The Colorado great sand dunes can be found in southern Colorado. They can be found on the east side of the San Luis Valley. They are between the Blanca Massif and Crestone Needle mountain ranges. There, in Great Sand Dunes National Park, you will find North America's tallest sand dunes. These natural wonders rise over 750 feel high. Great Sand Dunes National Monument contains over 30 square miles of these Colorado great sand dunes.
Families in particular will enjoy the Colorado great sand dunes. Families can enjoy the magical beauty of Great Sand Dunes National Park, they can build sandcastles, and they can take nature walks for starters. These activities make the Great Sand Dunes National Monument a true national treasure that families and individuals alike can enjoy. If you or your family are having such a great time looking at and exploring the Colorado great sand dunes that you don't want to leave, then simply stay. For a very reasonable fee, a family can sleep in the shadow of the dunes at the campground, which rests near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a combination of Great Sand Dunes National Monument and National Wilderness Ares and 97,000 acres of the Baca Grande Ranch. The dunes themselves are due to the wind and rain eroding mountains that circle the San Luis Valley. At the foot of the mountains, the wind drops its load of sand so that it can clear the mountains. This phenomenon helps to form the Colorado great sand dunes. They have built up to their current shape over thousands and thousands of years. They are moist throughout and thus hold their general shape. However, the appearance of them changes daily as the dry sand on the surface blows and shapes with each day's prevailing winds.
For the children, there are many education activities surrounding the Colorado great sand dunes. One great program offered by Great Sand Dunes National Park is the ranger-led education. Rangers offer education based programs for subjects such as animals and ecosystems, plants, and cultural history. These programs generally last about 2 hours and are very hands-on. The hands-on approach allows students to understand how they are connected with the natural world. In addition to the education by rangers, the park also offers resources for classrooms. These resources vary and are for all class ages from Kindergarten through 12th grade. With the two mentioned programs, there are many others that a class trip may benefit from on an educational level. Also, these programs can benefit families as well, so be sure to contact the Great Sand Dunes National Monument before your visit to find out about educational opportunities.
As a mystical and magical place, the Great Sand Dunes National Park is a wonderful place to visit. You will find spectacular views, hiking and camping opportunities, and you may even learn a thing or two about one of North America's true natural treasures. Grab the family, pack up the car, and head to the magical sight that is the Colorado great sand dunes in southern Colorado.