Save this Guide to Backpacking the Great Sand Dunes🏔️ 📍4 hours from Denver 📅 Permit for “Dunes Backcountry” required. 🥾It’s at least 1.5 mile hike from the visitor center. You’re allowed to camp if you can no longer see the visitor center. What to Bring: 🧊Warm layers (it can get cold at night) 🚰1 gallon of water per person (no water source) 🥾We hiked barefoot in wool socks, but hiking boots are fine too. The sand is cold during the winter or hot during the summer ⛺Sand stakes instead of regular tent stakes 🔦Headlamp 🧢🕶️☀️Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) Things to Know: ♻️Pack out your trash 🥾Hiking in sand is TOUGH! Especially with a heavy pack. Come prepared. 🗓️Best season: possible year-round, fall/spring for mild weather. Winter is doable with warm gear! ⛈️Check the wind forecast 🚙Park pass required 🏔️Acclimate if you’re coming from low elevation (risk of altitude sickness) Is this backpacking trip on your b...