The sandramp trail can offer spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the dunefield, such as this view from near the Aspen backcountry site.

A backpacker walking along a sandy trail overlooking the dune field .

Medano creek is one of the main creeks in the park, flowing out of the mountains in the preserve towards the dunes.  Here, near Indian Grove, the water is usually reliable, but must be filtered, boiled, or treated before drinking.

Medano Creek flows between pine and cottonwood trees, with Mt. Herard visible in the background

Indian Grove is one of the designated backcountry sites, marked with a metal arrowhead sign.

A flat sandy area surrounded by trees, with a metal sign in the middle marking the Indian Grove campsite.

While hiking along the trail, this sign marks that you are about to arrive at the Indian Grove campsite.

A fiberglass sign marking a sandy trail with dunes in the background near the Indian Grove campsite.

Buck Creek is one of the designated backcountry sites, marked with a metal arrowhead sign.

A flat sandy area surrounded by bushes and small trees, with a metal sign in the middle marking the Buck Creek campsite.

Escape Dunes is one of the designated backcountry sites, marked with a metal arrowhead sign.

A flat sandy area surrounded by pine trees, with a metal sign in the middle marking the Escape Dunes campsite.

A lone backpack rests on the sand at sunset in the Dunes Backcountry.

Backpack in the Dunes Backcountry at sunset.

Two backpackers climb over the high ridge line to camp in the Dunes Backcountry in the summer of 2020.

Two backpackers hiking in the dunes.

This wooden trail sign marks the turn off from the main trail for the Aspen campsite.

A wooden trail sign points to a sandy trail surrounded by grass leading to a grove of aspens at the Aspen campsite.

A backpacker sets up camp at the Indian Grove Designated Campsite in summer 2020.

Indian Grove

Aspen is the highest elevation backcountry site, allowing for spectacular views of the dunes and the San Luis Valley.

A view of the dunes flanked by aspen and pine trees with the Sangre De Cristo Mountains rising in the background.

A backpacker poses at the top of the high ridge line just outside the Day Use Area before entering the Dunes Backcountry in the summer of 2020.

Backpacker on the dunes.

This wooden trail sign marks the turn off from the main trail for the Little Medano campsite.

A wooden trail sign points to a sandy trail surrounded by grass leading to the Little Medano campsite.

The trail sign to Buck Creek from the Sand Ramp Trail.

Trail Sign to Buck Creek

This wooden trail sign marks the turn off from the main trail for the Escape Dunes campsite.

A wooden trail sign points to a sandy trail leading to a grove of pine trees at the Escape Dunes campsite.

A backpacking tent rests deep in the Dunes Backcountry in summer of 2020.

Dunes Backcountry Campsite

Little Medano is one of the designated backcountry sites, marked with a metal arrowhead sign.

A flat grassy area surrounded by pine trees, with a metal sign in the middle marking the Little Medano campsite.

While hiking along the trail, this sign marks that you are about to arrive at the Buck Creek campsite.

A fiberglass sign marking a sandy trail flanked by bushes near the Buck Creek campsite.

The dune field offers a unique camping experience to those looking for solitude.

A sand dune rises above the grasslands with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains behind them.

This wooden trail sign marks the turn off from the main trail for the Indian Grove campsite.

A wooden trail sign points to a sandy trail leading to the Indian Grove campsite.

While hiking along the trail, this sign marks that you are about to arrive at the Escape Dunes campsite.

A fiberglass sign marking a sandy trail surrounded by scattered pine trees near the Escape Dunes campsite.

Aspen is one of the designated backcountry sites, marked with a metal arrowhead sign.

A flat sandy and grassy area surrounded by aspen trees, with a metal sign in the middle marking the Aspen campsite.

Great Sand Dunes National Park Backcountry Permits

Pinon Flats Campground

Pinyon Flats Campground

Escape Dunes Backcountry Campsite

Indian Grove Backcountry Campsite

Great Sand Dunes Oasis Campground

Campsite 0.0 (1)

Campsite 0.0 (2)

Campsite 0.0 (3)

Campsite 0.1 (2)

Campsite 0.1 (1)

Medano Pass Primitive Road Campsites

Campsite 0.2

Little Medano Backcountry Campsite

Campsite 0.3

Campsite 0.7

Campsite 0.9

Campsite 1.2

Campsite 1.6

Aspen Backcountry Campsite

Campsite 1.8

Open 24/7 year round! There are no timed entries or reservations to visit.

The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Stay on a moonless night to experience countless stars in this International Dark Sky Park!

Great Sand Dunes National Park Backcountry Permits

Directions

Reviews

Permit trip planning

Camps on this permit

Aspen

Buck Creek

Cold Creek

Dunes Backcountry

Escape Dunes