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https://www.theamericansouthwest.com/great-sand-dunes-national-park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is an amazing reverse oasis of sand and towering dunes that lies in a massive basin at the far southeast corner of the Rocky Mountains in South Central Colorado. No matter what time of year, the place is a wonderland of sand to hike, climb, and explore. With the Sangre De Christo Mountains so nearby, the view from the top of the highest dune in North America is breathtaking. It is indeed at high elevations so be prepared to be short of breath as you climb the over 700 foot tall Star Dune. Bring plenty of water and your hiking boots. And don’t forget your camera! On the park drive there are countless turn offs for admiring the dunes and for taking pictures. Every pull off gives you a slightly different and breath taking view of the dunes with the Sangre de Christos in the background. Half the year they’re covered in gorgeous white snow! The highlight and high point of the park is the hike up the tallest sand dune, Star Dune, in North America. At 755 feet (but always shifting just a little with the strong winds) it’s a tough and grueling hike on sand, which is the worst, but it is so very worth it. The views at the top are truly astounding. Not to mention along the way can be exciting as well! Besides hiking, you can play in the Medano Creek waters, picnic at the many spots, camp at the campgrounds, enjoy the very dark night sky, and sled down the dunes! Make sure you don’t miss the often snow covered and massive Sierra Blanca to the south. The best part of Great Sand Dunes National Park is exploring the dunes themselves. While they may be tough to climb because of the elevation and the grueling hiking that is trudging through sand, it is oh so worth it. Star Dune, the tallest dune in North America is 755 feet above Medano Creek and the views from the top will take your breath away. There’s no real trail, you’ve just got to take the path of least resistance. One of the more fun things you can do on the dunes is get some sledding in! You’ll need to rent a special sled from the nearby (3.5 miles from the entrance) Great Sand Dunes Oasis and you’ll need to pay special attention to their return time and policy. But it’s a ton of fun to sled with friends and family. Just don’t choose the steepest dunes possible… Along the way to the top, be sure to explore the many details and hidden gems of the dune field that can appear, especially in winter.
At the top, take in the 360° view of the surrounding basin, mountains, and dunes. In the summer, make sure to bring lots of water and some snacks, and in the winter make sure you have enough layers and still a lot of water. But make sure you have a ton of fun and make some great memories.