5 Incredible Hiking Trails at Grand Sand Dunes National Park

Explore more than just sand at one of Colorado’s stunning national parks

Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, and Grand Sand Dunes National Park is no exception.

Established as a national monument in 1932 and a national park in 2004, the park spans over 140,000 acres and includes the tallest sand dunes in North America, standing at 750 feet high. The dunes cover around 30 square miles and hold over 1.2 cubic miles of sand, and while it can seem like barren land, evidence of human life existing in this area dates back to over 11,000 years!

This park is a must-see for anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities. There are five incredible hiking trails at Grand Sand Dunes National Park, each with its own unique features and scenery. This blog post will explore each of these trails in detail so you can explore the park’s beauty for yourself.

Montville Nature Trail

If you want to get the little ones out to explore the magic of the dunes, the Montville Nature trail is the perfect spot to start.

This short hike is perfect for younger kids to hike while still getting some great exercise. You go over a ridge and get a beautiful view of the dunes near the end. But even throughout the hike, you travel near a creek, stunning aspen trees, and lots of wildlife, with many of the native birds calling this trail their home.

Total distance: 0.49 miles

Elevation gain: 88.5 feet

Difficulty: Easy - walking, hiking

Route type: loop

Other info: 

• Grand Sand Dunes National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• Dogs are permitted on this trail with a leash
• This trail is child-friendly

Sand Dunes Loop Trail

Do you want to explore the surrounding environment rather than just follow trail markers? Sand Dunes Loop can provide that experience.

The full dune field that this trail provides gives you a sense of exploration and wonder. And while you can follow the trail, it can be difficult at times because of the lack of markers, so a map is recommended. Marching up and down the large sand dunes can get tiring, so be ready to get a workout.

Total distance: 4.97 miles

Elevation gain: 741 feet

Difficulty: moderate - hiking

Route type: loop

Other info: 

• Grand Sand Dunes National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• Dogs are permitted on this trail with a leash
• Blowing sand can be an issue on this trail; eye protection is recommended
• Little to no shade on this trail; lots of water and sunscreen are recommended

Mosca Pass Trail

The ultimate way to experience the different landscapes that the park has to offered are found right here at Mosca Pass Trail.

From flowery fields, wooded forests, and rocky terrain, this trail will have you feeling like you’re in a different world every few steps. You can see the dunes peaking out over a few of the hills, but what this track lacks in views, it more than makes up for in its unique scenery.

Total distance: 6.4 miles

Elevation gain: 1,459 feet

Difficulty: moderate - hiking

Route type: out & back

Other info: 

• Grand Sand Dunes National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• Dogs are permitted on this trail with a leash
• Bug spray is recommended for this trail

High Dune Trail

You want views? High Dune Trail can provide some of the most spectacular ones in the entire park.

This trail is a must-do for anyone visiting the park. It’s especially beautiful during sunset when the colors of the dunes change and create an otherworldly experience. You can see for miles in every direction, making it the perfect place to take some incredible photos. While it is a challenging hike up to the peak of the dunes, the views are more than worth the trouble.

Total distance: 2.98 miles

Elevation gain: 629 feet

Difficulty: hard - hiking

Route type: out & back

Other info: 

• Grand Sand Dunes National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• Dogs are permitted on this trail with a leash
• Blowing sand can be an issue on this trail; eye protection is recommended
• Little to no shade on this trail; lots of water and sunscreen are recommended

High and Star Dune Loop

This is the longest hike on the list but also one of the most rewarding. The High and Star Dune Loop will take you to some of the tallest dunes in North America.

The first part of the trail is easy enough, taking you through a forested area with some great views of the surrounding mountains. After that, the real challenge begins as you start the long and difficult hike up to the dunes.

Once you reach the top, however, you’ll be blown away by the views. The vastness of the dunes is truly an incredible sight to behold, but be ready for a challenging climb up before you get to experience them.

Total distance: 8.01 miles

Elevation gain: 1,309 feet

Difficulty: hard - hiking

Route type: loop

Other info: 

• Grand Sand Dunes National Park charges a fee to enter this trail
• Dogs are permitted on this trail with a leash
• Blowing sand can be an issue on this trail; eye protection is recommended
• Little to no shade on this trail; lots of water and sunscreen are recommended
• This trail is only recommended to those with a good fitness level

Final Thoughts

No matter if you can only do one trail or all five, Grand Sand Dunes National Park is an incredible place that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

These unique hiking trails offer views and scenery like no other, making it a must-visit destination for any nature lover. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!