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.

What could be more breathtaking than a road trip from California’s rugged Pacific coast across Utah’s deep red deserts to Colorado’s rushing mountain rivers in late spring? Imagine yourself traversing the vast, sun-scorched deserts along the Loneliest Road in America, gazing into the universe under some of the world’s darkest skies, hiking the tallest sand dunes in the Northern Hemisphere, and admiring turquoise alpine lakes while looking down at bone-dry deserts stretching endlessly below. In this article, I’ll take you through my absolute favorite outdoor adventures on a three-week road trip spanning California’s coastline, Utah and Nevada’s wild landscapes, and Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.