Great Sand Dunes Dog Policy

The tallest sand dunes in North America, up to 750 feet (230 m) tall, were formed by deposits of the ancient Rio Grande in the San Luis Valley. Abutting a variety of grasslands, shrublands, and wetlands, the park also has alpine lakes, six 13,000-foot mountains, and old-growth forests.^[1]

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a fairly dog friendly park. Dogs are allowed on several trails and dunes, and they are allowed in the front-country campgrounds. Please see the linked NPS Pet Policy details for a map of the specific areas where they're allowed. Also, please note that the sand at Great Sand Dunes can get very hot in the summer, so if you're visiting then, make sure to walk on the sand in the early morning or evening, and make sure your dog has plenty to drink.

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Website

https://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm

Pet Policy Details

https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/pets.htm

Area

168 mi²

Annual Visitors

461,532

Trail Policy

Dogs are allowed in the Preserve and the following trails:

• Mosca Pass Trail
• Dunes Overlook Trail
• Medano Pass Primitive Road

Dogs must be kept on a 6' leash at all times. While on the Dunes Overlook Trail, they must stay on the trail. They are not allowed in the back-country of the dunefield -- they are limited to the first high ridge of dunes.

Campground Policy

Pets are allowed in the Piñon Flats campground while on 6' leashes. Pets are not allowed in any back-country camping areas. Details on the campgrounds are below:

Road Policy

Dogs are allowed along roads where vehicles are allowed, as well as on Medano Pass Primitive Road, while they're on 6' leashes.