Great Sand Dunesfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. It usually peaks Sep 21–Oct 10.
Next 7 days
- Frost possible · low 36°FThursday Night
- Rain likely · up to 94% chanceToday, Tonight, Tuesday, Tuesday Night, Wednesday, Wednesday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 10:42 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
First frost usually arrives this week
Oct 1Average first fall frost
May 21Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Great Sand Dunes Np & Preserve station (1 mi away, 8,183 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve through the year
- Sandhill cranesMar
- Medano Creek at its peakMay
- Mountain wildflowersJul
- Prairie sunflowers (wet years)Aug
- First snow on the dunesOct
Best spots around Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Medano Pass Primitive RoadA rough 22-mile road up to Medano Pass, 10,040 ft
- Mosca Pass Trail3.5 miles one way through aspen and evergreen forest
- Cottonwoods by the dunesDeep gold by mid-October, after the aspens
Around Colorado this week
- San Juan Skyway118 mi · usually Sep 11–Oct 20Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWedrain likely, frost (31°F)Thufrost (31°F)Frifrost (32°F)Satdry and calmSunfrost (32°F)
- Maroon Bells122 mi · usually Sep 21–30Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWedfrost (32°F)Thudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Guanella Pass129 mi · Colorado timing: Sep 1–30Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWedrain likely, frost (28°F)Thufrost (29°F)Fridry and calmSatfrost (32°F)Sunfrost (31°F)
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Great Sand Dunes conditions to expect by month (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Medano Pass Primitive Road (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Hiking at Great Sand Dunes (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Sep 21–Oct 10. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Is it hunting season in the fall?
It may be: the Park Service reminds fall visitors that hunting may be in season and suggests wearing brighter colors.Source: National Park Service, Great Sand Dunes conditions to expect by month ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How long is Medano Pass Road open?
Weather permitting, until the end of hunting season, typically just after Thanksgiving weekend.Source: National Park Service, Great Sand Dunes conditions to expect by month ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve?
Medano Pass Primitive Road: a rough 22-mile road up to Medano Pass, 10,040 ft; Mosca Pass Trail: 3.5 miles one way through aspen and evergreen forest; Cottonwoods by the dunes: deep gold by mid-October, after the aspens.
What is Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve like through the year?
Sandhill cranes (Mar), Medano Creek at its peak (May), Mountain wildflowers (Jul), Prairie sunflowers (wet years) (Aug) and First snow on the dunes (Oct).