GREAT SAND DUNES

Category: West Region

State: Colorado

I watched the lines of people of all ages trek up the dunes to enjoy the ride down. Word to the wise: if going down hill on a sand sled - go feet first.

Date Created: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve was designated a national monument on March 17, 1932, and it was redesignated as a national park and preserve on September 13, 2004.

Last Visited by Susan: September 2023

Location: Southern Colorado, USA.

Size: Approximately 149,028 acres (60,309 hectares).

America’s national parks are irreplaceable treasures. They amaze us, inspire us, fills with pride, and belong to all of us in equal measure.

— Joe Biden

Susan's Reflections:

Glimmering in the sun gigantic white dunes arise. My binoculars focused on small figures with sandboards, sleds and platters in hand preparing for the exhilarating ride down Star Dunes – nearly 750  feet. Children (and adults) playfully slid down the lesser hills tumbling, rolling, and laughing all the way. Joy is in this place! With reluctance I left Great Sand Dunes with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in my rear view mirror. This awesome treasure is a fun, beautiful place to explore, rollick or just relax and watch the entertainment with a wide grin.

I watched the lines of people of all ages trek up the dunes to enjoy the ride down. Word to the wise: if going down hill on a sand sled - go feet first.