Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in southern Colorado was the last national park that we visited last year on October 5th and 6th. For me it was also the best spot of the entire trip.
The dunes come from sand at the bottom of a lake that evaporated some 440,000 years ago. Over time the winds picked up the sand and drove it toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains, where counter winds blew it back. The shifting winds created the dunes, moving them back and forth day in and day out against the mountainous backdrop.
Today the Great Sand Dunes is a great playground for everyone. Young families let their children play on the sand by Medano creek, a shallow stream that flows at the lowest point on a side of the dunes. People of all ages camp in the well-maintained park’s campgrounds, and hike on the dunes or on the wilderness trails that take them into or around the mountains. The only minor disadvantage, but one that could be considered a plus, is that there is only a bare minimum of businesses and services to cater to park visitors. There is only one nearby restaurant and one lodge, while the nearest town, Mosca, is 23 miles (37 km) away. So if you want to leave all that urban and commercial stuff behind, go to the Great Sand Dunes to see and enjoy nature at its best.
bayphotosbydonna said:
These dunes are awesome, great captures, Hien! We tried to include them in our trip this summer but alas our direction changed.
So sorry for being behind on your posts, I’ve been laid up with a knee injury and subsequent knee surgery the past month. Finally feeling good enough to be able to get back to posting and viewing my favorite blogs! 🙂
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neihtn2012 said:
Donna, sorry I missed your comment. We were in Viet Nam at the time and I did not have a chance to check. I hope you will go to Great Sand Dunes some day.
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Sue Slaght said:
The photos almost look surreal. As if they are water waves captured in sand colored cases. I would definitely love to explore this place.
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neihtn2012 said:
I think you and Dave would enjoy this park!
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Amy said:
Amazing photos of this magnificent sand dunes!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Amy!
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dianaed2013 said:
Looks great
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Diana!
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goldenbrodie said:
Super photos and thanks for taking me there.
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neihtn2012 said:
You should take your Golden there. I saw at least two people walking up the dunes with their dogs.
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goldenbrodie said:
Add to my list🐾🐾🐾
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quietsolopursuits said:
It’s like the desert southwest, but without the crowds! I like that. I had never heard of this park before, I’m glad that you did a post on it with your wonderful photos to show me what I’ve been missing.
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neihtn2012 said:
I was there in early fall, and there were few people, and the campgrounds were starting to shut down. Maybe in the summer there would be more, but probably not as many as in other national parks.
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RMW said:
Beautiful shots
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you!
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Helen C said:
I love your photo, Hien. One more to my list 😉 This one should be doable, I think. Can’t wait. Thanks.
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neihtn2012 said:
This one is very doable, and I think you will enjoy it!
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Tiny said:
I understand why this is a favorite! You have captured its stunning beauty in your images!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks Tiny!
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Gina said:
Wow! These are gorgeous shots!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Gina!
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