By Larry Billinger
The Adventure Begins
One summer break when I was in junior high, I asked my dad if we were going to take a summer vacation. My dad, always up for an adventure, said, “Sure.” That night, he got off work, and we took off in his 1960s-era black van, a beast equipped with a bed in the back, a couch, no windows (yes, I know it’s creeper-ish), an 8-track player, shag carpet, and felt and leather walls and ceilings all around. No AC and a carb engine that puttered at high altitudes—it was the best vehicle to travel in ever.
Our first stop was in Garden City, Kansas, where we ate at Burger King and got a Whopper. This began our journey of hitting every BK we could find during mealtime. I remember thinking how different Whoppers were from store to store. The trip was full of memorable stops, including a visit to the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado.
A Natural Marvel: Formation of the Dunes
The Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado are a natural wonder. They formed over thousands of years through a combination of wind and water. After the last Ice Age, large lakes covered the San Luis Valley. As the climate warmed, these lakes dried up, leaving sandy sediments. Strong winds from the southwest picked up these particles and carried them toward the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where they accumulated at the base, forming the towering dunes we see today.
Exploring the Dunes
We camped in a nearby campground in the park, and the next day, we decided to hike the tallest sand dune. Hiking the dunes is a different experience every day because the wind constantly reshapes the landscape, creating new peaks. It seemed like there were about three false peaks before we finally reached the top of the tallest one. For every three steps up, there were two sliding down. It was hard work. I may have cried; if not, I know I whined to return.
Activities and Adventures
For travelers, the Great Sand Dunes offer a variety of activities:
- Hiking: The dunes are perfect for an adventurous hike. Just be prepared for a challenging climb.
- Sandboarding and Sand Sledding: For the more adventurous, try sandboarding or sand sledding down the dunes. I remember high school-aged kids with snowboards running to the top and effortlessly sliding down, passing us multiple times.
- Stargazing: The park is a designated Dark Sky Park, making it ideal for stargazing.
- Medano Creek: In spring and early summer, Medano Creek flows at the base of the dunes, offering a cool respite and a great place for kids to splash around.
What to Expect
If you’ve never heard of the Great Sand Dunes before, expect a vast, otherworldly landscape. The tallest dunes in North America stand majestically against the backdrop of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The weather can vary greatly with the seasons:
- Spring and Summer: Warm days and cool nights, with the added attraction of Medano Creek.
- Fall: Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make for a peaceful visit.
- Winter: Cold and often snowy, but the dunes covered in snow create a beautiful and unique sight.
Historical Tidbits
The Great Sand Dunes were first designated as a national monument in 1932 by President Herbert Hoover to protect the unique landscape from mining and other potential threats. The monument status helped preserve the dunes and the surrounding areas for future generations. In 2004, the area was elevated to a national park and preserve, significantly expanding its protected boundaries to include not only the dunes but also the surrounding diverse ecosystems, such as grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. This change was driven by a desire to provide better protection for the entire ecosystem and to promote tourism and educational opportunities.
The Great Sand Dunes area is rich in history. Native American tribes, including the Ute and Navajo, have legends about the dunes’ creation. In more recent history, the area was explored by Spanish settlers and later became a site for ranching and farming.
Interestingly, during World War II, the nearby San Luis Valley was used to train soldiers for desert warfare, although this had no direct impact on the dunes.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re looking for attractions within a 30-minute drive, you’re in luck. The area surrounding the Great Sand Dunes offers several interesting spots to explore:
- Zapata Falls: Just a short drive south, this hidden gem features a short hike to a stunning waterfall tucked inside a rocky crevasse. It’s a cool and refreshing escape, especially in the summer.
- Blanca Peak: One of Colorado’s famous “Fourteeners,” Blanca Peak is a must-visit for avid hikers. While the peak itself is a challenging climb, the surrounding area offers beautiful scenery and easier trails.
- Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center: This historic site offers a glimpse into the region’s military past. The fort was established in 1858 and played a significant role in protecting settlers in the San Luis Valley.
- Alamosa: The nearest town, Alamosa, is about 30 minutes away and offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, which provides beautiful train rides through the region.
Final Thoughts
My trip to the Great Sand Dunes with my dad is one of my fondest memories. We had a lot of good trips, and this one stands out for its unique blend of natural beauty and the challenge of hiking those ever-shifting dunes. Whether you’re an adventurer like my dad or just looking for a unique travel experience, the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado are well worth a visit.
