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Exploring Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park

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Forget the cliched Rocky Mountain gatherings and Mesa Verde mysteries. Colorado has another unique gem waiting to be explored: The Great Sand Dunes National Park! Here, the star attraction isn’t a mountain peak but a sea of golden sand—the tallest dunes in North America, reaching a staggering 750 feet! That’s a lot of sand, but it isn’t your typical beach vacation. So, what activities can you do during your visit to the park? Find out ahead.

Hike Up The Dunes

One of the most popular to-do activities here is hiking up the massive dunes. Due to shifting sand, the climb can be a little strenuous, but the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking views from the top. Hikers can also explore the Dunes Overlook Trail, which provides panoramic views of the dune field and the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Enjoy Sandboard and Sledding

For an exhilarating experience, visitors can try sandboarding or sand sledding down the dunes. Like snowboarding and sledding, these activities involve sliding down the steep sand slopes on specially designed boards or sleds. Rentals are available at local outfitters near the park, making it easy for visitors to join in the fun.

Revel in Stargazing and Night Sky Programs

Great Sand Dunes National Park is also recognized for its exceptional stargazing opportunities. It is one of the few places offering the country’s clearest night skies. On a clear night, sightseers can marvel at the Milky Way and countless stars, with minimal light pollution to hinder the view. There are regular night sky programs where rangers offer telescopes and share their expertise about the universe.

Discover Its Unique Flora And Fauna

Thriving in this unique environment, a surprising variety of plants and animals call Great Sand Dunes National Park home. From creatures adapted to the harsh dune conditions to those who find refuge in the surrounding habitats, the park has a fascinating biodiversity. Visitors might spot mule deer, elk, and even black bears in the park’s forested areas. The wetlands and creeks provide habitat for various bird species, including sandhill cranes and peregrine falcons. The park’s diverse plant life ranges from cottonwood trees along Medano Creek to alpine tundra on the high peaks.

Visit the Medano Creek

Medano Creek is one of the park’s most popular attractions, flowing at the dunes’ base. During late spring and early summer, the creek becomes a tourist playground, offering a refreshing respite from the heat. Children and adults enjoy splashing in the shallow waters, building sandcastles, and riding the waves created by the creek’s unique surge flow. This seasonal phenomenon is a rare and delightful feature that adds to the park’s charm.

This overview of all the adventures that await you must have given you some ideas about planning your itinerary, so pack your sense of wonder and get ready to be swept away by the magic of the Great Sand Dunes!

Written by Ian Bronson

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