The Continuous Ridges of the Great Sand Dunes

New Mexico

June 2021

The Great Sand Dunes Illusion

While driving toward the Great Sand Dunes National Park, we saw the dunes appearing at the foot of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Because these mountain peaks are over 13,000 feet high, we doubted that these dunes were the tallest in North America, since they appeared uninterestingly small from a distance. However, the closer we got, the larger they grew. Looking around, we suddenly realized that the tiny, moving dots on the dunes’ ridges were people climbing to the top! We suddenly couldn’t wait to explore the dunes ourselves.

A Threatened Past, A Protected Present

We started our hike near the visitor center. Here, we learned that people have been drawn to this landscape for over 11,000 years, from prehistoric hunters chasing mammoths to indigenous tribes like the Ute, who named the area “sand that moves.” It was also hard to believe that in the 1920s, people actually wanted to destroy this beautiful place to mine it for gold and to manufacture concrete. A local women’s club successfully campaigned to have it protected, first as a national monument in 1932, and about 72 years later as a National Park.

After getting our information and brochures, we crossed Medano Creek, a seasonal river where dozens of families were splashing in the water. The creek is the lifeblood of the park, surrounded by desert scrub. It naturally recycles the sand by washing it from the mountains right back down to the valley floor, where the powerful valley winds eventually blow it right back up against the mountain base.

.When Nature Tells You to Turn Back

When Nature Tells You to Turn Back

Once across the creek, the reality of this harsh environment became clear. The afternoon sun turned the sand into a baking oven with temperatures that can easily reach up to 150°F (65°C). It made walking barefoot completely impossible. Having not brought the right footwear for today’s hike, my husband decided to walk in his socks while I kept my shoes on.

Climbing uphill through soft, shifting sand at a high altitude and in intense heat was incredibly strenuous, and every step forward felt like sliding half a step back. When I thought I had finally reached the peak of a dune, I looked ahead only to realize we weren’t even halfway up the enormous area.

Already exhausted, and with a dark storm sky rapidly approaching over the mountains, I decided it was time for me to turn back. My husband, determined as ever, chose to continue to the High Dune. I took my snack and water bottle, headed back down, grabbed a raincoat from the car, and spent some time exploring the safer paved trails around the visitor center.

Hikers Okay, The Socks Not So Much

Eventually, I got a message from him that he was already waiting for me at the car; he had also turned back earlier. When I got there, I couldn’t help but laugh. He was okay and safe, but his socks were not; they were completely worn out with dozens of tiny holes.

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Date

Friday, June 25, 2021

Distance

5.05 mi

Moving Time

2:00:37 hrs

WEATHER

66 °F, gentle breeze