I just love the Great Sand Dunes. Maybe it’s the big pile of sand. Maybe it’s the setting for the big pile of sand. Maybe it’s a front row campsite with a fantastic view of the big pile of sand. No matter what it is, I love showing it off to my nieces and nephews (and bro-in-law) on trips west. Though they can be challenging, hikes (High Dune for a two hour trip; Star Dune, the tallest, for six hours) out onto the dunes are fun and memorable — for lots of different reasons. Hikes into the forested areas (Montville Nature Trail, a short little loop; Mosca Pass, 3+ out and back) allow for different, non-sandy experiences, and provide a nice sampling of what the Sangre de Cristo mountains can offer. Four-wheelers (like me!) love to take on the simply spectacular Medano Pass Road, a trail accessible only with serious four-wheel drive vehicles — a winch may be necessary depending on conditions. If you are heading to or from Mesa Verde NP, definitely reserve your campsite in the Great Sand Dunes.
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