Great Sand Dunes, CO
Blame it on my living under a rock ways but I hadn’t heard of this place until 2019 when I happened upon a photo of it while I was searching if it was legal to own a camel in the US… Kidding, kidding, I found it on Pinterest.
The Great Sand Dunes are the tallest sand dunes in North America. They are situated at an elevation of 8,175 feet in the San Luis Valley of South Colorado. This wonder of the United States is a must visit for any adventurer who has been craving a desert experience but can't afford to fly to the Sahara. The National Park boasts 150,000 acres of land and preserve, and there are many wonderful hikes including backcountry, but I can almost guarantee, if you're just a casual camper, you'll get your sand fill by doing the main hike there. It's called the High Dune on First Ridge and it's the best cardio you're going to get all year.
HIGH DUNE HIKE
The peak sits at 750ft in height. Which doesn't sound like much until you're ankle deep in sand.
Trust me, your legs will be burning and you will be breathing harder than an old hound dog, but it's completely worth it when you get to the top and can see the expansive dune fields on the other side. Don't forget to pack water and a snack, you will be spending some quality time with your ass in the sand catching your breath on the way up.
Pinon Campground
This is the only campground in Great Sand Dunes National Park that can be reached without a 4WD vehicle. There are no hookups or showers.
You do not have to drive to the dune parking lot if you stay at the campsites, there are trails that lead you straight to it. And may I recommend a sunrise hike there, it's simply magical.
The entire campsite is beautiful but we highly suggest these spots as they look outwards towards the dunes.
Loop 1: 21-32 Loop 2: 63-71
BOARD RENTALS
For $20 a day you can (and should) rent sand boards at The Great Sand Dunes Oasis shop, it's right outside the park gates, you can't miss it.
They say it's similar to wake boarding but it's more like trying to steer yourself down a hill while standing on a trashcan lid.
We weren't able to do it this time as Ol' Alex is still recovering from his achilles surgery but we have been here before and I promise you will regret not having a board once you're on the dunes.
Best times to VISIT
We visited the dunes in early October and the weather was ideal, cold mornings and 75 degree afternoons. Yellow bushes were in bloom which gives the landscape a pop of color which made my little hippie heart happy. The campsite closes for the off season on October 31st, but the dunes themselves are open year round to the public. Be very careful coming in the summer as we were told the weather can be unpredictable and the sand can get scalding hot.
EXTRA CREDIT
Alex and I decided to climb the dunes with our the stained glass designs we made while on this trip. It made the hike so much harder, but it was worth it in the end.
Plus I'm pretty sure no one has done this before!
You can find these for sale on our website below!
Here are some MORE photos of our trip
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