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Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Leashed dogs are allowed in the main, pet-friendly day use areas at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Mosca, CO. Unless you are in the moist, cool sand of Medano Creek, plan to hike with your pet in the morning or evening in summer months to avoid the hot sand on their paws. Be sure to clean up after Fido. Please note that leashes can be no longer than 6-feet, and dogs are not permitted in the backcountry of the national park. Visit Website

Or call (719) 378-6395 or email grsa_interpretation@nps.gov for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 bones by 6 canine critics on BringFido and 4.5 out of 5 by 971 guests on TripAdvisor.


Visitors generally found Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to be a fun and dog-friendly destination, though some caution the dunes can get quite hot in summer. Some travelers note the park's open spaces allow dogs to explore freely, though others recommend keeping a close eye on pets due to potential sand storms and high winds.

AI-generated from the text of reviews

  • Drew
    Jul 19, 2024
    Fun but toasty

    Dogs welcome on dunes (on-leash), but not in welcome center. Dunes can get quite hot in summer, so recommend water and booties. There are water stations by entrance to wash feet and paws. National Parks require a pass or fee to enter.

  • Allison
    Jan 18, 2023
    A National Park that Dogs Can Actually Visit

    This was a really cool experience with our two dogs. I would suggest paying attention to the weather to make sure your dog is comfortable. Also, it can get extremely windy, so equipment like doggles could be useful to have.

  • JESSICA
    Jan 16, 2023
    Fun location with lots of space

    Went to the dunes for the first time in January 2023. I wasn't sure how it would go with two dogs. My younger always being full of energy and often a pain when on leash. My older working on her recovery from getting sick. However, I will say this was an excellent place to go. There is so much space for you to go your own way. We lots quite a few people but rarely actually was close to anyone. This allowed us to go at our extremely slow pace without holding anyone up while allowing my younger dog to be chill since no one was nearby. I did see a few dogs off leash, but again the place was so spread out that the dogs never came near. It can truly be tough at parts. We did a fraction of the dune but it was still breathtaking. Take your time and have fun. If you don't have a national park annual pass be aware you will need to pay the $25.00 entrance fee. Would I do it again? Absolutely!

  • Melissa
    Feb 15, 2022
    The Best place for a dog

    I just left here(Feb 22) and there were no other dogs there. Since we have been traveling, I must admit I left my dog off leash. She was in heaven. She just ran around and enjoyed herself. Because there is no set path you can go up the dunes where ever you want. Just ensure you pick up your dogs poop! It was great. How ever we did encounter a sand storm. All in all highly recommend!!!

  • Ami
    Jul 1, 2021
    Dogs welcome!!

    The truth about national parks, is that they say that dogs are allowed, but really only on one or two trails, or they are often limited to parking lots. This park was stunning, and truly dog friendly. I do think our ocean loving pooches were a bit confused by all the sand and no surf 😆

  • Chris
    Jun 3, 2021
    Great park, easy accessibility

    My old lab loved the Montville Nature Trail near the visitor center. Perfect for a quick visit on our way past, but you could definitely make a whole day out of it if you want to climb the actual dunes. Get there early though, like 8am

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Area Info

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve