Great Sand Dune National Park and Preserve and is a one of a kind place in Colorado. This lesser known national park was actually the first national park in Colorado that I ever visited. I wasn't really sure what to expect when we arrived, but truthfully, I was amazed at this unusual landscape smack dab in the middle of the USA. Maybe you're like me and when you think "sand" you think "beach." To our surprise, we really enjoyed our time in this much less visited national park. The lack of insane crowds combined with the fact that this is one of the most dog friendly national parks in the USA instantly sold us.
One of the best ways to experience Great Sand Dunes is just to walk around and explore this region. The park is incredibly visual so we'd recommend visiting and sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Not to mention that because the sand dunes are exposed with no tree coverage, you'll want to be out of the elements in the heat of the day.
Without further ado, here are our favorite photos from Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve that we hope inspire wanderlust in your soul that will encourage you to plan your own trip to this Colorado gem.