Sand Dunes

by Cathy
(Amarillo, TX, United States)

Medano Creek in the Sand Dunes

Who would expect Sand Dunes in the mountains? Well, some of the most impressive dunes I've seen are in Southern Colorado. Great Sand Dunes National Park is a hidden, or least little-known gem in southern Colorado. It's easy to get to and only about thirty minutes from Alamosa, Colorado.

The great sand dunes are about 500 feet high, but starting at an elevation of over 7500 feet, that makes them pretty high! They are nestled up against the Sangre de Cristo mountains, which provide a beautiful backdrop for the dunes. You can hike to the top of these beautiful white dunes in about an hour. But take longer and enjoy the view, and save your breath! The shadows and clouds change the color and highlights of the dunes constantly for a variety of photo opportunities. But be careful and protect your camera. Sand does nasty things to digital and film cameras.

For a nice side trip, visit Zapata Falls about 10 minutes south of the park entrance. A well-marked dirt road to the east of the park road will take you on a bouncy 10 minute trip to the falls trailhead. Then a short hike up to the falls. We have visited several times. The most interesting was early spring when the falls were frozen. You can hike right up to the base of the falls, but walk carefully, it's slick!

The Sand Dunes and Zapata falls are easy to get to, off Highway 160, just east of Alamosa.