Like a trusty car and a full tank of gas, these cookies keep everything running smoothly. They power core features like secure login, navigation, and yo
Top Rated:
Tour FAQs
This tour has 14 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops, and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Go!
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Sunglasses/hat
- Closed-toed shoes
- Plenty of water
- Sandboard or sandsled
- Swimsuit (during surge flows)
- Red light or red light filter and flashlight
- No advanced reservation required.
- Expect to budget for sand sled or board rentals, which are essential for the experience. Rentals aren’t available in the park, so plan ahead with local outfitters.
- UFO Watchtower: $5 per person
- Colorado Gator Reptile Park: $15 per person
- Fort Garland Museum: $7 per person
- San Luis Wildlife Area: $12 per vehicle
The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.
Blanca Wetlands: seasonal openings, closed February through July
UFO Watchtower: 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday and Sunday only
Colorado Gator Reptile Park:
9 AM - 5 PM Winter
9 AM - 7 PM Summer
Fort Garland Museum:
March 1 thru October 31, 9 AM to 5 PM
November 1 thru February 28, 10 AM to 4 PM
Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
No, the Great Sand Dunes Tour can’t be taken in reverse—it follows a one-way route. The tour has three starting points, each offering different points of interest on your way to the dunes.
Yes, you can join along the route.
No. AWD can get you to the “Point of No Return.” Beyond that, you’ll need 4WD.
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
Join the Ride!
Our next stop - your inbox! Subscribe to our email list for travel tips, inspiration, special offers, and more!
About Us
At Shaka Guide our goal is to connect people, with places, through stories. Our team creates immersive, self-guided audio tours that connect travelers with the history and culture of over 85 destinations across the country.
© Shaka Guide LLC 2026
We use cookies 
to fuel your ride 
We use cookies to fuel
your ride