Exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park is probably THE most unique place we have traveled to thus far on our adventures around the United States. Here we are driving around the Rocky Mountains and out of nowhere are these ridiculously GIANT Sand Dunes.
THE DRIVE & BLANCA PEAK
For us, the drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park was pretty fun and exciting. We actually started our trip over via Capulin, New Mexico after just visiting an awesome volcano called Capulin Volcano National Monument. We got to head over the Rocky Mountains to the campground, then had a nice half hour drive to the dunes themselves.
One thing I love about Colorado is the speed limits. They certainly don’t mind giving you a little extra freedom with speed in those longer wide open stretches and heading to Great Sand Dunes National Park is no exception.
Although it isn’t part of Great Sand Dunes National Park itself, Blanca Peak is an extraordinary mountain that rests just south of the national park. It is belongs in an elite group of mountains in the Rocky Mountains called the 14ers. At over 14,000 ft of elevation this snow capped mountain towers over the neighboring mountains with ease.
ENTERING GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK
After entering Great Sand Dunes National Park, we started searching for parking near the dunes. Luckily there are actually quite a few spots and we were able to snag one before the park got too busy. Again like most National Parks, getting here early is the best bet for success.
Once parked, we could finally soak in the view for what it really is. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.
HIKING UP THE DUNES
Although the sand dunes seem to be quite small in comparison to the surrounding Rocky Mountains, don’t take them lightly. The tallest dune is around a 750ft climb in elevation. It isn’t a climb on solid rock or dirt though, it is on ground that moves beneath every step as you make your way up. Basically treat it as if you were hiking up 6 inches of snow with the snow giving away each step.
Luckily there are patches of compacted sand here and there that do give you a break as you hike up the giant dunes. However, not only does the beauty in the area take your breath away, but so does the elevation. If you are like us and aren’t completely used to being at 7,000+ft of elevation above sea level, take your time because you aren’t at the beach.
SLEDDING!?
If I have one regret at Great Sand Dunes National Park, it is not bringing a sled for the way back down. Apparently this is a fairly common thing that we just didn’t think ahead on. So, if you are reading this post, haul the sled up the hill. Kiddos all around us were having a blast while we attempted not to fall on our faces on the way down.
Let gravity do the work, it is much more enjoyable that way.
HOT OR WINDY DAYS
Hiking on the dunes during hot or windy days could probably make Great Sand Dunes National park not so great. I recommend watching the video in the visitor center before making your way up to the top because they do offer some sound advice. Also, just because this place IS dog friendly, be aware on warmer days. This sand gets SUPER hot during the summer and unless your dog is wearing shoes and can keep cooler than cool, you may not want to take them up with you.
We knew our 10 year old greyhound would love MOST of this hike, but it was a bit too strenuous for him. So make your best educated choice for your own situation. That…and maybe wear swimming goggles on the windy days haha.
OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Capulin Volcano National Monument
NOTE FROM WRITER
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Adventure On!
