Picture this: you’re standing at the foot of the tallest dunes in North America, a snow-capped mountain towering behind you, and nature singing all around you. If it sounds awe-inspiring, that’s because it is! And it’s exactly why Great Sand Dunes National Park needs to be next on your national park bucket list.

It may not be the country’s most well-known park, but it’s a gem in and of itself! Today, we are exploring Great Sand Dunes and walking you through everything you need to know to plan a perfect day in one of Colorado's most underrated parks.

In this episode, we cover:

• The geography that makes this place so amazing
• Where to stay near the park
• The quiet little nature trail that will soothe your soul
• The full Medano Creek experience, including when to come for "Colorado's beach" (yes…it is as interesting as it sounds!)
• Sand sledding tips (and why it is so much better here than at White Sands)
• Everything you need to know about hiking High Dune
• Our perfect day at Great Sand Dunes from sunrise to sunset

Your task for today: Have you been to Great Sand Dunes National Park? Tell us your best (or most sand-blasted) memory over on the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram pages — and bonus points if you have a video of yourself sand sledding (gracefully…or ungracefully, no shame)!

Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-great-sand-dunes-national-park-best-tips-activities/

Planning your own Great Sand Dunes National Park adventure?

• 5 Things You Can't Miss On Your First Visit to Great Sand Dunes: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-things-cant-miss-first-visit-great-sand-dunes-national-park/
• Episode 35: Swimming Holes in the Parks: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/swimming-holes-in-the-parks-olympic-great-sand-dunes-and-dry-tortugas/
• Episode 110: Colorado National Parks Road Trip!: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/colorado-national-parks-road-trip/
• Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
• National Parks Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/
• Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/