Great Sand Dunes National Park with Nature Ali

Great Sand Dunes National Park - Colorado

A photo journal of Nature Ali's Southwest National Parks and Colorado Plateau Adventure

MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK - south rim COLORADO - Hwy 160 PIKE'S PEAK REGION GARDEN OF THE GODS GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK CANYON DE CHELLY NATIONAL MONUMENT ARIZONA GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK - north rim ZION NATIONAL PARK WILDLIFE DIARY

I saw the sign for this park on my way east along Hwy 160, and decided to stop on my way back. This newest park in the system has some of the tallest sand dunes in the United States. A 700 foot dune sits below the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and stays put with a 30 foot variance through the year. Apparently sand is blown across the San Luis Valley in the summer pushing the dune eastward, then in winter the winds come off of the Sangre de Cristos which pushes the sand westward. A really interesting place. There are campgrounds and a nice visitor center at the park.

NEXT STOP MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK

OUTSIDE LINKS

Official Site Great Sand Dunes National Park Geology of Great Sand Dunes National Park

Nature Alley is dedicated to protecting natural communities wherever they exist. She is involved in many scientific and educational programs, promoting environmental appreciation and ethics.