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Plan Around FAQ
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
FAQ Details
**What makes Great Sand Dunes important?** Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to one of the most complex dune systems in the world and also consists of many ecosystems from high desert to alpine zones. These habitats support some of the rarest biological communities. The dunes are also important to several different native cultures and for their recreational opportunities. **When time does the park close?** The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The visitor center is open every day as well, with the exception of federal holidays. Hours at the Visitor Center vary seasonally, but are generally 9:00-4:30 daily in winter, and 8:30-6:00 daily during the three summer months. Call the Visitor Center at [719-378-6399](+17193786399) for specific hours. **Can we ride motorbikes or ATVs on the dunes?** No, you cannot. The dunefield and the surrounding area is federally designated wilderness, so these types of vehicles are not allowed. There is a dunefield in northern Colorado where people can ride ATVs, called the North Sand Hills SRMA near the town of Walden in North Park. **Are pets allowed?** As long as they are leashed. Pets are not allowed in the backcountry. **How big is Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve?** About 150,000 acres, or 604 square kilometers. **How large is the main dunefield?** The large, main dunefield covers 30 square miles. At the widest point, the main dunefield is six miles wide and 8 miles long. **How tall is the tallest dune?** Star Dune is the tallest dune, rising 755 feet from its base to its summit. Dry sand changes this height depending on the winds. **What is the elevation here?** The lowest measured elevation is 7,520 feet, near San Luis Lakes, and the highest is 13,604 feet at Tijeras Peak. The elevation at the Visitor Center is 8170 feet.
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