Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most fascinating places on Earth. I know — strong claim — but this place is truly unique. The hike to High Dune offers the perfect introduction to the vast dunefield, striking a great balance between effort and reward with breathtaking views of rolling sand dunes and the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In this article, I’ll take you on a hike into the dunes, weave in some story time and life lessons inspired by the sand, and share the essentials to plan your visit.

Moab is a hiker’s, adventure seeker’s, and desert lover’s paradise. From here, you can easily reach two iconic national parks — Arches and Canyonlands — but there are also plenty of incredible hikes outside the parks. This region is exactly what many people imagine when they think of Utah. While Moab is close to famous trails like Delicate Arch, you’ll also find hidden gems where you can enjoy some peace and solitude. In this guide, I’ll share my top hiking recommendations in the Moab area — both within and beyond the national parks.