by Jaipi Sixbear

Ready to get out of Denver for the weekend? Why not take a fall camping trip to see the biggest pile of sand ever? Camping is available year round at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Mosca, Colorado. These dunes are the largest in the nation, some measuring over 750 feet.

The Great Sand Dunes were and are formed by the erosion of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountains. The wind carries the sand to this location in the San Luis valley naturally. Two winds meet here, carrying the sand, which drops to the ground below.

The scenery at the dunes is always changing due to the blowing and drifting sand. No picture justifies the Great Sand Dunes, which are set against a beautiful mountain backdrop. In the fall, the colors of the dark blue snow capped mountain contrast with autumn leaves and glistening sand for an unmatched setting.

Why camp in the Denver city limits when this beautiful national monument is so close to home? If you live in Denver and have never seen the Great Sand Dunes, this is a great weekend excursion. Do a little fall camping here before warm weather takes its' final bow.

Fall weather in the Great Sand Dunes fluctuates. There will be hot days where the sand burns your toes. Don't wear sandals, for just this reason. There will also be days that are quite chilly in the fall. Snow is a real possibility at this altitude. Check the weather prior to venturing out.

The nicest thing about fall camping at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is that the summer crowds have dissipated. Medano creek is very popular with the summer fun crowd but there are some fall days when the creek provides a nice cool off too.

In addition to the dunes, the Great Sand Dunes park features grasslands, shrub lands and wetlands to explore. There are horseback riding trails, educational programs, tours, hiking and special kids events.
Don't forget the sand boarding, sledding and skiiing available on the dunes themselves.

For information on fall camping at the Great Sand Dunes go here. You will also find information on all the available activities at the same website. Don't forget to check for “things to know before you come”. This is a very helpful guide on safety and other considerations for visitors.