Great Sand Dunes - February 2023

Footprints in the sand only linger for about 15 minutes before being swept away by the relentless winds.

A 22 mph wind pulls at my parka as it shapes the dunes.  This is not the peak season to visit the dunes, and frankly, it’s cold.  A few other brave souls, and an exited young girl dragging her sand sled, are out today.  With so few people, snow on the ground, and the always otherworldly aura of the dunes, it’s easy to feel transported to another time and place.

The dunes were formed when the right combination water evaporation left behind sediment that was then blown around by the winds surrounding the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  They change each day due to the shifting of the sands, the seasons, weather, and light, so your visit and mine will be very different.  I look forward to another trip this spring/summer to see the one major feature missing from this occasion; the river.

Snowmelt from the mountains creates a massive seasonal river that draws people to this mountain beach each year.  I’m also looking forward to taking the Geo Jeep along the Medano Pass, most of which is closed during this part of the year.  This scouting trip was perfect for planning a multi day adventure in just a few months!