A light dusting of snow is a weekly event at Great Sand Dunes National Park.
The park preserves the highest sand dunes in North America, with the tallest peak reaching 13,604 feet above sea level. Located in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes has a highly variable winter season. One day, the sun is shining and the dunes are clear, and the next day there might be a blizzard.
Be prepared to have a great experience at the Great Sand Dunes this winter.
Visiting Great Sand Dunes in the Winter
January is typically the coldest month of the year, with March being the month with the most volatile weather, according to the park’s website.
Snow and blizzards are possible, but most days are sunny and calm. When snow does fall, it typically melts within a day. Roads are usually cleared quickly of snow.
Visitation to the park also dips during the winter, meaning that you won’t have to compete with crowds to see the beauty of the dunes. During this quiet season, visitors will often spot elk and pronghorn in early morning or evening hours in the grasslands. Sandhill cranes begin to arrive in the San Luis Valley, and stay about 6-8 weeks.
Visitors can take sleds to the dunes in any weather. When it’s snowy, visitors can ski or snow sled on the dunes. On a clear day, you can rent specially designed sand sleds and sandboards from area retailers to slide down the sand.
