The Great Sand Dunes

One of our many trips from our residence in Colorado Springs was the Great Sand Dunes National Park. (http://www.nps.gov/grsa/) South and west of Colorado Springs it was a several hour drive for us to get there. We planned on hiking the Dunes so we needed to get there fairly early. The park is an extraordinary place surrounded on the north and east by tall mountains the Sangre de Cristos Mountain range. on the west and south the San Luis Valley. The short story about how this came to be is that the normally blowing southwesterly wind cannot blow the Sand over the mountain rage because of the height and the creek at the base washes the sand back. (The whole Story here) Anyway the result is tallest sand dunes in North America. The tallest dune is about 750' above the valley floor. Oh and of course we have to go to the top for the view. As it turns out slogging up sand dunes is a bit more difficult than walking up normal mountain trails.

The goal: The top of the highest Dune

From Great Sand Dunes

Its along drive down barren roads to get to the park. and while were were approaching we must have run over a nail as we had a flat tire on our jeep at high way speeds. It pretty much ruined the tire, but we had a spare and it was quickly exchanged for the good one, and we were on the way again. (hope there is no more flats as we have no more spares!)

From Great Sand Dunes

On the way into the park is a visitors center where we stopped and learned about the park and the sand formations.

Once you get into the park you are on the edge of the mountain range and there is a beautiful creek running along the edge of the mountains between the dunes, and is a great place for a picnic. While we were there there was many mule deer running around the park looking for handouts.

From Great Sand Dunes

We parked the Jeep and took our packs and set out across the valley floor toward the dunes. The tallest dune in the center is surrounded by many smaller ones that have to be conquered before you can even get to the biggest dune. There were a few people around but because it was during the early spring late winter time it was cool so it was not crowded. On to the top!

From Great Sand Dunes

As you walk up the steep dunes the wind blows constantly so that your tracks disappear almost as you walk.

From Great Sand Dunes

As always the view from the top is worth the effort to get there.

From Great Sand Dunes

All in all The "Great Sand Dunes" is an impressive natural resource and worth the trip if you are in the area.