Hiking the Dunes Overlook Trail in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
The Dunes Overlook Trail in Great Sand Dunes National Park is my favorite day hike outside the 30-square-mile dune field.
I say this because no other trails surrounding the dune field offer views as expansive or make for as good a sunset hike as the Dune Overlook Trail via Piñon Flats!
That being said, the Dunes Overlook Trail is truly a side trail that is separate from that of the much longer Sand Ramp Trail, an 11.0-mile (17.7 km) backcountry hike that is primarily used for overnight adventures. This is all to say that there are multiple trailheads one could choose to access the Dunes Overlook Trail, but the Sand Ramp Trailhead via Piñon Flats is the most popular access point, as it avoids the unpaved Medano Pass Primitive Road altogether, which is the direction this article is written.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Dunes Overlook Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Dunes Overlook Trail via Piñon Flats is located at the far northern end of the campground, near the restroom.
When looking for a spot, be aware that parking within Piñon Flats is strictly limited to a small area, as most parking stalls within the campground are designated for campsites. Please read the signs carefully.
Google Maps Directions: Dunes Overlook Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Great Sand Dunes
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Dunes Overlook Trail
From Piñon Flats Campground, the Dunes Overlook Trail begins at the Sand Ramp Trailhead, following it for 0.5 miles (0.8 km) before branching off.
These beginning sections of the Sand Ramp Trail are mostly flat, with no significant elevation change until Buck Creek and the Dunes Overlook Trail near the end.
Sun Shirts
If this is your first time in the area, you’re likely unprepared for how strong the sun can be.
For this reason, I recommend picking up a quality, hooded sun shirt if you plan to do any hiking. Protection from the sun cannot be overstated, and in my experience, sunscreen alone has never been enough over a multi-day visit, especially if you’re visiting during the summer season!
It’s important to mention that Black Bears are more common in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Range than in areas closer to the dune field.
This includes hikes in Great Sand Dunes, such as the Montville Nature Loop, Mosca Pass, the Wellington Ditch, the Dunes Overlook Trail, along with a number of other backcountry adventures that are far less popular.
This is all to say that hiking with bear spray is truly up to your own discretion, but it’s important to be aware of their presence.
Buck Creek
This is where the Sand Ramp Trail crosses over Buck Creek, a semi-reliable water source for those backcountry camping off the trail.
Sand Ramp-Buck Creek Junction
Just before the Sand Ramp Trail reaches the beginning of the Dunes Overlook Trail, the short path to the Buck Creek Backcountry Campsite splits away.
For those interested, campsites like Buck Creek and others in Great Sand Dunes National Park can be reserved through Recreation.gov, using the link below.
Book Here: Great Sand Dunes Backcountry Permits
Dunes Overlook-Sand Ramp Junction
After 0.5 miles (0.8 km), the Dunes Overlook Trail leaves behind the Sand Ramp Trail, which begins the climb up four switchbacks to the top.
That being said, there’s only about 250 ft. (76 m) to of elevation to gain from this junction to the Upper Overlook.
Upper-Lower Dunes Overlook Junction
As the Dunes Overlook Trail comes to the fourth switchback, the short side trail down to the Lower Overlook splits away to the left of the main trail.
This is the route shown first.
Lower Dunes Overlook
In my opinion, I enjoy the Lower Dunes Overlook more than the Upper because I personally think that it’s a better viewpoint of both Mt. Herald and the dune field off in the distance.
However, I recommend hiking to both, as the two are only 0.1 miles (0.2 km) apart from one another.
Upper-Lower Dunes Overlook Junction
Once back at the fourth switchback, as previously shown, go left to continue up to the top of the Dunes Overlook Trail.
Upper Dunes Overlook
After just 1.0 miles (1.6 km) since the trailhead at Piñon Flats, the Dunes Overlook Trail ends at the Upper Overlook, with views very similar to those of the Lower.
With that said, the reason I prefer the Lower Overlook is that I personally think the Pinyon Pine and Juniper trees allow for a much better viewpoint than the Upper, but this can always change in an ever-evolving landscape.
More Great Sand Dune Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Great Sand Dunes National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Almost all of the safety factors that the National Park Service focuses on are centered around the weather.
By this, I mean that the National Park Service reports extremes, such as the surface temperature of the sand dunes reaching up to 150˚F (65.6˚C) in the summer, while in the winter, the park, including the dunes, can be completely covered in snow.
For this reason, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is best visited in strategic ways, meaning that certain adventures are best for some seasons, while others are best for different times of the year.
For example, to explore the Dune Field in July, the National Park Service recommends early morning or late evening hikes only. However, this can be one of the better times of the year to head to some of the upper-elevations trails, such as Mt. Herald.
That said, Black bears are known to be found in the hills and mountains surrounding the Great Sand Dunes dune field, and while hiking in black bear territory usually presents less danger compared to grizzlies, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea. However, it’s really up to your own discretion and comfort level.
Finally, afternoon thunderstorms in high mountain west areas, such as this, are a serious concern, especially in the dune field! For this reason, I highly recommend checking Mountain Forecast before hiking in the summer monsoon season, as this is one of the best and most reliable resources for upper elevation weather around the world.
I say this because I unfortunately got caught in a lightning storm in a remote part of the Star Dune Trail, and it was one of the scarier lightning experiences I’ve ever had, as there is quite literally nothing taller or more conductive than yourself when surrounded by nothing but sand.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Great Sand Dunes National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
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