Great Sand Dunes National Park, located in southern Colorado, is a surreal landscape of towering sand dunes set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Spanning over 149,000 acres, the park is home to the tallest dunes in North America, with some reaching heights of over 750 feet. This unique natural wonder offers a diverse array of ecosystems, from desert dunes to alpine forests.

The park holds significant geological and cultural importance. Established as a national monument in 1932 and later designated a national park in 2004, Great Sand Dunes protects a dynamic landscape formed over thousands of years by wind and water. An interesting fact is that the dunes are constantly changing shape, with wind patterns shifting the sand and creating new formations.

Must-see attractions include the High Dune on the first ridge, which offers panoramic views of the dune field and the surrounding mountains, and Medano Creek, a seasonal stream that flows at the base of the dunes and is perfect for splashing and sandboarding. The park also offers excellent hiking trails, such as the Mosca Pass Trail, which leads through lush forests and offers stunning vistas.

The best time to visit Great Sand Dunes is during the late spring to early fall, particularly between May and September, when the weather is warm and ideal for exploring the dunes and enjoying water activities in Medano Creek. Summer provides the most pleasant conditions, while fall offers cooler temperatures and a quieter experience with fewer visitors.

Photo by Balazs Busznyak on Unsplash