Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve 

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Activities, Programs, & Services

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Events Offered: Junior Ranger Day: Each summer the park hosts a special day with numerous activities for kids, including learning about nature, primitive skills, sand sculpturing, crafts and more. June 13 is the date set for 2009!

Anytime Activity Ideas: You may hike on the dunes 24 hours a day. A free permit from the Visitor Center is needed if you plan to camp on the dunes at night.

Visit http://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/things2do.htm for suggested activities depending on how much time you have to spend at the park.

Programs Offered: K-12 Education Programs are available throughout the year, by reservation only. Hands-on discovery in the dunes, forest, or wetlands are available seasonally, and classroom visits are available in winter months.

For discovering the Park with children, visit http://www.nps.gov/grsa/forteachers/index.htm for curriculum, field trip guidelines, summer programs and interactive exhibits.

The Junior Ranger Program at Great Sand Dunes is designed for kids ages 3-12, with activities for each age group. Complete the sections in the booklet for your age group, and earn a badge or a patch! Booklets require a minimum stay in the park of two hours for completion.

Interactive Exhibits help kids of all ages learn about the park in the Discovery Room at the Visitor Center. Some exhibits are available all year, while others are by reservation only for groups. A geology rock and mineral table, small lightning tube, and other exhibits make learning fun for pre-schoolers to adults. Call our education specialist at 719-378-6344 for details.

Services Offered: Visit http://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/things2know.htm for more details about safety tips, water, lodging, weather, pets, accessibility, campgrounds and the park store.



Costs/Admission Rates: Entrance fees are $3 per adult (age 16 and older). Entrance fees are valid for one week from date of purchase. Children are free at all times.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Annual Pass costs $15, and admits pass holder and all family members in the vehicle into the park for one year from date of purchase.

Commercial tours are charged by the number of passengers:
1-6 = $25
7-25 = $40
26+ = $100

Camping Fees and Reservations: Pinyon Flats Campground is first-come, first-served for individual sites. Individual sites are $14 per night. Size limit: 6 people or two tents maximum per site. Reservations can be made through the Visitor Center at 719-378-6399. Reservations are accepted beginning January 2.