High Dune - Just Hiking

Statistics

Date - 07/27/2024
Elevation - 8,727'
Route - South Slopes
Miles - 2.5
Elevation Gain - 781'
ACME Mapper - Link
CalTopo - Link
Partners - Rebecca Just

Description

Since I was already working in the San Luis Valley, my wife and I decided to spend our 28th wedding anniversary in the area. We started our Saturday morning visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park and hiking to the highest point in the dunes. Becky only went about half way up, but allowed me to finish the slog to the "summit". I'm not sure if the elevation gain or elevation of the High Dune is accurate; however, I just used what was on GaiGPS and my Strava feed. The Sand Dunes are a very remarkable place and it's always great visiting this area of the state.

After the dunes, Rebecca and I hiked into Zapata Falls to clean the sand off ourselves and cool off. We then visited the Colorado Gators Reptile Park and held a baby alligator. At this point, we needed a late lunch and drove to the little hippy down of Crestone, Colorado, for a drink and pizza at the T Road Brewing Company. We finished the day soaking in the pools at Joyful Journey Hot Springs.

Photos

Becky hiking the dunes.

Sand Dunes

The summit ridge of the High Dune.

Looking down the east ridge of the High Dune.

Summit Photo

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