Southwest Travels | Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO

in #travel7 years ago (edited)

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https://theta360.com/s/fERuAb0E75Pbcvx3179mNkcSW
(360° picture view)

A friend and I have been roadtripping/(car)camping/hiking/hot-springs hopping, and just trying to see the best, most amazing spots around the SW United States (at least to within at least a reasonable driving distance). And one spot DEFINITELY worth noting is,
The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, in Southern Colorado!

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Drive to the parking lot past the visitors' center, cross the little stream in the sand (or just sit in it), and you're at the base of the dunes!

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It's not a super-easy hike. Hiking up sand dunes rarely is; and these are BIG!

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But the view from even the closest (2nd highest) Peak, "High Dune" is unreal...

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As we were leaving, that giant storm rolled over the mountains, which started to drizzle on us a little. As as it picked up, the winds going over the peaks and ridges of the dunes felt a little like being in front of a mini sand blaster. Which was fun for a second, but we quickly made our way off the top of the ridges after feeling properly exfoliated.
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Overall, a great spot to check-out and hike. Took about 2-3 hours total to the closest peak. And with more time, or time to find a cool spot in the dunes to camp overnight, I would definitely try to get to the highest peak, "Star Dune" next time.
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We were even treated to an amazing complete rainbow (partially double) in the parking lot as we left! Good day!
https://theta360.com/s/aVG6ODOY5i80ixWdrtYIlongm

Thanks for reading! Comment with any questions, thanks.

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I've visited Colorado and this is the first time I've heard of this place. Looks like a neat place to explore once.

Yeah, we just saw 'sand dunes' and 'national park' on the map as we drove south, and went to check it out! Totally worth it!

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