Hiking Dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

Picture at Top of the Dunes, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA

(July 9 – 10, 2019) The Great Sand Dunes National park which is surrounded by mountains and streams were not what I expected or could even imagine. Experiencing crossing the Medano Creek and hiking the dunes were well worth visiting this park. It was not easy hiking up the dunes (Elevation Gain: about 700 feet = 213 meters). The sun was brutal during midday. I didn’t bring enough water. I stopped and thought about quitting many times. Eventually reaching to the top of the dunes, I patted myself on the back.

Coming down, I was concerned about my ankles getting burned by the sand. Summer sand surfaces reach 140 degree Fahrenheit (=60 Celsius). Sand coming into my socks was hot as if I touched a hot stove top. I was not prepared for this and I regretted of wearing short ankle socks. The campground in the park, was full. I stayed at a nearby KOA campground just for one night. The hiking trails on the mountain side of the park look interesting but I didn’t do it.

Trail from the Visitors Center to the Dunes, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA
Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA
People Walking up the Dunes Carrying Sandboard; Snow sleds and cardboard don’t slide on dry sand. Sandsled/sandboard rentals available from area retailers. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA
Hikers Walking Down Dunes, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA
Visitor Center (Middle of the Picture), Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA
Cactus Flowers, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA

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