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July 1, 2006
We finally arrived at the Great Sand Dunes National Park just as the Visitors Center was closing. Luckily I had written ahead and received all the Junior Ranger information in advance so the kids were still able to complete the program and receive their badges.
We parked at the base of the dunes and decided to hike. I can't even put into words what the dunes were like. They are North America's tallest dunes and rise over 750 feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It looked like what I imagine somewhere in Egypt would look. This geologic wonderland contains over 30 square miles of massive dunes, and became a national monument in 1932.
We hiked for a long way and the kids wanted to go to the top but dark clouds were rolling in and we discouraged it. I hiked about halfway up with the kids and it was tough walking through the sand and deceivingly close. In the pictures the people look like tiny ants. It was a really great experience. We spent several hours at the park before loading back up and continuing a few more hours up to Colorado Springs.
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