Great Sand Dunes National Park is famous for having North America’s tallest dunes, but the park also features 14,00-foot alpine peaks, forest, grasslands, and wetlands. It’s located between Denver and Albuquerque. In addition to our thoughts on ‘running’ the dunes trails — certainly a unique, but challenging experience — we also provide some recommendations on the best places to run in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The best running options that aren’t sand dunes or more serious trail runs are in the gorgeous grasslands and wetlands areas of the park. There are great grasslands for running between the park entrance and the Visitor Center. Also at the north end of the park, where they’re less visited and remote. PRO TIP: There can be some gorgeous desert blooms in spring.
RUNNING THE DUNES
Any visitor to the park will want to take a walk or hike in the dunes. The further you get from the Main Use Area, the more enjoyable, singular experience you’ll have. It is possible to run on the dunes trails, but it’s a major challenge, owing to the soft sand surface. But we suspect many runners will want to try it anyway, even for a few minutes. And…it’s something to run down the dunes! Note these aren’t formal trails, but areas you can zigzag up to the ridge lines.
The large, main dunefield covers approximately 30 square miles,. It is up to 8 miles long and 6 miles wide, and the tallest dune rises to 750 feet. There is no specific trail per se — you can just run in the dunes fields. Note that the dunes are very exposed and the sand surface can be up to 150°. The High Dune on the first ridge is a 2.5 mile hike, while the Star Dune offers a longer and more remote experience. Another good option is the dune trail from the Castle Creek Picnic area: 3 miles round trip, 400 foot elevation gain. Best done near sunrise or sunset to get the best light and views.
RUNNING THE TRAILS
Outside of the dunes, there are some wonderful trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park. We note that this is mainly hiking/trail running territory. Nearly all of the trails are fairly narrow, have some challenging footing, and an elevation gain. Also note that a 4WD vehicle is needed to access some of these trailheads. Our recommendations for some of the more ‘runnable’ trails:
Mosca Pass Trail. 7 miles RT, 1400 foot elevation gain. Mainly forested terrain, views of Mosca Creek, meadows, some ridges. Still a challenge.
Alpine Trails. These are more remote trails, but worth the effort for their gorgeous scenery. More for hiking or advanced trail running.
Google Street View
Grasslands Trails. The most ‘runnable’ parts of the park and also very scenic. There can be incredible wildflower blooms in mid-August. The easiest access is the many miles of grasslands and shrublands from the park entrance road, between the park entrance sign and the Visitor Center.
Grasslands can also be accessed at the northern end of the park. One of the best bets for running is the historic Liberty Stage Road, accessed from the Liberty Gate parking area after a run through a small subdivision. There are other generally flat, gravel roads and paths in this area that are great for running — but remote. MORE INFO
Wetlands Trails. The Wetlands within the Park are not open to the public. There are some wetlands trails adjacent to the park that are open to the public, some of which are very suitable for running. See this page for more info on the numerous access points. NOTE: Generally closed to the public February 15-July 15.
One of the more beautiful and accessible spots for enjoying the wetlands on foot is the Blanca Wetlands, located south of the Park near Alamosa. It’s administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
Great Sand Dunes National Park is famous for having North America’s tallest dunes, but the park also features 14,00-foot alpine peaks, forest, grasslands, and wetlands. It’s located between Denver and Albuquerque. In addition to our thoughts on ‘running’ the dunes trails — certainly a unique, but challenging experience — we also provide some recommendations on the best places to run in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The best running options that aren’t sand dunes or more serious trail runs are in the gorgeous grasslands and wetlands areas of the park. There are great grasslands for running between the park entrance and the Visitor Center. Also at the north end of the park, where they’re less visited and remote. PRO TIP: There can be some gorgeous desert blooms in spring.
RUNNING THE DUNES
Any visitor to the park will want to take a walk or hike in the dunes. The further you get from the Main Use Area, the more enjoyable, singular experience you’ll have. It is possible to run on the dunes trails, but it’s a major challenge, owing to the soft sand surface. But we suspect many runners will want to try it anyway, even for a few minutes. And…it’s something to run down the dunes! Note these aren’t formal trails, but areas you can zigzag up to the ridge lines.
