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What we do International Dark Sky Places

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Milky Way over Dunes. Photo: NPS/Patrick Meyers.

About

The 603.1 sq. km. (232.9 sq. mile) Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve contains the tallest sand dunes in North America and is located in south-central Colorado. According to NPS monitoring data, Great Sand Dunes is one of the quietest NPS sites and enjoys extremely pristine night skies owing to its remote location. Furthermore, the Park is also well-known for the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at the base of the dunes. Additional attractions at the Park include: the backcountry Medano Pass Primitive Road winds through a canyon toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains and ample trails which lead to forests, wetlands, and alpine lakes.

Designated

2019

Category

International Dark Sky Park
Gold Tier

Great Sand Dunes

Address

11999 State Highway 150
Mosca, CO 81146
USA
Google Maps

Contact

Fred Bunch
Website

Land Area

603.1 km2

Documents

Application
Announcement
Annual Reports

Weather

Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for viewing the night sky at Great Sand Dunes National Park (37.7925, -105.61917). Don’t forget to plan your trip during the new moon and astronomical twilight to enhance the viewing experience!