People (bottom right) begin the long climb at Great Sand Dunes National Park
The sound of our huffing and puffing obscured the fact that Great Sand Dunes is the quietest national park in the US. We didn’t notice. How could we? Getting oxygen seemed a more pressing matter.
We didn’t set out to climb Colorado’s 650 foot dune just because it was there. We got a preview of dune climbing at Sleeping Bear and had some idea what we were in for. But views of miles of rippling sand stretched out before the snow capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains awaited us at the summit. We had to make the climb.
Our initial ascent up a moderate grade was painless enough, but we soon discovered something we didn’t expect. The dune was filled with mirages. Identifying the absolute peak once on the dune was impossible. Rising sand in front of you obscures what lies behind. On more than one occasion we trudged up what we thought was our final assent only to find still larger dunes obstructing our view; usually in a different direction than the one we were heading.
We also discovered that getting to the top isn’t a straight upward climb. The sand rises and falls like waves as it gradually builds to its apex. Getting to the summit requires climbing up each crest and back down the other side. While “High Dune” may only rise 650 feet, we climbed double or triple that height to reach the top; all on sand doing its best Stairmaster impression. One step forward, one step back.
Was it worth the effort? We think so.
Great Sand Dunes is amazing…..did you enjoy the way the river flowed? How about the singing sands? You’re going to such fantastic places!!!
The Great Sand Dunes was news to us. We browsed through a brochure in our Taos Motel room and added it to our trip. What a wonderful surprise.
One of my favorite places! Beautiful pictures!
Sleeping Bear is on my list of National Parks I’d like to visit, and the Dry Tortugas in Florida too because they are some of the least visited and therefore it’s likely not to be packed with tourists whenever you go.
I love your shots from here Brian, especially the final shot. Great job!
Beautiful water and great snorkeling out at the Dry Tortugas. It’s difficult to get to though, which is why people don’t go as often. I think we took a 2 hour boat trip to get out there for a half day of snorkeling. If you have the money to spend you can also take a sea plane which gets you there in a fraction of the time.
By the look of your pictures…ABSOLUTEY worth the climb. Another place to add to my list of places to go. Thank you for sharing them.
I consider it a job well done whenever we lengthen people’s travel wish list. Thanks for letting us know.
Your description of the climb was excellent! I had never heard of this park until your post. Thanks, looks amazing and now added to my list of places to visit some day!
Amazing! Walking in sand is incredibly diffucult, well done. I’m sure it was worth the effort to get that view.
Awesome photo! What a reward for all of your hard work
The view makes it all worth it.
Great photo of sand and snow combination!
It definitely was worth the effort! What Fantastic pictures!!!
Wow! It was already on my list but these pictures just send the point home – need to get there!
It is probably one of the most spactacular places we’ve visted so far on this trip. Definitely make a point of going.
I may know this NP is in Colorado, but perhaps others don’t. Wouldn’t a good article about a place like this include some basic location information?
True. I sometimes forget that people don’t read all of my posts or follow links imbedded in the text or read the categories associated with a post – any of which would have informed someone that Great Sand Dunes is located in Colorado. Nonetheless, I should have included it in the text also. Not doing so was an oversight that is now corrected. Thanks.