The large, main dunefield covers approximately 30 square miles,. It is up to 8 miles long and 6 miles wide, and the tallest dune rises to 750 feet. There is no specific trail per se — you can just run in the dunes fields. Note that the dunes are very exposed and the sand surface can be up to 150°. The High Dune on the first ridge is a 2.5 mile hike, while the Star Dune offers a longer and more remote experience. Another good option is the dune trail from the Castle Creek Picnic area: 3 miles round trip, 400 foot elevation gain. Best done near sunrise or sunset to get the best light and views.
RUNNING THE TRAILS
Outside of the dunes, there are some wonderful trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park. We note that this is mainly hiking/trail running territory. Nearly all of the trails are fairly narrow, have some challenging footing, and an elevation gain. Also note that a 4WD vehicle is needed to access some of these trailheads. Our recommendations for some of the more ‘runnable’ trails:
Mosca Pass Trail. 7 miles RT, 1400 foot elevation gain. Mainly forested terrain, views of Mosca Creek, meadows, some ridges. Still a challenge.
Alpine Trails. These are more remote trails, but worth the effort for their gorgeous scenery. More for hiking or advanced trail running.
Google Street View
Grasslands Trails. The most ‘runnable’ parts of the park and also very scenic. There can be incredible wildflower blooms in mid-August. The easiest access is the many miles of grasslands and shrublands from the park entrance road, between the park entrance sign and the Visitor Center.
Grasslands can also be accessed at the northern end of the park. One of the best bets for running is the historic Liberty Stage Road, accessed from the Liberty Gate parking area after a run through a small subdivision. There are other generally flat, gravel roads and paths in this area that are great for running — but remote. MORE INFO
Wetlands Trails. The Wetlands within the Park are not open to the public. There are some wetlands trails adjacent to the park that are open to the public, some of which are very suitable for running. See this page for more info on the numerous access points. NOTE: Generally closed to the public February 15-July 15.
One of the more beautiful and accessible spots for enjoying the wetlands on foot is the Blanca Wetlands, located south of the Park near Alamosa. It’s administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
Our selection of the 1-2 'must do' runs in the major U.S. national parks. The focus is on the most scenic, safe, and accessible spots for a run, geared toward the everyday runner.
The Park Loop Road is great for running, especially the 5 mile section between Seal Beach and Little Hunters Beach. The Carriage Roads are special for running, with many options. And for a true challenge, run up Cadillac Mountain!
75 miles from Washington, D.C., featuring the famed 105 mile Skyline Drive. Wonderful drive touring and hiking opportunities. Good running options along some of the gentler trails and fire roads. Trail runners will find lots of options here too!
469-mile scenic road features stunning vistas, rugged mountains, and pastoral landscapes. With no shoulder, the Parkway and isn't great for running. We've researched the more runnable hiking trails and also recommend the carriage roads of Moses Cone Park.
America's most visited National Park. A great option for runners is the Cades Cove Loop Road, which runs 11 miles one-way. Also good running in the Greenbrier Cove area. Famous for wildflowers!
Huge park southwest of Miami with 1.5 million acres of wetland. Some of the best spots for running are the Shark Valley Bike Trail, Pinelands trails, the Old Ingraham Highway Trail and the Flamingo area trails.
Located only an hour from Chicago, Indiana Dunes National Park is known for its spectacular dunes, wetlands, forests, and beaches. We've researched the best running options among the 50 miles of hiking trails and 37 miles of bike trails.
Water-based National Park with a series of interconnected waterways. Some scenic trails for running near the three Visitor Centers, featuring forests, marshes, wetlands, and lakes. Spectacular for running in winter, with trails and "ice roads"!
Dramatic landscapes spanning layered rock formations, steep canyons and towering spires. Best spots for running are along the Badlands Loop Scenic Highway, Sage Creek Rim Road, Castle Trail, and Sheep Mountain Table Rd.
Wonderful park within 90 minutes of Denver. Majestic mountain views, mountain lakes, wooded forests, mountain tundra. Best running options are trails around Cub Lake, Lily Lake,Upper Beaver Meadow, and Emerald Lake.
