Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
The sand originated in the San Juan Mountains over 65 miles to the west. The larger, rougher grains and pebbles originated in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Wind and water are the primary movers of the sand. These mountains were volcanic mountains. The melting snow, from the mountains, moved most of the sand and the wind piled it up at the base of the mountains at the valley floor. The Sand Dunes’ age is estimated from 12,000 years to over a million years. The Sand Dunes reach heights of 750 feet. These are the tallest Sand Dunes in North America. The sand is coarser than the sand on Cape Cod beaches. The erosion from the mountains has reduced over time. Most of the sand deposits, outside of the dunefield, are stabilized by plants. It is quite impressive as you drive through the valley and come upon these Sand Dunes at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
While in the area we visited Fort Garland which Kit Carson commanded New Mexico Volunteers from 1866-1867. Kit was instrumental in negotiating treaties with Chief Oury and the Utes. Sue got a kick out of reading about Kit Carson as he truly was an American Western hero.
The sand originated in the San Juan Mountains over 65 miles to the west. The larger, rougher grains and pebbles originated in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Wind and water are the primary movers of the sand. These mountains were volcanic mountains. The melting snow, from the mountains, moved most of the sand and the wind piled it up at the base of the mountains at the valley floor. The Sand Dunes’ age is estimated from 12,000 years to over a million years. The Sand Dunes reach heights of 750 feet. These are the tallest Sand Dunes in North America. The sand is coarser than the sand on Cape Cod beaches. The erosion from the mountains has reduced over time. Most of the sand deposits, outside of the dunefield, are stabilized by plants. It is quite impressive as you drive through the valley and come upon these Sand Dunes at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
While in the area we visited Fort Garland which Kit Carson commanded New Mexico Volunteers from 1866-1867. Kit was instrumental in negotiating treaties with Chief Oury and the Utes. Sue got a kick out of reading about Kit Carson as he truly was an American Western hero.
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