The ESSENTIAL Guide
to GREAT SAND DUNES
NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE
"A bleak ghost forest
stands where healthy ponderosa pines once thrived, smothered by escape dunes.A small river flows in surges as miniature sand dunes below the
water surface, antidunes, form and shift, producing waves up to a foot
high in the river.Unique insects
that can withstand surface sand temperatures of over 140°F
enjoy a barbecue dinner of the remains of less fortunate bugs.A small rodent survives in this desert environment without ever drinking
water.Welcome to the surprising
and dramatic world of the Great Sand Dunes."
(click
here, or click the image above to see the front & back cover details for
this book)
Cultural
History
Just west of the Park, archaeologists found a camp used for meat processing with
artifacts that date back to this era. Archaeological sites within the park
contain remnants of mammoth, camels, and an ancient bison that was about 1½ to 2
times the size of modern animals. Ask at the Visitor Center to see the huge
mammoth tooth, similar to ones found in the Park. Its size and weight will
astound you! It's easy to picture a camel walking along the sands today, but an
immense, elephant-like creature is harder to imagine. It’s possible that there
were sand dunes in the area even back when the earliest people (and mammoths)
passed through this area 10,000-12,000 years ago.
Natural History
Compare a photo of the Great Sand Dunes taken in 1873 by William Henry Jackson
with another taken around 1999 by John Fielder
(Colorado, 1870-2000 by
Jackson/Fielder). Did the individual dunes change shape in 125 years? Yes. But
does the dune field overall look about the same? Yes! These dunes oscillate
but don’t migrate (for the most part).
Hiking on the Dunes
Hiking on the Dunes is a unique and special activity. In many National Parks or
Monuments, Rangers must remind visitors not to touch this or walk on that
feature of the area. When you hike onto the Dunes, however, you can draw your
name in the sand in 18 foot high letters if you like, because you won’t be doing
any harm. The winds will erase your artwork in a few hours or a few days. These
ancient sand dunes will continue to cause wonder and amazement for visitors for
many, many years to come.
Hikes accessible from the Wet Mountain Valley The
moderate 2.5 hour hike to Medano Lake is one of the most enjoyable in the Park
and Preserve. The terrain is varied and the trail generally gradual with only a
couple of steeper sections as you near the Lake. You can extend your outing to
include a strenuous hike to the summit of Mt. Herard, which offers wonderful
views of the entire sand dune complex, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the San
Luis Valley, and the San Juan Mountains in the distance. No admission charged!
Miscellaneous
Locals tell us
that in 1895, 3 miners were prospecting in North Arrastre Canyon above what is
now the Great Sand Dunes Oasis Campground. They struck gold, and wanted to
celebrate their good fortune, so they sent one fellow into town to buy them
“some good alcohol.”
The man traveled to
Mosca, but somehow the salesclerk thought he wanted to buy “some wood alcohol.”
Sadly, upon his return to his companions, the three miners drank the deadly
substance in what was their final toast in life.
The miners are buried
within the Oasis Campground, near the old train car. New grave markers were
recently placed above each grave.
Look for this guidebook
to Great Sand Dunes and Southern Colorado's San Luis Valley region at a bookstore near you. You may
also order an autographed copy
directly from the authors or order
from
by
Jackson/Fielder). Did the individual dunes change shape in 125 years? Yes. But
does the dune field overall look about the same? Yes! These dunes oscillate
but don’t migrate (for the most part).