Most people associate Colorado with mountains more than sand dunes, but Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to the tallest dunes in North America, towering more than 750 ft/230 m above the valley floor. The main dune field covers approximately 19,200 acres/7,770 hectares of the 150,000-acre/60,700-hectare park.
The best way to experience the dunes is to run, jump, roll and slide on them. The sun and shadows on the dunes make them fascinating places to photograph. However, the sand heats up under the sun. Visitors should wear shoes to protect their feet.
The park is open daily, and there is a US$15 per vehicle entrance fee. Phone 719-378-6395. https://www.nps.gov/grsa.
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