One word: Go.
Go to Great Sand Dunes. It's off the beaten track a bit, but it's worth the drive. It must be a best kept Colorado secret because we saw only CO plates. This park remains the highlight of the trip as far as Julia and Grace are concerned, and what kid wouldn't like to romp around in a giant sand box for three days.
We arrived late on the 5th, and as I wrote earlier, were greeted with a hail storm (after the tent was up, thankfully). This wouldn't be the only time we had to eat dinner in the van, but this particular storm, with the largest hail we saw the entire trip, made a huge impression on Julia. In fact, I don't think she ever recovered from her weather phobia. In her mind, it was always too windy or too rainy or too cold. Poor kid, she'll hear about her whining on this trip for the rest of her life.
Back to the Sand Dunes. I can think of another word: Wow. 850 feet of sand cradled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and ringed by two rivers that pulse with six inch deep water. Kid Heaven. It was a crazy beach scene with tents in the water, frisbees flying, and people sledding or snowboarding down the dunes. This place was made for fun. We had an amazing campsite with an unobstructed view of the dunes in one direction plus great hiking among the junipers in the other direction. We could hear coyotes yipping out on the plane and lost count of the mule deer we saw meandering through the canyons. Our vacation had truly started.
In the slideshow below, you'll see images from two different campsites. We couldn't get into the park on our first night, so we had to set up at Sand Dunes Oasis. If an Oasis means overflowing toilets with really long lines, then this was it. For those not hardy enough for camping, Oasis does have a lodge and showers. If you're a camper, go for the nps campground (specifically site #4). Also pictured is the one hike we managed to take. Two words about that: mule deer.
10 comments:
I still read your blog! What brave people you are to trek across the US like this.. and wonderful for your kids.
Sand Dunes is one of our favorite places on earth. Love your photos.... took me back.
Thanks for sharing!
Barb
It's great to hear from you, Barb. We loved Sand Dunes too!
As always, Ellen, I enjoy your story-telling. You're inspiring me to load up the car and head down to the Sand Dunes! It's only 4 hrs 45 min...it really does look like kid heaven!
Thanks, Rebecca. I bet Jessi & Noah would LOVE it. We were there a couple of weeks after peak water flow (when they have 1-2 feet of water and people boogie board). We would definitely do this park again.
We went there on our long western road trip, too! What a cool place. I think we have to go back with the kids someday...
Mandy
I was just there three weeks ago! It was awesome! There is a waterfall hike nearby the Dunes, maybe 5 miles away. Am forgetting the name.
Also, if lightning strikes on the dunes, it makes really cool glass formations. We spent some time looking for these, without luck.
John,
Wow, isn't that place great?. We looked for fulgurites too (to no avail).
That looks awesome! Definitely a place we need to go. I have to say that I am with Julia though - I need a hotel - pretty sad I know but true. It is better for everyone with me. Love all of the pictures!
S
Sand Dunes is indeed surreal. I think it was close to 30 years ago I was there; good old nature for constancy.
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