Great Sand Dunes National Park
October 2016
Nestled on the western side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains range in the Colorado Rockies lies a landscape unlike any other: Great Sand Dunes National Park. Towering sand dunes, some over 700 feet tall, dominate the scene, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the vast expanse of the San Luis Valley. During my first visit in October 2016, I was captivated by the solitude and splendor of the dunes. Camping amidst this natural wonderland offered a serene escape, with clear skies during the day and beautiful sunsets painting the landscape in vibrant colors and strong contrasts. Exploring the dunes on foot and camping deep within them, I marveled at the intricate patterns carved by the wind and felt a profound connection to the timeless beauty of the natural world. The night skies are pure and fantastic, making it one of the official dark skies places in the world, adding to the enchantment of the experience.