Field Trips

Set against the steep Sangre de Cristo mountain range, and covering 30 square miles, are the tallest sand dunes in North America. Located in the mountains of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve are some of the most pristine wilderness and alpine lakes. Students can experience varied ecosystems, artifacts, some of the oldest cultural history ever recorded, and extreme geologic history in this outdoor classroom.

 

 

On-Site Field Trip Programs

2025 Spring Season


You can start reserving free field trip programs in February for dates in late April and May. Depending on staffing levels, the park may not be able to accommodate large groups of students in one program. It is best for educators to e-mail park staff beginning in February to discuss group size, group needs, and other logistics to ensure program needs are addressed.

The educational programs at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve provide hands-on field experiences that can support and enhance your learning objectives. The rangers are dedicated to wanting students to learn and utilize the resources throughout the park to conduct standards-based education programs. Our lessons and activities encourage students to engage, explore, and experience new opportunities. Come discover the learning opportunities and potential lessons that exist in this unique outdoor classroom.

 

Additional Planning

Once you have looked over the Field Trip Checklist and browsed the embedded links, you are welcome to email the Great Sand Dunes Education Team to request additional information for your field trip planning. Be sure to include the following information to better support your needs:

  • Group size, number students and adults, and student age range

  • Preferred program or learning goals for your trip

  • Top three date and time choices for your program

Cancellation policy: Programs may be cancelled if weather or environmental conditions are unfavorable or unsafe, or if the group arrives 15 minutes late without communicating a delay.

Educational Entrance Fee Waiver: School groups, and educational organizations whose primary purpose for visiting is education, may qualify for an educational entrance fee waiver. This waiver is for park entrance fees; Great Sand Dunes does not charge for programs. The request form is available on our Fees and Passes page.

Last updated: October 24, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Visitor Center
11999 State Highway 150

Mosca, CO 81146

Phone:

719-378-6395
In case of emergency (police, fire, medical): call 911. Non-emergency (non-life-threatening): call (719) 589-5807

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