We drove down to Great Sand Dunes from Denver. We got antsy in the car when we realized it would take us nearly three hours, but the experience at the Dunes was worth every minute of travel.

Against the backdrop of the Rockies, the view of the dunes betrays their true size. As we approached them on foot, the gargantuan nature just mesmerized us. It was worth the climb to toward the summit just to see the great valleys and sheer walls invisible to the eye from below. The fun of it was that one could cheerfully tumble down any wall or hill and safely land in the soft sand below. Some people used plastic sleds, others snow boards, and others the ol' kindegarten log roll - any method guaranteed a childlike awe and thrill.

We visited in Winter. There was a steady breeze and it was a balmy 70 degrees. Use the shoes to walk to the Dunes, but leave them at the first dune and cklimb barefoot or else you'll just be carrying the shoes the whole way.

In spring and summer months an amazing creek runs on either side of the 30 square mile dune system - making for lots of fun for the kiddies and the young at heart.

The staff here was friendly and informative. This is a lovely natural National Park. I highly recommend it.

I had so much fun camping in this national park! Wonderful sand dunes to play around and great camp sites. It gets pretty cold at night, even if it's summer, so bring some extra blankets. Beautiful sunsets too....just amazing colors over the dunes.

We visited the Great Sand Dunes August 13th as part of a Colorado driving vacation. I would highly recommend you visit, even though the park is somewhat off the beaten path (more on that later).

As you approach the park, it is a strange site to see sand dunes rising to a height of 500+ feet. The visitors area is simple and informative, but the real experience is to get out on the dunes and go climbing. There is something very compelling about the chance to climb as high as your energy level permits. I went further then I expected, and found the experience most gratifying.

Several things to remember: The dunes distorts your perspective - everything is further away than it seems, so save enough strength to get back. Bring water on the climb, as you'll need it. Make your way up on the ridges of the dunes. This will not be the most direct route, but it is the easiest walking. Prepare for sand to work its way into everything. Your shoes will quickly fill up with sand, and you should be careful to protect cameras, etc.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Be careful with the altitude. This was the first place on our Colorado trip that we realized that we had to be very careful with one of my sons, as he experienced some altitude sickness.

TOURING SUGGESTION: People might be deterred from going to the Dunes because they think it's out of the way. However, it's easy to combine the Dunes into the rest of a driving tour. Denver was our first stop in Colorado, we stayed there on a Friday night, visited the Royal Gorge on Saturday, then stayed in Pueblo Saturday night. The Dunes were an easy and scenic drive from Pueblo on Sunday. After we left the Dunes in the early afternoon on Sunday, we drove west all the way to Durango, a lovely drive that takes you over the Continental Divide at Wolf Creek Pass.

My husband and I spent part of our honeymoon at the Sand Dunes 31 years ago and have since made camping trips there just about every year with our two boys, who are now all grown up. We never tire of going there and it is a must visit everytime we go to Colorado for vacation each summer.
We've been there when the creek is fully flowing. And if it's as dry as a bone, there's still always something to do around the valley.
We've endured some extremely windy times, but have also enjoyed the still, clear, crispness of the awesome San Luis Valley in which the park lies. The quietness is incredible. Plus, I can't leave out the fun and very interesting camp talks the rangers give at the ampitheator.
Everytime we go back, we dread the moment we have to pack up and leave to go home. I think we could probably live there.
The Sand Dunes has always been a very special place for my whole family, since my husband as a child even went there with his parents.
So, it looks like we may be starting a family tradition, because I'm sure our boys will continue going there with their families when the time comes.
I am anxiously awaiting next summer when we can get back out there again.