High Dune

From the parking area, reaching High Dune means crossing the sandy bed of Medano Creek and then climbing about 650 feet up the dune ridges. There is no marked path, so hikers follow the crests, which offer firmer footing than the slopes. The round trip is only a couple of miles but can take a few hours because of the effort of walking uphill in sand.

The climb is worth it. From the top, the full sweep of the dune field unfolds, and on a clear day the view reaches across the San Luis Valley to distant ranges. Many visitors bring sleds or sandboards to ride back down the slopes, a fast and fun descent.

Summer sand can heat to well over 140 degrees Fahrenheit by midday, hot enough to burn feet and paws, so the best times to climb are early morning and late afternoon, which also bring beautiful light. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and because the dunes are the tallest thing around, hikers should be off the high crests when lightning threatens.

There is no water and little shade on the dunes, so carrying plenty of water and wearing sun protection is essential. Checking the wind forecast is wise too, as strong winds can whip up stinging blowing sand.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

High Dune is the prominent crest that rises straight ahead from the main parking area at Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, and it is the classic goal for visitors climbing the dunes. Standing about 650 feet above the surrounding sand, it offers a sweeping view over the largest dune field in North America, backed by the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains. There is no marked trail; hikers cross the bed of Medano Creek and climb the shifting sand ridges to the top, a strenuous but rewarding effort. Sunrise and sunset are the best times, when low light turns the sand gold. Many visitors sled or sandboard back down the slopes.

Climbing High Dune is moderately strenuous, mostly because walking uphill in soft, shifting sand is far more tiring than walking on solid ground. The round trip is only about two miles with roughly 650 feet of elevation gain, but it can take two to three hours because of the effort. Hikers usually follow the dune crests, which have firmer footing than the loose slopes. There is no marked trail, no shade, and no water, so it is important to bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and avoid the scorching midday sand of summer, which can exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit. With reasonable fitness and good timing, most people can reach the top.

Yes, sledding and sandboarding are popular activities on the Great Sand Dunes, including the slopes around High Dune. Special sand sleds and sandboards, which work far better than snow sleds because dry sand behaves differently, can be rented from businesses just outside the park, since equipment is not sold or rented inside. Riders climb up the dunes and slide back down the steeper slopes. It works best when the sand is dry, not wet or crusted after rain. Because climbing the dunes is strenuous and the sand can be extremely hot in summer, plan to go in the cooler parts of the day, bring water, and wear closed shoes and sun protection.

The best times to hike High Dune are early morning and late afternoon or around sunset, for two reasons. First, the low-angle light is beautiful, casting long shadows that reveal the ripples in the sand and glowing warm gold across the dunes. Second, and more importantly, the sand can heat to over 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer midday sun, which is dangerous for bare feet and pets, so the cooler hours are much safer and more comfortable. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures overall. In summer, be aware of afternoon thunderstorms and get off the exposed high crests if lightning threatens, since the dunes are the tallest feature around.