Colorado Great Sand Dunes
There’s nothing like grabbing a bunch of friends and heading out into the great outdoors. There’s also nothing like the thrill of exploring this beautiful earth in search of something you’ve never seen before. This winning combination continues to keep the Colorado Great Sand Dunes as one of my most memorable camping experiences. These massive sand dunes planted at the edge of a forest is as surreal as it sounds… pack up your gear and check it out!
We first stopped at Zapata falls for a beautiful view of the dunes, and a short and fun hike of waterfalls and caves. Afterwards we started on our journey for a camping spot, going past the main campgrounds and into the forest for a hidden, secluded spot. The fun part was riding the back of a pickup through these bumpy roads!
We found a spot nestled between groves of trees and near a river… and all I remember next is a whirl of exploring, laughing, relaxing, off-roading, campfire cooking (hence the summer I got addicted to s’mores cones), sharing stories, and stargazing… all the best things about camping, and then more: the sand dunes. We went in August, and the sand was super hot, and quite a work out to climb!! Hiking down the cool stream beside it was sweet relief to my feet, and a fun adventure in itself.
These beautiful sunflowers!!! I love seeing the contrast between hot, dry, lifeless sand and fragile, whispy and bright flowers.
I’m sure there a ton of ways to explore and enjoy these beautiful dunes… please share some of your favorite memories and suggestions below!