Colorado - Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park located at the foot of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains in Colorado, was initially established as a national monument in 1932 and redesignated as a national park in 2004. It encompasses 149,137 acres protecting wetlands, forests, tundra, and the tallest dunes in North America. The Star Dune reaches an elevation of 755 feet. The dunes landscape has constantly been evolving. After winter, snow melts, bringing Medano and Sand creeks to life, transporting sand particles accumulated in mountain slopes back to the valley floor with their water. Blowing wind from the valley moves the sand particle towards the mountains, and when it changes the direction during the storm, it moves the sand back, helping dunes grow vertically. In addition to a spectacular landscape, plenty of wildlife found a home there, including pronghorn, mountain lions, black bears, mules, and bighorn sheep. In addition, the Great Sand Dunes National Park was certified as an International Dark Sky Park. It is a fantastic place providing excellent opportunities for both landscape and wildlife photographers.
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