1. RV Traveling

Great Sand Dunes

The tallest sand dunes in North America are in southern Colorado. We visited Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve May 3, 2018.
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  • Campground outside Great Sand Dunes

    Campground outside Great Sand Dunes

    Our humble campground about 15 miles outside of GSD Nat'l Park. Was very windy upon arrival and into the night, with a bit of rain. Next morning was sunny, but only for a couple of hours before clouding over. Oh well. Time for some exploring.

  • Zapata Falls Trail

    Zapata Falls Trail

    Before entering the Dunes, a very rocky and rough but passable option is a 3 mile road leading to the Zapata Falls Trailhead. Only a 1/4 mile hike, the elevation starts at 9,000 ft and reaches 9,400 at the falls. It's also very rocky and slick due to a bit of snow falling.

  • Zapata Falls Trail

    Zapata Falls Trail

  • Zapata Falls Trail

    Zapata Falls Trail

    Still a little snow under the trees from last night. A bit of snow falling during the hike.

  • Zapata Falls Trail

    Zapata Falls Trail

  • Zapata Falls?

    Zapata Falls?

    Spoiler alert! Due to the dry winter, not much runoff to make a 20 ft waterfall in average years. Oh well. Had to take a closer look anyway.

  • Zapata Falls

    Zapata Falls

    You can kinda see where the water would normally cascade down the cut in the rocks. Now just a trickle.

  • Zapata Falls

    Zapata Falls

    Downstream from the falls.

  • Zapata Falls

    Zapata Falls

    Little to no runoff, so far.

  • Zapata Falls

    Zapata Falls

  • Zapata Falls

    Zapata Falls

    Still a little ice in the shady area of the creek. Strong enough to walk on -- except Wendy's not that daring.

  • Zapata Falls

    Zapata Falls

    Still snowing. Cool and moist, about 38 degrees. Time to hike back to the truck and head to the dunes.

  • Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

    Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

    Just a few feet from the parking lot, 40 square miles of sand dunes,.

  • Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

    Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

    The highest dune on the first ridge is about 700 ft.

  • Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

    Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

  • Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

    Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

  • Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

    Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

    We're on the first ridge, I think. No trails to follow. Glad it's now windy or hot.

  • Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

    Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

  • Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

    Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

  • Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

    Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

  • Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

    Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

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    Zapata Falls
    Zapata Falls
    Zapata Falls