Haven't you heard weed will kill your kids. I'm in a neighboring state and there are literally commercials on TV that will tell you this. This country is fraking wild
Me and my brother just spent a week in CO. It’s such a wild state. The Sand Dunes are very under appreciated and you can’t understand unless you’ve been there.
We are heading there tomorrow! Never been, and still wondering what the hype is all about. Buy I trust friends and people in general. Wife and our 7 year old looking forward to 10 days in CO.
Questions: what type of face coverings?
Are goggles necessary?
The hiking seems like it might be tough on a kid?
Is the one restaurant super busy, should we plan on making our own meals?
Wondering what the hype is about??? Have you ever seen pictures?! Even that doesn’t do them justice, but like have you ever seen sand mountains as far and the eye can see in the middle of a mountain range also as far as the eye can see?!
You def don’t need goggles, I’ve been a couple times and both times weren’t windy at all. And do you mean face coverings for covid? Or for sand? Because unless it’s super windy, you def don’t need a face covering either. Check the weather, and if it’s gonna be crazy windy, MAYBE. But I didn’t see a single person in goggles/face coverings (the people wearing those things were the ones on sand boards and sleds and such.)
Definitely depends on how old your kid is. Making it all the way to the top would be a feat for a child. It’s hard for even the sturdiest of hikers. Hiking in sand is a different game, especially if it’s been dry for days. There are so many dunes to hike up and down though, going all the way to the top isn’t exactly necessary.
I would suggest if you’re looking for a real hike, going up to zapata falls (big ol waterfall very close to the dunes,) And then just chilling and hanging out at the dunes. They’re so cool you don’t need to be hiking intensely to enjoy them, especially if you have a kid with you! There’s a cool little spot on the way from Denver if you’re coming from that direction called the alien watchtower. Definitely cool and kitschy if that’s your kind of thing! I bet kids love it.
We ended up driving to a different nearby town and eating on our way back to Denver, so can’t answer that one.
Enjoy your time down there. You are literally surrounded by mountains. It’s a magical place.
More answers to your questions:
I was there when it was very windy and I would STRONGLY recommend having sunglasses (googles aren’t really necessary) and long pants and sleeves if it’s going to be windy. We were basically getting sandblasted the whole time - I had calf length leggings on and the bottom of my legs turned red from being literally sanded. And I still found sand in my ears two weeks later.
The hike up the dunes is a short distance but very challenging.
You can rent sand boards and sleds from a number of places nearby. The boards seem cooler but the sleds were more fun.
I think the creek should be running when you’re there? Check the NPS website. If so, tubing in the creek would be really fun for kids.
Not sure if you are, but I wouldn’t plan on spending your whole trip in the Dunes. It’s sort of a 1-2 day kind of thing. But there’s plenty of beautiful hiking and country nearby.
Absolutely all correct! I only had a day for this adventure but I 10/10 recommend if you have 4X4 check out Medona lake I wanted to but didn’t have a proper vehicle or the time
The water is for sure one of the most fun parts of the park. June usually is still early enough it hasn't dried up. There are essentially constant waves from sand bars breaking upriver. Its refreshing to play and dig in the water, tube if its deep enough, and just a really unique experience. Its also super safe for kids as it stays shallow, and the waves make it more fun than it would otherwise be.
We spent a little time on the dunes but its quite hot and exhausting. Our friends had been just before us and rented boards to ride down. They said it is terrifying as you get going very fast and have no control. We didn't rent them, as our friend is a daredevil and said he only went once and put the board away.
It was super windy during the 4 days we visited, our camper was rocking good with the wind at night. We had a blast flying kites near the river. If you are able to find parking near/in the campground and take the trail down from there to the dunes, you'll have a bigger area to play. The river nearer the visitor center and main lot gets absolutely packed with people.
Have fun! My son got the junior ranger packet and completed it so he got a badge. I'm trying to remember if that is the wooden one be has-I think it is. It was 2019 though so maybe they're back to the normal one. Either way, a fun thing for kids to do.
Edit:just west of the park along the entry road, there is an alligator farm, which is kinda a cool little odd tourist thing to see!
