Discover the 10 Tallest Sand Dunes in North America

North America is known for its mountains, rivers, and lakes. However, it’s also home to some incredible sand dunes. While the majority of the sand dunes are located in the United States, Canada and Mexico each have an entry on this list. While some sit in deserts, others are located along lakes and rivers. Surely, the diversity of North America’s geography is truly astonishing. Let’s dive in!

10. Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park

Located in the western Canadian province of Saskatchewan, the Athabasca Sand Dune Provincial Park is the largest active sand surface in Canada and wind for more than 60 miles along the south shore of Lake Athabasca. The tallest dune here reaches a height of 100 feet, and several of them stretch for distances between 1,300 and 4,900 feet. This park is only accessible by float plane or boat.

9. Samalayuca Dune Fields

The only entry on this list from Mexico, the Samalayuca Dune Fields are a series of large but separated sand dunes in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, south of Ciudad Juarez. These beautiful white- to tan-colored dunes reach heights of 165 feet, and the dunes are almost entirely composed of quartz sand. One of 11 natural protected areas in Chihuahua, Los M­édanos (the dunes) have been featured in a number of films, including Conan the Barbarian.

8. Warren Dunes State Park

Warren Dunes State Park is the first or two entries on this list. With dune formations rising 260 feet above Lake Michigan, the Warren Dunes State Park features nearly 2,000 acres and is home to an extensive network of richly forested dunes, large open dunes, and interdunal wetlands. The height of these dunes makes it a perfect location for hang gliding (permit is required). The views are unmatched, not just from a hang glider but also from the tops of the dunes. The park offers six miles of hiking trails and two campgrounds. And the park serves as a stopover location of bird migration routes. There’s a lot to do and see at Warren Dunes State Park.

7. Imperial Sand Dunes

Located in southeast California, the seventh-tallest sand dunes in North America are some of the most beautiful. The Imperial Sand Dunes boast heights of around 300 feet. It’s easy to access the park from San Diego, making it a convenient and gorgeous stop.

6. Dumont Dunes

Located in Baker, California, are the sixth-tallest sand dunes in North America: Dumont Dunes. The tallest dune at Dumont Dunes, Competition Hill, is 450 feet in height, reaching a total elevation of 1,200 feet above sea level.

5. Sleeping Bear Dunes

The fifth-place spot for the tallest sand dune in North America is actually in Michigan, right next to Lake Michigan! Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has peaks that reach 460 feet into the air. It’s truly an astonishing sight right next to the water.

4. Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park

The fourth-tallest sand dunes located in North America can be found inIdaho at Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park. The dune at this state park reaches 470 feet, and it’s the tallest single-structured sand dune on the continent.

3. Oregon Dunes

Located in Reedsport, Oregon you’ll find the third-tallest sand dunes in North America. The tallest sand dune at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, called Banshee Hill, is around 500 feet tall! All in all, Oregon boasts some seriously impressive dunes.

2. Kelso Dunes

The second-tallest dunes in North America can be found in the Mojave National Preserve in California, USA. These are the Kelso Dunes, which reach an astonishing height of around 600 feet.

1. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Finally, the tallest sand dunes in North America can be found at the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Mosca, Colorado. Accordingly, these sand dunes reach well over 700 feet into the sky, creating an awesome opportunity for sandboarding!

Summary of the Tallest Sand Dunes in North America

Located across the North American continent, the sand dunes on this list are beautiful, rare, and amazing places to visit, play, and explore. Here’s a summary of the tallest sand dunes in North America: