Great Sand Dunes Colorado, a National Park and Preserve located in the San Luis Valley along the eastern part of Colorado, was formed from the Rio Grande and its tributaries and was originally created as a National Monument in 1932, later established as a National Park in 2004.

Often called Colorado’s Sand Box with its 30 square miles of the tallest sand dunes in North America, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located in the underdeveloped San Luis Valley and offers up a picturesque landscaped framed by the majestic mountains in the background and several streams along the perimeter; a true must-see enigmatic oddity of nature.

Jeff Clark from internetbrothers.org, a passionate hiker, National Park Volunteer and nature enthusiast has penned a passion-filled post about his and his brother’s first-hand experiences at the Great Sand Dunes Colorado, including their difficulty climbing the hot and arid soft sand dunes advancing a mere three feet for every three steps they took.

In his article, Jeff describes the adventures he and his brother Dave had traveling the two and a quarter mile round trip, 450 foot incline, to the Dunes Overlook Trail taking in the beauty of the sand dunes below and the majestic mountains in the background; their photos of the Aspen groves along the mountain range ridges are definitely worth a look (Click the image to the right for a larger view).

According to his article, April through June is a great time to visit as Medano Creek, one of the streams that surround the dunes, increases in volume due to the melting snow from the previous winter. Jeff writes, “The creek really roars and kids like to come here with inner tubes and ride the small waves.”

Jeff Clark’s post is filled with incredible pictures that help bring his article, and experience of the Great Sand Dunes Colorado, to life and are truly worth viewing; some of which are included in this post.

You can read Jeff’s full article and check out the rest of his amazing photos on his blog located at internetborthers.org

internetbrothers.org is on our list of the top 50 Great Southwest Adventure Blogs

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About the Author

Mitch Stevens has been leading hiking and backpacking outings throughout the southwest for over ten years. As a Sierra Club hiking leader, writer and photographer, he has promoted the enjoyment and conservation of our remaining wild lands. Born and raised in New York City, Mitch came to discover the great outdoors and fall in love with Arizona’s special places. Through his countless trips across the state and region, Mitch made it his mission to encourage fellow hikers and enthusiasts to protect the beauty of the desert. Now, he continues to embrace his fascination with the desert beauty by creating and leading multigenerational tours throughout the southwest. His experience coupled with his passion for the great outdoors make him a unique tour guide and outings leader.