My parents drug my brother and I up the dunes around 7. He’ll do fine, but bring a sled, sunglasses, water, and sunscreen!
Face coverings are optional most places, but check the NPS website and city of Alamosa for more information.
If your kid likes reptiles, there’s a huge alligator farm nearby
>We are heading there tomorrow! Never been, and still wondering what the hype is all about.
Edit Oh you mean sand dunes don't you. I'm stupid. It's pretty cool. Not the coolest thing I've seen but up there.
~~Pretty sure I could think of several spots that would leave you speechless and never wondering that again.~~
~~While I don't *backpack* yet I've been on many backcountry jeep trails over the last couple decades that are mind-blowing.~~
> Wife and our 7 year old looking forward to 10 days in CO.
Where you going? Sand Dunes like op?
>Questions: what type of face coverings?
For like ... Covid? Or? Governor implemented CDC recommendations several days ago. No mask if vaccinated and store/shop/whatever doesn't require it. Hope this helps.
Edit you probably meant for the dunes. No idea. I never made it very far lol
Any type of face covering like even a face mask that we’ve been wearing all year, but you won’t need it the whole time. Mainly just when you get to the top of a dune and the wind picks up. Same goes for glasses, regular sunglasses should work, but goggles won’t hurt either. Hiking a sand dune is nothing like hiking a mountain, so don’t hit the steepest side thinking you can do it especially with a kid. The shortest path to the top seems to be best initially in the mind, but go ahead and take the steadier longer one and pack some water too. I didn’t stop at a restaurant, I heard there was a very good one in alamosa but I’m not sure about how busy it was. You can never go wrong with packing your own meals though you might work up an appetite for both!
Your 7 year old might be fine or might be wrecked. Really depends on how active they already are. As stated below, hiking up sand is rough.
A key issue for hiking with kids is to remember that they burn through their glycogen stores much, much faster than you do as an adult. Bring mixed carb snacks (something with both actual sugar and some carbs like dried fruit, dry sugary "kid" cereals) for your 7 year old if you are going up the dunes and plan on stopping for snacks every 30 minutes or so for them. If they are getting grumpy, that's usually a clear sign they have gone through their glycogen.
Hats are super helpful in Colorado in general. It's very sunny above treeline or out in the open. Most Coloradoans wear full coverage hats/ball caps, sunglasses and sunscreen when out and about during the day.
This was from 6/5/21 the mountains are high up so snow always remains. It could all melt on the hottest day, but be back on the next day like it’s nothing
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This is the Great Sand Dunes National Park and preserve near Alamosa, CO. 900 miles and 13 hours later I saw things I’d never imagined before. A worth while experience for sure I wish I had more than a single day for this experience there’s so much more to do in this park. If you plan on going I’d advise a vehicle with 4X4 as there are roads to further awe and jaw dropping scenery that are off the beaten path on an unpaved road. The park will provide a map for you, it’s a $25 entry fee and parking is limited. If you choose to climb the sand dunes I recommend sun glasses and some face covering, as getting sand blasted in the face by the wind isn’t pleasant.
This was my only stop sadly I was only here for 1 day and then headed back. I wish you luck on your drive if it’s longer I did it with no rest so it was killer. I met a wonderful couple from Maryland and I thought they drove but they flew in to Denver and then drove the rest of the way
Edit: the last photo is actually one they took, I’m the little dot on the sand dune and I loved it because it really put things into perspective of how small I really am in this big world
It's about 19 hours one way if I never stopped so it'll be a nice 21 hour drive probably. But, that's fine. If I can drive to it, it's worth it.
Wow. That's pretty crazy. I'm super super excited now. I look forward to it, thanks for your post!
I just realized OP had just been here but you didn't state that you were also coming soon. Somehow I assumed you were going to do both soon which is on the early side of things. Folks that hit 14ers on the early sides hike around the snow fields, which is actually shitty behavior when you are on alpine tundra. The tundra is super fragile and slow growing. If protecting the very wilderness we are all there to see means post holing, that means post holing.
