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You can ask anyone who wears the park ranger flat hat if you need any other tips. You can usually find one of us at the visitor center or out on patrol in the park.
NPS
Ranger Tips
For a Safe & Fulfilling Visit in Summer & Early Fall
Here are a few tips and tricks for visiting the Great Sand Dunes during the warmer months
Website Updates & Alerts - Stay informed on conditions affecting your visit with the ALERTS section above
Lightning & Thunder - Check the weather forecast and keep and eye on the sky. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the park in summer. The only safe place during a thunderstorm is inside your vehicle in inside a building. Plan for morning or evening outdoor activities if thunderstorms are in the forecast.
Sledding and Boarding? - Rent your sleds BEFORE coming to the park – there are NO rentals available inside the park – rental locations available at go.nps.gov/GRSA_Sandboarding Keep your close-toed shoes/boots with you while riding boards so that you can walk on hot sand before and after riding.
CAUTION Hot Sand! - Wear closed-toed shoes on the dunes and protect children and pets from the hot sand, which can reach 160 degrees F! Plan hikes on the dunes for early in the day or in early evening. If you are sand boarding, make sure to carry your close-toed shoes/boots with you to prevent burns while walking on the sand.
Elevation Matters - If you come from lower areas, take it easy and allow your body to adjust to the 8,200-foot elevation
Drink Water & Wear a Hat - Protect yourself from the heat and sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, wide brimmed hat, and DRINK plenty of water
Bring Layered Clothing - Be prepared for cool or warm days, windy conditions, or even a rain shower.
Slow it Down – Speed limits are LOWER than highways outside the park. Adults, children, and wildlife frequest areas near park roads and parking lots. Keep people and wildlife safe and drive the posted speed limit, such as the 30 MPH limit at the park entrance sign or the 10 MPH at the Entrance Station (Fee Booth).
Pack a Picnic – while the visitor center bookstore sells some snacks, that is the only food available within the National Park. Plan ahead and bring everything you expect to need for the day
Drones and RC Vehicles – leave drones and other remote-controlled cars or vehicles at home or locked in your vehicle. Drone use is not allowed inside the park.
Don't Feed the Bears! – proper food storage is required by law to keep your food and scented items away from bears and other wildlife. Keep food items inside a vehicle or place items inside the steel locker in your campsite.
Bluetooth Speakers and Sound Systems Disturbances - Leave your tunes in the vehicle or at home. Listen for the natural booming/singing sands of the dunes and allow other visitors that opportunity to experience natural sounds
Pets - Keep your pets on a leash, and they are allowed in most popular trails and dune areas. More specifics available at Go.nps.gov/GRSA_Pets
Enjoy this International Dark Sky Park - Great Sand Dunes is open in outdoor areas 24 hours a day. While camping or sleeping in vehicles requires a permit/reservation in a designated campsite, you may enter and visit the park at anytime to enjoy the night skies. Find out more on our Experience the Night Page.
