Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Great Sand Dunes National Park, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Great Sand Dunes National Park
  2. Important essentials for Great Sand Dunes National Park
  3. Activities for Great Sand Dunes National Park
  4. Great Sand Dunes National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Great Sand Dunes National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Great Sand Dunes National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Great Sand Dunes National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Great Sand Dunes National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Great Sand Dunes National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Great Sand Dunes National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Great Sand Dunes National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Great Sand Dunes National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Great Sand Dunes National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Great Sand Dunes National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Great Sand Dunes National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, United States of America, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Great Sand Dunes National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, United States of America by month

January

If you go to Great Sand Dunes National Park in January, you will notice that it is freezing. Expect it to snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Sand Dunes National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February here is cold. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Sand Dunes National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

March

March in Great Sand Dunes National Park can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Sand Dunes National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

April

April in Great Sand Dunes National Park is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Sand Dunes National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you are traveling to Great Sand Dunes National Park in May, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Sand Dunes National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

If you visit Great Sand Dunes National Park during June, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Sand Dunes National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the right type. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

July

If you visit Great Sand Dunes National Park during July, you might notice that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Sand Dunes National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

August in Great Sand Dunes National Park is a perfect temperature. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Sand Dunes National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

September

September in Great Sand Dunes National Park is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Sand Dunes National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

October

If you are traveling to Great Sand Dunes National Park in October, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Sand Dunes National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

November

November in Great Sand Dunes National Park is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Sand Dunes National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

If you are traveling to Great Sand Dunes National Park in December, you will notice that it is frosty. Expect it to snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Great Sand Dunes National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right type. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

What to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, United States of America

Great Sand Dunes National Park, located in South Central Colorado, USA, is one of the most unique and stunning locations in the country. Covering an area of around 150,000-acres, the park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, reaching up to 750 feet in height. The location is a popular destination for those who love outdoor activities, ranging from hiking, camping, sandboarding, to stargazing.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Great Sand Dunes National Park that are not to be missed:

1. Sand Dunes: It is said that no trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park can be complete without experiencing the sand dunes themselves. These towering sand dunes formed by natural forces like wind and water, are a mesmerizing sight. Visitors can go for a hike and try to climb the dunes, or rent a sandboard or sled to slide down the steep slopes, which is a thrilling experience.

2. Medano Creek: Medano Creek is a seasonal stream that flows through the sand dunes, specifically in the months of May and June, and attracts visitors from all over the world. The shallow water and sandy bottom create a perfect environment for kids to play and families to relax. It is often compared to a natural waterpark, as the stream features small rapids and calm deep pools.

3. Zapata Falls: Located just outside of the national park, this waterfall is a hidden gem for hikers who want to explore a unique natural feature. The falls are approximately 30-feet-tall and can be reached by a moderate hike of 0.8 miles. The water cascades down onto rocks, creating a refreshing mist and offering a great photo opportunity.

4. Star Gazing: Great Sand Dunes National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, where visitors have the opportunity to stargaze without any light pollution. Park rangers lead nightly programs during the summer months, providing insight into stars, planets, and galaxies visible from the park.

5. Mosca Pass Trail: This 7-mile trek passes through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, starting at the Great Sand Dunes Visitor’s Center and ending at the Mosca Pass Trailhead. The hike is rated as strenuous and recommended for experienced hikers. The trail offers stunning views of the sand dunes and panoramic landscapes of the valley below.

6. The Pinon Flats Campground: The Pinon Flats Campground is one of the best places to stay while visiting the park. The campground features tent and RV sites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage containers. The campsites are spread out and offer plenty of privacy, creating a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of nature.

In conclusion, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-visit destination for those who love the outdoors and exploring unique landscapes. The park offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors, including hiking, sandboarding, relaxing by Medano Creek, stargazing, and much more. It is an ideal location for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers looking for a true wilderness experience.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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