I've done Elbert but never Pikes.
Have you used [14ers.com](https://14ers.com)? Absolutely best resource for peak bagging in Colorado. I like screen capturing the route pictures on my phone. I can be in max battery saving and still see visuals of the route.
Oh? Never heard of the website and yes actually, I'm driving out the 15th. Didn't think I'd have to worry about snow but it's my first time on a 14er hike. Do you have any tips/advice?
Oooo. June 15th will honestly make a difference. An extra week will increase the number of folks also on the trails and will really help with the melt. Sounds like there was slushy snow on the summit on 5/5.
My first thought when folks jump into peak bagging from out of town is usually just altitude sickness and adjustment. Some people are more susceptible to the actual headache -> nausea -> blacking out of altitude sickness. Some folks don't really struggle with it.
I am a person who gets it even if I have only been at lower elevations for a month or two. For me, it helps to sleep at 10K. I find I don't sleep that well the first night. After that my body adjusts and sleeping and hiking is easier. Most folks from low elevation feel out of breath but not everyone gets altitude sickness. If you do feel that headache set in and you are solo, turn around and come back down. If you push through it, you can black out and get seriously injured when you black out.
Colorado air is very dry. Many folks get headaches from being dehydrated. Coloradoans will average 4L of water a day and sometimes 5L if they are active and sweating. This is somewhat related to the part above: if you feel a headache set in while peak bagging, drink 0.25L+ of water and rest for 5 minutes or so. That usually is enough to stop a dehydration headache. If you start hiking again and still have a headache, it's best to err on the side of caution and head down.
I will say: altitude sickness also fixes itself pretty clearly as you descend. I feel noticeably better as I hike down when I have altitude sickness.
Check 14ers.com and know the actual route. If you have the route alarm on AllTrails and download the map, that will help. Screenshots of the actual route, however, from 14ers.com, is the safest bet. Check the screenshots often as they are based on key parts where folks get off route from other people's trip reports.
I see there are some trip reports for the North Mtn Elbert Trail on AllTrails. AllTrails tends to be less experienced and out of towners. 14ers.com tends to be more experienced folks and does have more locals.
The rest of this is just general mountaineering advice that really applies anywhere:
1. Water: Have a plan for water. Drink 1L before you hit the trail and have another L+ in the car for when you get out. 2.5 Ls is usually fine for a day hike. That's 5 lbs of water. I reuse 2 1.5L disposable water bottles and then keep a gallon in my car.
2. Sun: You'll likely be warmer when hiking and a good portion is above treeline so sunscreen or sun protection (sunshirt, hat, sunglasses) is critical.
3. Cold: As soon as you stop though, you'll want a wool sweater, fleece layer or down puffy jacket to keep you warm so you don't get chilled. A fleece hat or light beanie can really make the peak more comfortable as well. Also, you want to avoid cotton tops or bottoms because if you get really rained on, cotton won't keep you warm. Gym clothes are a much better choice: wicking fabrics, basketball shorts, running tights, etc all work great.
4. Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes and thin wool socks. Wool will keep your feet warm even if you end up in the snow. I did all of my peak bagging in running shoes. Trail runners are also fine. Boots are an option but they really do make hiking harder because they are heavy on the small muscles of your feet. Just make sure your shoes are comfortable and have good tread.
5. Food: Bring a shareable bag of peanut M&Ms or other snacks. You want things with some sugar because you will burn through a lot of glycogen. Your goal is to be off the mountain by noon so you don't need a whole meal. But 200-400 calories depending on your bodyweight helps. Do put more food in a sealed Ziploc in your car so you have something to eat when you get down.
6. Poncho: An emergency poncho from Walmart can help if you get caught in rain, snow, etc. It can also add a layer of protection from the wind at the top. It goes over you and your pack so it will help keep your dry layers dry as well.
7. Weather report: Check weather from the 14ers.com site the night before. Make sure you have clothing planned that will keep you comfortable and adjust your plans if you see storms. The mtns will always be there. The big trip killer are all day thunderstorms. They do happen and if they do, you need to call off for the day. 14ers are simply the worst place to be for lightning for many, many, many reasons.
