SAND BOARDING ON THE TALLEST DUNES OF NORTH AMERICA

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This getaway is mostly for sporting families, surf lovers and thrill seekers. We are taking you to sand board on the highest dunes in North America - The Great Sand Dunes in Colorado. 

This is where Nathalie Clément Bouteille - our Contributor in the United States - stopped by last summer while she was on a fantastic road trip with her family. She experienced sand boarding and she loved it. Here is her story.

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“We were stunned when we first viewed the Great Sand Dunes. As we were driving in the middle of the grasslands, the tallest dunes in North America made a dramatic contrast with the alpine peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the San Juan Mountains. The story of their formation is still being discovered but might be the result of two opposing winds blowing sediments from both mountains back toward the valley, where an ancient lake existed. The sand which accumulated in this natural pocket became dunes growing vertically. 

We explored the dunes, creeks, wetlands, grasslands and even viewed elks. Trails are also available into the forest, upper lakes and alpine tundra. We hiked to the top of the first ridge of dunes for a view of the entire dune-field (2 hours with younger kids).

During spring time you can splash in Medano Creek or fly kites.

But the most exciting part of our journey was to enjoy sand boarding and sand sledding. With a specially designed sand sled or board and wax, you ride as if you were on snow, absolutely thrilling memories with our kids.

Our only regret? Not to have been able to experience the dunes at nighttime stargazing on a moonless night or even camping in the dune-field with wide open views of the night sky, listening for owls and migrating frogs.”

  • How to go?

Great Sand Dunes National Park is located a 4 hour drive from Denver. This could be a fantastic stop in the middle of a road trip in the Rocky Mountains or a weekend getaway if you live in Colorado. We recommend the road by Salida.https://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm

  • Where to stay?

In Alamosa, the closest village, Pueblo or Salida. Camping is available in the park.

  • Where to rent gear?

At Great Sand Dunes Oasis: http://www.greatdunes.com/to-do.html

  • Good to know:

Stop by the Visitor Center to register your children with the Junior Ranger programs: workshops, conferences and a free booklet for fun learning about the dunes.Explore early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat exhaustion and burned feet from the sand. Be careful with lightning strikes which occur during afternoon storms.

  • Nearby natural features:

The Denver area hosts a variety of natural wonders: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and Zapata Falls. Further west, don’t miss Durango, Mesa Verde and the well-known Nati.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

IN NORTH AMERICA, TRAVEL EXPERIENCESUSA