Great Sand Dunes NP

Oct. 4, 2019

After a very forgettable stop in a campground northwest of Denver and a thankfully eventless passage though the Denver megatropolis that is most of eastern Colorado along I-25, we stopped at Haggard's RV  campground west of Pueblo CO for a few days R&R.

 

A former KOA,  Haggard's is family run with friendly people, a reasonably priced laundry an even a propane filling station.  To top it off it's part of Pasport America so the first 2 nights were 1/2 price.

A nearby fire didn't effect us but made for some colorful sunsets. 

While planning our route south we noticed Great Sand Dunes National Park, a park that wasn't even on our radar.  In October all the campsites in Pinon Flats  campground are first come, first serve which we like.  However, the timing wasn't great, we'd be arriving Friday afternoon. 

Our reasarch told us it's an older campground with a limited number of campsites we'd fit into.  Driving through the first loop, it wasn't looking good. On the way out of the loop we saw site 32 with a great view and we just might fit.  It took several tries  but we shoehorned our way in.

Some afternoon views from the visitors center. 

Mount Herald shrouded in the afternoon rain clouds.

Wider views of the dunes along side of the Sanger De Cristo Mountains.

Late afternoon from the campsite.

Oct. 5, 2019

Hiking the Dune Overlook trail.

The 8500 ft elevation made the climb to the overlook a challenge for both of us.  Aspin grove in the background in full fall colors. 

Later that day, we went for a walk on the dunes.

We were wondering what made these trails on the Dunes... worms, snakes?

A little while later we got the answer.  This little guy was trying as best he could to climb up the face of the dune.  Sorry, I don't know what beetle this is... or if it really is a bettle.

Eventually he gave up and headed down the dune.

Ever feel like someone's following you!

Heading back to the camper.

Coming next, Return to Chaco Canyon.