alainaflute
Greg
Jody
E.G.D.“Where’s the beach?”
Posted by Jody on March 18, 2013
Last weekend Greg and I had the chance to visit the awe-inspiring Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in southern Colorado. We had enough time to arrange our drive from Albuquerque to Denver to include an overnight in Alamosa, which is about a 35 mile ride south and west of the park. It was an opportunity we just couldn’t pass up. The Great Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes in all of North America. The spectacular main dunefield stretches over 30 square miles at the foot of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains (the entire park covers nearly 376 square miles). Simply put, this is one of the most Bucket List worthy places in the United States. Our family had been to the park many years ago, and we couldn’t wait to get back for some hiking and R&R.
Here’s a list of what we found!
Sand ~
Sand
Driftwood ~
Driftwood
Dune grass ~
Dune Grass
And sand dunes as far as the eyes could see!
Sand Dunes
You might be thinking: “This is a beach inspired blog, Jody! Where’s the beach?”
And I would reply, “It’s right here!” 🙂
*This is the beach at Medano Creek!*
“Well then, where’s the water?”, you ask.
“Look up! It’s high in the snow pack (14,000 +/- feet) of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains!”, I answer.
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Southern Colorado
Every year, Medano Creek is formed by the melting winter snows. From April to June (and sometimes into July), the icy streams formed by the annual snow melt trickle down the mountain sides to create the Medano Creek beach and play area that are just perfect for splashing, surfing, wading, skimboarding, and floating! In fact, depending on water level, visitors may participate in any non-motorized activities in the creek. Sand boarding and sand sledding on the dunes are all the rage. Sand castle building is a very popular waterside activity, too.
We’re planning a trip back for fun in the sun and water in May or June so there will be more photos to follow. For now, here’s a look at more of the beauty that is Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. It is by far one of the best of the best recreation areas the USA has to offer within its vast (84.4 million acre) National Park System!
Great Sand Dunes
<—– This way to the dunes and beach.
Great Sand Dunes
Can you spot the hikers on the ridges?
Hikers on the Dunes
Great Sand Dunes
Winter at the Great Sand Dunes
~~~
Have a great day at the beach!
~~~
Enchanted Seashells, Confessions of a Tugboat Captain's Wife said
More great pics! You go on some amazing road trips!
Jody said
🙂 Thank you so much! This one was a real doozy!
Enchanted Seashells, Confessions of a Tugboat Captain's Wife said
Just showed the pics to hubs, he’s never been there either!
Jody said
There’s lots of camping here! You can camp right on the dunes!
Celia said
Fascinating–you know how I love sand dunes! And sand dunes with snowy mountains above them are very cool.
Jody said
Thanks! It’s such a beautiful spot. Someday I’d like to head to Indiana Dunes too!
Joycelyn said
Jody, the sand dunes are wonderful! And yes, I kept looking for the beach, haha! 🙂
Jody said
Thank you! I’ll be sure to post the photos of the beach when Medano Creek is flowing in the spring!
Joycelyn said
I will wait for that then ^^
Jody said
🙂
peaceloveandsandytoes said
Awesome Pics Jody! We have been to Denver before but never heard of this place … on the itinerary for the next time we pass through 🙂 Love your work!
Jody said
Thanks so much! The drive from Alamosa to Denver is gorgeous! We drove along the Arkansas River and then into Colordao Springs & up. You could also just head into Pagosa Springs and take I-25 from there. It’ll be great!
Wingclipped said
My closest brush with sand dunes is watching Lawrence of Arabia, so seeing them dusted with snow in photos is completely alien to me, but it looks fantastic!
Jody said
It’s truly amazing!
When we made it to the high ridge, we couldn’t believe how fresh and clean the air felt. It was a quite wonderful experience. ~ The perfect escape for the whole family!
helpwithyourlife said
Gorgeous, informative and well-written as always! Thank you very much Jody! 🙂
Jody said
And thank you, Cathie! I can’t wait to head back for the changing of the seasons!
Marianne said
Jody, these are absolutely beautiful photos! Oh, I think the snow adds something wonderful to the dunes, don’t you? I reminds me, in a way, of the 5 years I spent in El Paso…the mountains, the light snow, and we did visit some sand dunes, but I’m not sure now where they were; just that they were amazing.
Thank you for sharing these, and thank you for your lovely visits to my blog.
Blessings, Marianne
Jody said
Marianne, thank you so very much! The Great Southwest is full of wonderful treasures! Isn’t it? I wonder if you are thinking of White Sands National Monument down in southern New Mexico. Hmmmm, sounds like another road trip I need to plan! 🙂
All the best, Jody
Marianne said
Yes!! White Sands…that was it! Thank you 🙂
Jody said
You’re welcome!
JK Bevill - Lost Creek Publishing said
Reblogged this on lost creek publishing.
Jody said
Thank you! I think it’s grand that you reblogged our post! 🙂
ajaytao2010 said
I Nominate you in for an award,
please choose any one of them
please accept and oblige
http://ajaytao2010.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/a-bouquet-of-awards/
Jody said
Thank you so much! I am honored by your recognition.
ajaytao2010 said
thank you my dear
A Bouquet of Awards – 10 Nominations | Ajaytao 2010 said
[…] Jody […]
lynnwyvill said
The photos are beautiful. Hope you get to go back!
Jody said
Thank you so much! We’re planning a return trip for when the creek is running at (or near) its peak flow. I’m pretty excited about that!
TheGreatZambini said
This is really pretty. I`m so sad I missed it on my trips to Colorado, I`ve only visited the North (Loveland), the South at Colorado Springs, and further South at Pueblo. I`ll be sure to put it on the list for next itme!
Jody said
Yes, you really should! It’s not all that far from Pueblo at all, just two hours +/-. I’ll bet the drive is gorgeous along the route. Enjoy the journey! 🙂
TheGreatZambini said
Next trip I`ll cover all the South of Colorado!
Jody said
You’re going to need a bigger gas tank! 🙂
Evolution of X said
Wow, the hikers were so tiny. Great photos. This will go on my list of places to see if I ever get out west.
Jody said
Thank you! It’s the best of the best! We actually made it to the high ridge and could see over the dunefield for miles. It’s definitely a Bucket Lister!
jakesprinter said
Great photography you have here I love it 🙂
Jody said
Thank you very much! I had such a beautiful subject. The dunes are quite amazing and seem to go on forever!
Eleenie said
Gorgeous photos, that’s quite a place!
Jody said
Thank you! It really is a very special place! We’re so fortunate – the trip for us is just a few hours.