Sand Dunes National Park: Courtesy National Park Service
When you read a guide book or see a picture or even hear a personal account like this, nothing prepares you for the reality of sand dunes as high as the mountains they are nestled against. Nor can any mere words or images convey the magnificence of these sand hills. Even the picture shown here can’t capture how much awe you feel as you draw closer and closer and realize that they are still very far away and growing with every mile.
The Sand Dunes National Park in Southern Colorado is simply one of those places that defy explanation and understanding. A leftover of the glacial ravaging of the continent, these dunes are completely out of place. Amidst the rugged stone and snow-covered peaks sweeping down into the grassy plateau, these dunes catch you completely off guard. It’s as if you walked into your backyard and found that amidst the flower beds someone had dumped an entire dump truck of sand. Your mind tells you, “This shouldn’t be here,” and yet there they are.
The property is amazing. I camped in the park service managed sites that sit directly south of the dunes. And just as a traveler’s tip, try to arrive at sunset as I did. During the Summer months the sunsets last forever. Since the dunes sit along the eastern range, the sun lights up the entire spectacle for hours on end. Believe me when I say you will not forget the drive up, since every time you think you’re getting close, some new perspective is forced on you making the hills seem exponentially bigger and more beautiful.
The park features lots of activities as well. Despite the fact that it is considered one of the richest and most fragile dune ecosystems in the world (Park Service words, not mine) they still seem okay with people riding their dune buggies and ATVs. So if you’re into that kind of thing, there are designated areas in the part to vent your carburated pleasures. Sand Dunes also features some amazing hiking trails, great mountain bike trails and stunning scenic vistas for all.
But one thing it doesn’t feature is lots of modern amenities. So make sure you’re well stocked with gas for the car and food for the stomach. You’ll likely have to drive close to a 100 miles to get any real town of sizable note. But then, that’s part of the charm of this fascinating place. There are so few places even in the U.S. National Park system that feel as remote and foreign as this place. So whether you’re driving through to Santa Fe or looking for a magic destination all on it’s own, Sand Dunes is a must for your itinerary.
Robert Knorpp is host of The BeanCast Marketing Podcast at thebeancast.com and is President of The Cool Beans Group, a marketing strategy consultancy based in New York City. He likes laughing even more than breathing. You can follow the madness on Twitter at twitter.com/BobKnorpp.
