Star Dune Hike | Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Why is Star Dune so Special?
Towering 741 feet (225 meters) from base to summit, Star Dune is not only the largest sand dune at The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve but in all of North America.
What makes Star Dune so special is its sheer size and scale compared to the surrounding dunes. High Dune is located nearby but falls short of the height of Star Dune, it is easier to hike to than Star Dune. However, don’t you want to say you’ve hiked the tallest sand dune in North America not the second highest?
Climbing to the summit reveals 360-degree views that let you truly appreciate the vastness of the National Park and the rugged Sangre de Cristo mountains framing it. It's a strenuous physical achievement, but also a chance to experience the desert's beauty in a powerful way.
How to get to The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located in southern Colorado, about 3.5 hours southwest of Denver. The main entrance to the national park is just off Highway 150 about 35 miles northeast of the town of Alamosa.
To get to the Great Sand Dunes National Park take County Lane 6N from Alamosa west directly into the park.
Stop at the park visitor center near the entrance to purchase a pass, get trail information, and use the restrooms before heading in.
The main parking area provides access to the dune field and Medano Creek trailhead. There aren’t really any marked trails in the National Park and Preserve, you kind of just get to wander around the dunes! This is a photographers paradise because of the numerous compositions that can be found among the vast space.
Hiking to the top of Star Dune
There is no official marked trail to reach Star Dune. To get there I used the Star Dune AllTrails map. It is important to pay close attention to whatever map you may be using as it's easy to get disoriented with every dune looking alike. The 750 feet of elevation gain to Star Dune's summit happens gradually and there are numerous false summits along the way so don’t give up!. Since you are hiking in sand expect to take double the time you'd need for the same distance on a normal trail. As always make sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen.
Total out-and-back hiking distance to Star Dune is around 8 miles. Most hikers allot 6-9 hours for the entire trip, including time to rest and take in the views at the top. Go very early in summer to beat heat, and be prepared with traction gear in winter.
Sand Dunes Landscape Photography Tips
The tallest dunes in North America present a plethora of landscape photography opportunities:
For grand scenics, use a wide angle lens and look for leading lines created by windswept ripples.
Use a telephoto lens to find more abstract compositions.
Don’t change lenses in the dunes as sand can easily get in the sensor.
Create drama with side lighting at sunrise/sunset highlighting texture and shadows.
Use a person in the frame to convey the sense of massive scale and isolation.
Conclusion
The Star Dune hike at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado is a must for adventurous hikers and landscape photographers. Though strenuous, the 8-mile round-trip trek is worth the view, the photographs, and the claim to hiking North America's tallest dune.
Photograph taken in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