Park in southwestern Colorado is a glimpse into communities that the Pueblo people built on the mesas and in the cliffs. 30 miles of hiking trails around mesas, and into rugged canyons. Best for running is the 5-mile Long House Loop.
A remote and isolated park, featuring gorgeous mountains, desert, and 120 miles along the Rio Grande River. Best running spots are some of the gentler mountain trails, in the desert, along the river, and some of the park's scenic roads.
Along with Canyonlands NP, located in the outdoor recreational mecca around Moab, UT. For Arches, we recommend running the Landscape Arch, a nice 2-mile route starting at Devils Garden Trailhead. Arches Scenic Dr. is also runnable.
This area, near Moab, is a mecca for biking, hiking, climbing and other adventuring activities. Great running options in Canyonlands are Colorado River Overlook trail, Neck Springs, and a trail along Murphy Point Overlook.
The two best options for running are the Pa’rus Trail, which is a 1.7 mile, flat path skirting the Virgin River in the flat, lower section of Zion Canyon, and the 6.2 miles Scenic Drive from the Visitor Center to Temple of Sinawava.
Bryce is marked by the salmon and orange-colored limestone that create a maze of spires, pinnacles and fins. Best running options are the new shared use bike path connecting Bryce and Red Canyon; and the 5.5 mile Rim Trail.
The best running options are in the South Rim section of massive Grand Canyon. Great running along the Rim Trail, the network of Greenways throughout the Village and surrounding communities, and the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
Pristine forests, alpine meadows, glacier-carved peaks, spectacular lakes, wildflowers! Fantastic trail running. We've included some gentler trail running options, plus some multi-use paths just outside the park in Kalispell & Hungry Horse.
Showcasing the major peaks of the 40-mile-long Teton Range. Best for running in summer. Good options are the Grand Teton multi-use path, Taggart Lake Trail, and 6-mile loop around Two Ocean Lake.
240,000 acre park, 2-hour drive from Seattle. Wonderful running opportunities, around valleys, waterfalls, subalpine meadows, old-growth forest and glaciers. Best routes are along some of the less traveled side roads and gentler hiking trails.
One of the closest national parks to a major metro area, the 1 million acre Olympic National Park has an incredible diversity of terrain, featuring snow-covered mountains, lush rain forests, and dramatic coastal terrain.
A stunning and diverse alpine landscape, less than three hours from Seattle. Generally it's more challenging trail running. Best running options are in Stekehin, accessed only by ferry. The MUST DO run is the first 6 miles of Stekehin Valley Road.
133,000-acre park located near the California-Oregon border features some of the tallest trees on earth, as well as vast prairies, oak woodlands, riverways, and 40 miles of rugged coastline. Our recommendations on the best trails, roads, and beaches for running.
The world’s first national park, showcasing colorful hot springs, mudpots, and geysers, in addition to its dramatic mountains, forests, lakes and wildlife. Several good running options -- read our caution note about wildlife. Video excerpt!
Waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area in this 1,200 square mile park. Two good running options are the Yosemite Village Multi-Use Path, and Tuolumne Meadows.
Not one of the better national parks for running, given the rugged, often sandy terrain, and summer heat. Best options are the backcountry roads, some of the easier hiking trails, and quiet residential streets in Yucca Valley & Desert Hot Springs.
One of the more unique parks in terms of terrain, geography, and extreme weather. Fantastic opportunities for trail running -- though easy to get lost! Some good running options along park roads - sunrise/sunset are best.
Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees in these side-by-side parks. Recommended running: Roaring Rivers to Zumwalt Meadows Loop in Kings and Crescent Meadow Trail and Road.
A one-of-a-kind run on a barren volcano, with incredible ocean views. Very challenging 10-mile run to the 10,000-foot summit is 3,000 foot gain. Or, have a partner drop you part way or go up for sunrise and run down.
A one-of-a kind place. Hike or run the rim of an active crater, or run on trails or roads to enjoy terrain that includes deserts and rain forests, past craters and rift zones. We outline several good options. Note trail closures and air quality warnings!
Virgin Islands National Park comprises 60% of the land mass of the St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Numerous trails in the park are good for running, notably the Francis Bay Trail to Leinster Point, the Johnny Horn Trail, and Lind Point Trail.
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!