Western Wanderlust Chronicles

From icy mountain streams to snow-capped peaks and rolling desert dunes, Greg and I embarked on another unforgettable adventure this weekend, immersing ourselves in the breathtaking landscape of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Imagine waves of sand rising sky-high, sculpted by the wind and ever-changing beneath your feet. Welcome to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, home to North America’s tallest dunes, where the towering 750-foot peaks of sand clash dramatically against the alpine beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This Southern Colorado gem is a playground for adventurers—offering sandboarding, hiking, and an endless horizon of exploration.

This marked our third visit to the dunes, each trip bringing new challenges and unforgettable moments. The first time, we stayed in Alamosa, zigzagging our way to the top of High Dune (a grueling 700-foot climb in soft sand!). On our second visit, we camped, conquered High Dune again, splashed around in Medano Creek, visited Zapata Falls, and attempted the hike to Zapata Lake—a journey that, unfortunately, we had to cut short.

For this third adventure, we took things at a slightly more relaxed pace, choosing to camp at The Oasis Campground, a perfect base just outside the park.

Camping at The Oasis Campground

If you’re seeking solitude, stunning desert views, and star-filled skies, The Oasis Campground is the perfect spot. Nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it offers primitive wilderness tent sites—ideal for those who enjoy a raw and immersive camping experience.

Surrounded by rugged, arid vegetation, the landscape is dotted with sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and piñon pines that thrive in the harsh yet beautiful conditions. With minimal shade, we were thankful for our canopy, offering a much-needed break from the intense afternoon sun.

Exploring the Park

The wind was relentless, whipping up stinging grains of sand that made a full ascent up the dunes less than appealing. Instead, we opted for a leisurely stroll along the edges, dipping our feet into the cool waters of Medano Creek. The gentle waves rolling over the sand made for a refreshing, almost surreal experience—where else can you find a river running through a desert?

Next, we explored the Visitor Center, diving into interactive exhibits that revealed the geology, wildlife, and history of this unique ecosystem. The observation deck provided a breathtaking panoramic view, showcasing the towering dunes against the rugged mountain backdrop—a sight that never gets old.

Camping and Preparing for Our Next Hike

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we settled in for a well-earned feast—juicy steak tacos sizzling over the fire (because camping meals should always be next-level delicious!). As night fell, the sky transformed into a canvas of stars, unpolluted by city lights, and we soaked in the tranquility of the San Luis Valley.

But the adventure wasn’t over yet. Tomorrow, we would attempt the Zapata Lake hike once again—the very trail that defeated us two years ago. Would we finally conquer it? Only time would tell. Stay tuned for the next chapter of our journey!