Camping at the Sand Dunes and Emerald Lake

A few weeks ago Andy and I went camping at Great Sand Dunes National Park (http://www.nps.gov/GRSA/index.htm). Which is truly one of the most amazing places I've ever been. It was so strange to see the huge dunes on the edge of the plains before the mountains. We had been warned by several people to go early in the morning so the sand wasn't lava under our feet. So we drive there on Friday night and camped overnight then got up very early to go hiking. I"m still not sure if we hiked the highest Dune, Star Dune or if it was just the second highest dune, High Dune, reguardless it was an amazing view. (Star Dune peaks at 750ft and High Dune reaches 650ft)

Beautiful light on the drive to the Dunes (a Three hour drive from the Springs) near the Spanish Peaks


Playing with painting with light at the campsite near the Sand Dunes


Dawn coming into our tent at the campsite near the Sand Dunes


Andy and I posing for a picture while hiking on the Sand Dunes early in the morning






View of the Sand Dunes and the mountains from the highest dune we climbed


Andy and I on the Dunes

That afternoon we drove to Crestone planning on camping there for the night, however there were not camping spaces left (they're available on a first come first serve basis) so we're planning on going back later to do this spot and hike.


View of the mountains coming into Crestone

Then we drive to Emerald Lake to spend our second night, a lot more people there, but it was still very pretty!


Emerald Lake


Sunrise at Emerald Lake (Photo Andrew List)


Driving through the South Park on the way home

I hope you enjoy the pictures! More adventures to come!
-Rachel