Day 74: To us New Englanders, the dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park look really big (they are the tallest dunes in North America, about 750 feet tall).
This impressive dune field is nestled against the western slope of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in southern Colorado, and the local patterns of wind and water erosion work together to maintain the dramatic size and shape of these sand dunes and keep them from washing or blowing away. At favorable water levels, particularly in the spring, Medano Creek between the dunes and the mountains is known for its surging flow (caused by build-up and collapse of sand ridges on the bottom). The flow was too low to see surging when we were there, but we did enjoy watching the intricate and constantly changing ripple patterns.
There are no established trails in the dune field; hikers are simply encouraged to explore wherever they please.
Though the dunes are mostly bare, shifting sand, there are some vegetated pockets between them. The prairie sunflowers were especially beautiful.
We also hiked to Zapata Falls, which plummets over a 30-foot precipice inside a slot canyon. To view the falls one has to hike up the stream bed between the twisting canyon walls.
Spent the last hour touring your blogs and have enjoyed the masterful combination of information packed prose and spectacular photos. Can’t wait to see you guys in the fall and get more details.
Loved the photo of you two at Great Sand Dunes. (Christmas card material?) What wonderful pictures of the national park of Sand Dunes!
Beautiful water fall!