gas Station
32.8 km
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SpinDrift SandBoards
33.1 km
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Blue Earth Design LLC
33.1 km
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Red Rock General Store
33.1 km
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Crestone Creative Trade Co.
33.3 km
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Higher Elevation: A Recreational Cannabis Boutique
33.3 km
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Elephant Cloud Market The Cloud Station
33.4 km
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Sacred Spirit Lightwork
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Crestone Mercantile
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Heaven To Home
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Dagglebeez
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Alamosa Cycles
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Great Sand Dunes Lodge
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Rustic Rook Resort
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The Steel Box Bar
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The Hooper Junction & Ruby Rose Bakery / Cafe
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Prep Fuel SLV
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Alpine Lodge
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The Sanctuary
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Bank Shot Sports Bar & Pool Hall
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Crafty Canary Brewery
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Mellow Moon Lodge
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Bernies Bar
81.0 km
Bernies Bar in Cañon City, Colorado: Your go-to spot for great drinks, friendly faces, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the Royal Gorge.
Defiance Night Club
82.1 km
Experience the energetic nightlife at Defiance Night Club in Cañon City, Colorado, where fun, music, and great drinks await.
McClure's Saloon at World's End
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The Handlebar
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My Brother's Place
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