Great Sand Dunes National Park, located in southern Colorado, is a breathtaking destination where you and your dog can explore towering dunes, splash in a picturesque creek, and enjoy stunning alpine scenery.
Is Great Sand Dunes National Park Dog Friendly?
Dogs are welcome in several areas of Great Sand Dunes National Park but keep in mind dogs must remain on leash in all areas of the park.
Where Dogs Are Allowed:
- Main Use Area up to High Dune, including Medano Creek
- In the Preserve (including Mosca Pass Trail)
- Pinon Flats Campground
- Dunes Overlook Trail
- Along the Medano Pass Primitive Road (Dogs must remain 50 ft within center line of the road or inside your vehicle)
Where Dogs are NOT Permitted:
- Inside public buildings or facilities
- In the backcountry, specifically past High Dune
- Off of Dunes overlook Trail
- North of Point of No Return, including Sand Ramp Trail
- In any backpacking campsites
- Ranger programs are not pet-friendly
When is the Best Time to Go to Great Sand Dunes With Dogs?
The best time to visit the park is Spring (typically May to early June). During this time, the Medano Creek flows at its fullest, offering a fun and refreshing experience for both you and your dog. Check the latest forecast for Medano Creek’s flow to plan your visit but expect higher volumes of people and longer wait times to enter the park, especially on weekends.
By late June and into July the creek dries up and high temperatures and mosquitos will make the overall visit less enjoyable. Sand temperatures can also soar up to 150 degrees in the summer making the dunes a dangerous place for your dog.
Fall is also a quiet season for the park, offering a more peaceful and cooler adventure with your pup. Just be sure to pack a number of layers as temperatures can drop drastically at night.
How Much Time Do I Need to Visit Great Sand Dunes?
I recommend spending at least one full day at Great Sand Dunes National Park, but if time allows, staying overnight at Pinon Flats Campground or nearby campsites is ideal. This allows you to enjoy the dunes during cooler morning or evening hours and avoid the daytime crowds.
Best Dog-Friendly Activities in Great Sand Dunes
Camp at Pinon Flats Campground
Camping at Pinon Flats Campground is an amazing way to enjoy Great Sand Dunes National Park without feeling rushed or crowded by other travelers.
Pinon Flats Campground is open from beginning of April until end of October. The campground is fully booked when the Medano Creek is flowing so book several months in advance. Tip: Sites 20 and 69 have amazing views.
Everything already booked? Here are a few alternative options:
- Set an availability alert for last minute cancellations
- Reserve a spot at nearby Zapata Falls Campground which offers a bird’s-eye view of the valley and dunes
- Disperse Camp for free on Lake Como Road
- Oasis Campground is the closest privately owned campground to the park. There are RV hookups and tent sites. The campsite is dog-friendly but lodges are not.
- Ramble is a privately owned, upscale campground with private amenities
- Looking for lodging? Consider pet-friendly stays in nearby Mosca and Alamosa
Explore the Main Dune Field
The towering sand dunes are the park’s main attraction, and the best part? Your dog can join you! Hike in any direction or head up to High Dune but be prepared. Hiking here is much more challenging due to the loose nature of the sand and altitude. Hot temperatures can lead to dehydration and hot sands during peak midday hours can burn sensitive paws.
Splash Around in Medano Creek
Medano Creek flows at the base of the dunes, creating a natural beach where dogs can splash, play, and cool off. This seasonal creek is a highlight for visitors and their pups, so time your trip accordingly.
Get Your Dog a B.A.R.K Ranger Badge
Rent a Sand Board or Sled
Sandboarding or sledding down the dunes is a must try experience but before you try to bring your own board, you need a board/sled specifically made for sand!
The Oasis Store, open spring to early fall, is located 4 miles before the park entrance. You can rent sand boards (day use or overnight) and pick up other supplies like snacks and firewood from the general store while you’re there. During spring and summer weekends, rentals can run out by late afternoon due to high demand. There are other locations you can rent from but unfortunately, they’re further away from the park.
Sandboarding and sledding are permitted anywhere on the dune field away from vegetated areas. Tip: start with a smaller dune the first few times.
Stargaze During New Moon or Go On a Full Moon Hike
This park is an International Dark Sky Park. Enjoy the incredible constellations above the dunes on a moonless, clear night and catch a glimpse of the Milky Way. Be sure to pack an extra layer and a red-light flashlight to reduce light pollution and stay warm as temperatures drop at night. Here’s my recommended red-light flashlight for dogs.
During a full moon, the moonlight will wash out the sky, preventing most stars from being visible but this also gives way for a unique, otherworldly experience where you can explore the dunes without needing a flashlight.
Extra Time? Drive Medano Pass Primitive Road
If you have extra time, a high-clearance and 4WD vehicle, consider driving the Medano Pass Primitive Road, which offers stunning views of the dunes and surrounding mountain ranges. This is a rough 22 mile road with portions of deep sand and creek crossings. Be sure to review the Medano Pass Primitive Road information to plan ahead.
Dogs are only welcome in the vehicle or along the road, as well as in designated picnic areas and roadside campsites.
Tips for Fellow Adventurers With Sensitive Dogs
If you have a sensitive dog, like I do, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when planning your trip:
- Sand: In the summer, sand temperatures can rise up to 150F in the late morning and into the afternoon. High winds can also kick up sand into your dog’s eyes. Plan to hike early morning or evening in the summers, as well as pack goggles and dog boots for extra protection.
- Cacti: The desert grasslands surrounding the dunes contain cactus. Trails by the campgrounds and visitor center are narrow and lined with prickly pear cactus so be cautious.
- Wildlife: Deer are common in the grasslands and campground areas. These deer are habituated to people and may stand their ground if you encounter them, so keep your dog leashed.
- Weather: Check the weather prior to your visit. Expect high temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms in the summer. Spring can also bring high winds which can make walking in the sand painful. Here’s what conditions you can expect each month.
- Vet Care: The closest vet clinic to the park is Alpine Veterinary Hospital in neighboring Alamosa.
Pack the Car, Leash Up, and Head Out to Great Sand Dunes
Exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park with your dog is an unforgettable adventure. By planning ahead, staying mindful or the park’s pet regulations, and keeping your pup’s safety in mind, you can enjoy everything this incredible destination has to offer. So leash up, pack your gear, and get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience in one of Colorado’s most iconic landscapes!
