Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

In October, 2019, during a cross-country road trip we stopped in to explore the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Southern Colorado.

“Nestled against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Great Sand Dunes are the focal point of a wild natural system of high mountain peaks, sparkling streams, forceful winds, and billions of sand grains.” – The National Park Service (NPS)

We were surprised to see many people heading towards the dunes with what seemed to be surf boards.

We learned that many people go out to the dunes for sand sledding and sand boarding. The park rangers told us that snow sleds and cardboard don’t slide on dry sand. There are a number of retailers in the area who rent the the right equipment. Check with the visitor center for a list of stores to contact.

We were here on a very cold day – in fact, a snow storm came through the day before – however, we were told “in the summer months during mid-day, sand temperatures can reach 150 degrees F (66 C). Hike during the morning or evening to avoid heat exhaustion and/or burned feet. Wear closed-toe shoes”. -NPS

Sadly, it was too cold and breezy to explore this park for very long so we headed on to our next destination, Durango, Colorado. Along the way we saw some beautiful fall colors beginning to show.

We have been to Durango a few times over the years. It has a great old downtown that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the old west. On this trip we stayed at the historic Strater Hotel because it was located downtown within walking distance to some really good food, bars, and shops.

When we checked in we were surprised to learn our room was the same room where the author Louis L’Amour wrote many of his novels.

It was a very nice room. Though, if we can’t recommend it if you want to get a good nights sleep. The room is located directly above the bar and the piano played loudly until about 3 a.m. Yup, another fun travel adventure.