Tour stop
Great Sand Dunes National Park Tour
About The Tour
Ride the winds of time across Great Sand Dunes National Park, where ancient lakes, relentless winds, and the ceaseless dance of sand have sculpted North America’s tallest dunes.
Discover how Indigenous peoples revered this ever-shifting landscape long before Spanish explorers first mapped its golden peaks.
Finally, meet the diverse modern communities that call this region home, shaping its story as much as the winds shape the dunes.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour:
• Walk across the sand to climb the tallest dunes in North America.
• Hike to Zapata Falls and feel the cool mist on your face.
• Follow the Dunes Overlook Trail for wide views of sand and sky.
• Trek the Mosca Pass Trail through forests, meadows, and mountain scenery.
• Take the Montville Nature Trail for a short walk with shade and views.
Discover how Indigenous peoples revered this ever-shifting landscape long before Spanish explorers first mapped its golden peaks.
Finally, meet the diverse modern communities that call this region home, shaping its story as much as the winds shape the dunes.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour:
• Walk across the sand to climb the tallest dunes in North America.
• Hike to Zapata Falls and feel the cool mist on your face.
• Follow the Dunes Overlook Trail for wide views of sand and sky.
• Trek the Mosca Pass Trail through forests, meadows, and mountain scenery.
• Take the Montville Nature Trail for a short walk with shade and views.
About the tour
Ride the winds of time across Great Sand Dunes National Park, where ancient lakes, relentless winds, and the ceaseless dance of sand have sculpted North America’s tallest dunes.
Discover how Indigenous peoples revered this ever-shifting landscape long before Spanish explorers first mapped its golden peaks.
Finally, meet the diverse modern communities that call this region home, shaping its story as much as the winds shape the dunes.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour:
• Walk across the sand to climb the tallest dunes in North America.
• Hike to Zapata Falls and feel the cool mist on your face.
• Follow the Dunes Overlook Trail for wide views of sand and sky.
• Trek the Mosca Pass Trail through forests, meadows, and mountain scenery.
• Take the Montville Nature Trail for a short walk with shade and views.
Discover how Indigenous peoples revered this ever-shifting landscape long before Spanish explorers first mapped its golden peaks.
Finally, meet the diverse modern communities that call this region home, shaping its story as much as the winds shape the dunes.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour:
• Walk across the sand to climb the tallest dunes in North America.
• Hike to Zapata Falls and feel the cool mist on your face.
• Follow the Dunes Overlook Trail for wide views of sand and sky.
• Trek the Mosca Pass Trail through forests, meadows, and mountain scenery.
• Take the Montville Nature Trail for a short walk with shade and views.
STARTING POINTS
-Alamosa - Just outside of town, northbound on CO-17-Moffat - Just outside of town, southbound on CO-17
-Fort Garland - Just outside of town, westbound on US-160
RECOMMENDED START TIME: Before 8:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
Your browser does not support HTML5 audio.
Your browser does not support HTML5 audio.
Your browser does not support HTML5 audio.
Your browser does not support HTML5 audio.
Your browser does not support HTML5 audio.
Now Playing
1. Welcome to the Great Sand Dunes Tour Preview
0:00
Now Playing
2. Bonus: Great Sand Dunes by Day
0:00
05:21
Now Playing
3. Bonus: Great Sand Dunes by Night
0:00
04:56
Now Playing
4. Native Stories in the Sands
0:00
04:29
Now Playing
5. Bonus: The White Shell Mountain
0:00
03:38
Great Sand Dunes National Park Tour Map
Explore Tour Map
Great Sand Dunes National Park Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
UFO Watchtower
Tour stop
Colorado Gator Reptile Park
Tour stop
Fort Garland Museum
Tour stop
Zapata Falls
Tour stop
Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center
Tour stop
Montville Nature Trail
Tour stop
Mosca Pass
Meet the Creators
Rachel Ennis
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Creators behind the Great Sand Dunes National Park Tour
Rachel Ennis
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Rayne Warne
Writer & Managing Editor
Favorite Quote:
"Stories are machines inhabited by a god." - Bonnie Friedman
Matt Caracciolo
Writer & Editor
Favorite Quote:
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." --J.R.R. Tolkien
Myra Morehart
Producer
Favorite Quote:
"The man who's too afraid to die is too afraid to live." - Clark Gable as Gay Langland in The Misfits.
Purchase Options
1.
Great Sand Dunes National Park Tour
$ 9.99
Gift A Tour!
Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
Don't worry - they'll get a gift receipt, not the bill. No pricing information included.
Great Sand Dunes National Park Tour FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts, and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- GPS-triggered audio with automatic playback
- Built-in turn-by-turn route guidance
- Offline access after download
- Self-paced experience with no fixed start time
- Pause, rewind, or replay anytime
- Storytelling based on firsthand travel and research
- Lifetime access after purchase
Exclusions:
- Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
- Attraction admission or park entrance fees
- Parking fees
Tour FAQs
1. Where does the Great Sand Dunes Tour go?
This tour has 14 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops, and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Go!
2. What should I pack for the Great Sand Dunes Tour?
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Sunglasses/hat
Closed-toed shoes
Plenty of water
Sandboard or sandsled
Swimsuit (during surge flows)
Red light or red light filter and flashlight
Bug spray
Sunglasses/hat
Closed-toed shoes
Plenty of water
Sandboard or sandsled
Swimsuit (during surge flows)
Red light or red light filter and flashlight
3. What should I budget for the Great Sand Dunes Tour?
No advanced reservation required.
Expect to budget for sand sled or board rentals, which are essential for the experience. Rentals aren’t available in the park, so plan ahead with local outfitters.
UFO Watchtower: $5 per person
Colorado Gator Reptile Park: $15 per person
Fort Garland Museum: $7 per person
San Luis Wildlife Area: $12 per vehicle
Expect to budget for sand sled or board rentals, which are essential for the experience. Rentals aren’t available in the park, so plan ahead with local outfitters.
UFO Watchtower: $5 per person
Colorado Gator Reptile Park: $15 per person
Fort Garland Museum: $7 per person
San Luis Wildlife Area: $12 per vehicle
4. What are the park hours for the Great Sand Dunes Tour?
The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.
Blanca Wetlands: seasonal openings, closed February through July
UFO Watchtower: 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday and Sunday only
Colorado Gator Reptile Park:
9 AM - 5 PM Winter
9 AM - 7 PM Summer
Fort Garland Museum:
March 1 thru October 31, 9 AM to 5 PM
November 1 thru February 28, 10 AM to 4 PM
Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Blanca Wetlands: seasonal openings, closed February through July
UFO Watchtower: 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday and Sunday only
Colorado Gator Reptile Park:
9 AM - 5 PM Winter
9 AM - 7 PM Summer
Fort Garland Museum:
March 1 thru October 31, 9 AM to 5 PM
November 1 thru February 28, 10 AM to 4 PM
Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
5. Can I take the Great Sand Dunes Tour in the opposite direction?
No, the Great Sand Dunes Tour can’t be taken in reverse—it follows a one-way route. The tour has three starting points, each offering different points of interest on your way to the dunes.
6. Can I join the Great Sand Dunes Tour along the route?
Yes, you can join along the route.
7. Can any car drive the Medano Pass Primitive Road?
No. AWD can get you to the “Point of No Return.” Beyond that, you’ll need 4WD.
8. Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.