Great Sand Dunes National Park

Located in the state of Colorado

The tallest sand dunes in North America, up to 750 feet tall, were formed by deposits of the ancient Rio Grande in the San Luis Valley. Abutting a variety of grasslands, shrub-lands, and wetlands, the park also has alpine lakes, six 13,000-foot mountains, and old-growth forests. Our goal is to make pet rules of the National Park easy to follow. Below are the dog and pet rules for the park. Please use them as a guide and remember to contact the park for questions you may have prior to your trip and as always, if you have a suggestion, please comment below or contact us directly.

  • Pets are permitted in most commonly used areas of the park and all of the preserve.
  • Pets are permitted up to the top of the first tall ridge of dunes, between High Dune and Castle Creek Picnic Area.
  • Parking areas and along paved roads.
  • Some campgrounds.
  • Some picnic areas.
  • Must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
  • Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times.
  • Pick up after your dog at all times – Leave no trace.

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Inside buildings (unless service animal)
  • Dunefield outside the main day use area.
  • Sand Ramp Trail north of Point of No Return, including backpacking sites.
  • Undeveloped parts of the national park outside the day use areas and road corridors.
  • Trails or backcountry.
  • Never leave your pet unattended or alone inside a vehicle.
  • Never off leash – unless inside a vehicle, tent, dog crate or other portable kennel.
  • Untagged dogs or dogs with uncurrent tags.
  • Excessive barking.

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Extreme range of weather
  • Extreme hot and cold weather
  • Venomous Snakes
  • Poisonous Plants
  • Spiny and prickly plants
  • Predatory animals
  • Be aware of animal traps and hunting areas
  • Swim safely, extreme water areas
  • Ticks and biting insects
  • Do not drink from waterways
  • Bring plenty of drinking water

Leash Laws: Most parks require dogs to be on a leash in some or all areas, however, some parks allow dogs off leash in certain locations, please consult the parks website before going off leash, Thank you!

  • Consult the park website before traveling all information is to be used as a guide.
  • View the Great Sand Dunes National Park pet map brochure here
  • Respect local wildlife.
  • Leave no trace – What you bring in, you bring out.
  • If you are visiting during the hottest months of the year, a “palm test” is recommended before walking your dog – place your hand on the pavement for a minute and see if it is comfortable there. If the pavement feels hot to your palm, it will be hot to your dog’s paws.

(719) 378-6395

Great Sand Dunes National Park Website

Great Sand Dunes National Park Camping

Great Sand Dunes National Park Hiking

Great Sand Dunes National Park Volunteer

We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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