The Great Sand Dunes National Park

    The Great Sand Dunes National Park and the southwestern part of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range within are, in my mind, the most opportune locations in Colorado for landscape photography. Seeming totally out of place at the edge of the snow-covered Rocky Mountains, these dunes of pure golden sand cover an area of about 35 square miles and reach heights of 700 feet above the floor of the flat San Luis Valley, making them the tallest dunes in the United States. The valley below, which is over 7,500 feet in elevation, extends for more than 100 miles south into New Mexico and is bordered by the San Juan Mountains to the west and the lower Sangre de Cristo Range to the east, hills that mark the edge of the Rockies and continue southward toward Santa Fe. I’ve observed wide varieties of flora and fauna throughout the area. Wildlife sightings are common. Recent observations include mule deer, elk, coyotes, golden and bald eagles, ravens, magpies and, just outside park boundaries, American bison. Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro, Tamron 18-200mm ƒ/3.5-6.3 

 

To Get There

There are several ways to get to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, but seeing that a majority of visitors to Colorado pass through Denver, I'll offer the Eastern route. From Denver or Colorado Springs, drive South on Interstate 25 to Walsenberg and exit on to Colorado Highway 160 West through La Veta Pass. 15 miles before Alamosa you will see signs for Route 150 which takes you directly to the main gate of the park. 

What to Bring

The Dunes has fun for all ages and if you have little ones consider bringing a Snow Saucer or Shell Sled for them to ride down the Dunes on. There is wildlife peantiful so a set of binoculars would be beneficial and then you already know to bring a camera. You can photography all the year round but keep in mind that wind blows nearly all the year round too. In vesting in a system to keep the fine dust out of your camera would be very wise. There are several camera and lens weather shields you can find at a good camera shop anda weather proof bag is alsoa smart investment.

Pick a lens that can serve several functions to keep you from the temptation of changing lenses out on the dunes. Most importantly protecyt yourself with a good sun screen in the daylight hours and have water ready at all times.

April 2009 Outdoor Photographer Magazine Article