Sand + Water + Wind = Great Sand Dunes National Park

Hopper, Colorado (high 80's, windy, hazy skies)

"Travel Makes One Modest

You See What A Tiny Place You Occupy In The World"

Gustave Flaubert

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is so immense you feel like a little speck of sand as you view it. These are the tallest dunes in North America and rise about 750 feet above the valley floor. 

We spent three days visiting the park. It is a harsh environment at times as the wind and sand whip around you. We stopped here to visit some friends we met while working at Grand Teton National Park. Tony worked with John in the warehouse at GTA (Grand Teton Association) and Sharyl worked for the park. They transferred here about the time we were leaving. It was nice to see them and hear about what is like to live here. It's not easy. Sand gets everywhere in your home, car, office, hair... Tony has removed 180 mice/rats from their home so far. Flies chase you in the afternoon when you venture out. Even so, they seem to like it here.  

Sharyl, John, me, and Tony

Our favorite part of the park was Medano Creek. The water running down the creek in waves is snow melt. It's warmed by the sand and is essential in replenishing the sand to the dunes. Families were playing in the water and sand. I was fascinated by the surging waters and sounds. This only occurs from April until June. 

Medano Creek

We also hiked up to Zapata Falls after driving up a jeep worthy road . After hiking about 1/2 mile you then have to continue the trail in a rocky stream bed. This water is also ice melt, however, it has not been warmed by the sand and is very COLD. 

Trail leading to falls

John ventured out on this part of the trail and was able to see part of the falls. However, he couldn't take any pictures due to heavy mist. It was a cool delicious place to escape some of the afternoon heat. It was also the only place where you can  see the entire dune field from the trail. 

View of the dune field

Icy cold water trail

We also hiked the Montville Loop Trail and enjoyed the views very much. Bug spray is essential to ward off the pesky flies. Did I mention the closest town is called Mosca which means fly in Spanish. 

Montville Loop Trail

View of dune field from the trail

Claret Cup Cactus

We returned in the early evening with our friends to the dune field and creek and got a completely different perspective. Note the interesting shadows on the dunes.

A type of grass grows on some of the dunes

Our campground during our stay was located at a natural hot spring. It was called Sand Dune Swimming Pool and RV park. The sites were 30 amp water/electric. It was a pleasant place with very friendly staff. This was our first opportunity to try a hot spring and it was delightful. The main pool was very busy with lots of children and families. However, for an additional $3 you could go to the green house where there was an adult only area. It was very nice and there were a variety of pools at different temperatures to try (average 110 degrees). There also was a nice bar built out of a corrugated steel box

Adult pool area

One of the hot tubs

Nice bar

Outdoor pool 

Campsites with hook ups

The last two nights we had to move out to the boondocking area due to the regular campsites being sold out. We sure look lonely out there.

Boondocking sites

We enjoyed our visit very much and it sure was fun to see our friends again. Next stop is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

This last photo reminds me of a Girl Scout saying about how to be a good camper ... "leave nothing behind but your footsteps".