"not hot enough for the Sahara" Top 5 Page for this destination Great Sand Dunes National Monument by caffeine_induced78

Great Sand Dunes National Monument Travel Guide: 69 reviews and 123 photos

steadfast watchman - Great Sand Dunes National Monument

March, 2003

From what I hear the dunes are a pretty spectacular sight when it's clear out. I came in the middle of March and about 6 inches of snow were on the ground. Clouds above completely shrouded the dunes. These sand dunes sit on the west slope of the Sangre de Cistro Range. In the summer when most of the sane people (unlike me) visit the sand can become very hot under the sun so it's wise to wear shoes or boots when hiking the dunes.

October 2004

trail to the dunes

What 18 months ago was covered in snow is now covered with Prickly Pear Cactus. The weather is nicer but that just means that more people are out there walking on the dunes. I took my shoes and socks off and walked up the dunes.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Very sunny part of Colorado - Trust me.
Cons:far from civi - closest town is Alamosa
In a nutshell:The highest sand dunes in North America

Last visit to Great Sand Dunes National Monument: Oct 2004
Intro Updated Oct 3, 2004
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Reviews (3)

footprints in the sand - Great Sand Dunes National Monument

Hiking on the dunes Things to Do (1)

It's what I said. It's what I think a lot of people say. That's the highest dune! I will climb that one. They get to... more travel advice

visitors center - Great Sand Dunes National Monument

Visitors center under repair Warnings Or Dangers (1)

The original visitor center that is shown has been updated. During days when visitation is low the entry station is not... more travel advice

sand dunes with snow - Great Sand Dunes National Monument

what to do - how much to pay. Favorites (1)

The sand dunes are amazing but it's the setting that really blew me away. The National Monument is 84,000 acres in size.... more travel advice

Map of Great Sand Dunes National Monument

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Comments (11)

frank_delargy Mar 28, 2005 at 7:17 PM Report Abuse

The juxtaposition of the snowman with the sand dunes is extraordinary. In August it is hard to imagine a snowman while you are walking around in the dunes. Great perspective on the park.
deecat Jan 21, 2005 at 1:16 PM Report Abuse

Bryant, this was quite interesting to see the sand dune covered with snow. You have some remarkable photos to accompany your well executed text.
Stephen-KarenConn Jan 5, 2005 at 11:41 AM Report Abuse

This is one of the Colorado sights I haven't seen - yet. Hopefully next trip. But it doesn't look cool to me; it looks COLD!.
jessicadf Apr 25, 2003 at 8:36 PM Report Abuse

Looks really cool . An odd time of year to visit. Maybe why I like you.
Espresso_girl Apr 22, 2003 at 7:47 AM Report Abuse

What does it feel like under your feet when you walk on frozen sand?
devinemissd Apr 16, 2003 at 1:33 AM Report Abuse

Looks like home....Sweden!
asgottl Apr 5, 2003 at 9:46 PM Report Abuse

I'd love to check out the sand dunes...
ayers_rock_where Apr 4, 2003 at 12:39 PM Report Abuse

love your snowman lol
roz.van Mar 29, 2003 at 5:36 AM Report Abuse

Sounds just as stimulating as if there wasnt 6 inches of snow! :)
craic Mar 28, 2003 at 7:36 AM Report Abuse

You are going to make it. You are going to visit every national park in the USA!