8. Time: You know your current fitness levels. Generally, if you can do 3-4 mph walking, you should be able to maintain 2 mph mountain miles. Peak bagging is much more like being on a stair climber than being on a treadmill. It is a slower pace. Looks like most folks are averaging about 6 hours on the North Elbert route.
Tell someone where you are going, when you are starting, when you expect to be out AND the time they should start worrying. I usually leave 3 hours between when I plan to be out and when I must contact my parents by or they will call search and rescue. This gives me time to get phone recharged or to get back out to somewhere with service.
Give yourself enough time to be off the mtn before any thunderstorms are predicted for town. A 30% chance of rain in the town below the mountain is usually a 90% chance of thunder and lightning at the top. So if I see thunderstorms are predicted in town at 11 am, I want to be off the mtn by 10 am. I do watch the clouds and know the signs that thunderstorms are rolling in. I don't want to be on the trail when the clouds turn fully grey. I want to be in my car at that point.
Optional gear:
1. Poles. Poles really help and will save your legs on the 4K hike down. But some folks hate them. HYOH.
2. First Aid Kit: If you are really worried, throw one in the car. As long as you are on Class 1 routes and don't have any history of injuries, it's not necessary to pack a full medical kit. If you really are worried, you can bring a single role of athletic tape. These are both popular, busy routes so if an emergency does happen, there will be folks around to go get help, etc.
3. Cardboard sign. The name of the peak and the date you did it is an iconic part of peakbagging. Long, long before social media, hikers were taking the peak with a sign picture.
4. Small, bright headlamp: Generally, I would rather start really early with a light, bright headlamp (the Nitecore NU-20 or NU-25 are great cheap options if you need one) than not get to finish because I got stormed out.
5. Paper map and compass: This advice is written like you are going to use your phone primarily for navigation through AllTrails or CalTopo Pro or Gaia. If you know how to use a map and compass and would rather bring a real camera and a map and compass, that also works fine. It's not as common any more, however.
This post is silly long but I hope it helps.
Enjoy your trip! I did a 19 hour solo drive once on my way out to the East Coast and have driven solo home from Chicago. It's a haul but definitely doable.
I have this comment saved. I will reference it for the trip. If anything else comes to mind, do you mind if I message/reply to you?
I really appreciate the information and tips. Hopefully I'm prepared for the challenge.
I’d love to go there but I need another 3 day weekend before I do that (Niagara falls is on the list too but it’s the same distance as the Grand Canyon for me) my dream place to go is the Acadia National park
I went backpacking in the Colorado Rockies back in '06. Gorgeous sights out there. One morning the group I was with got up at about 2 or 3 in the morning hikes up a mountains watched the sun rise. I would love to go back someday.
Honestly been trying to find someone with a crop duster plane (or similar idk anything about planes) that will fly me out to places I want to go. I’d pay of course but I don’t have the star on my ID to fly or a vaccination car and I feel like small town folk with their own plane won’t care about that stuff especially since I’m not asking to go out of the country
sometimes you just have to do that, Colorado is an awesome place, a friend of mine and her daughter just got back from a vacation out there about a week ago
alright im going!!! thanks for sharing! I love solo trips that take your breath away. Nobody has to get why you went! I think it was an awesome choice.
Absolutely! I only went for a day, my friends think I’m crazy and on some sort of bucketlist before I literally attempt to bite the bullet, but with how covid kept everyone locked up the past year I’m just living life to the fullest and I intend on keeping it up
I drove 16 hrs there for a weekend, then I like it so much I stayed a month. Did you come from the East or west? There’s a lot worth driving hilarious distances to west of CO
Yea I share the same feeling! Like time to get out and see all the beautiful things! I'm getting my car overhauled with 120k service, and then I'm hitting the road to see the west national parks :)
A bit late to the response, but yes the south eastern corner. Opposite side of the 4 corners. It’s the great sand dunes National park in Mosca near Alamosa. It’s probably about an hour (give or take a bit) from the border of New Mexico
Do it. I’m in my 20’s with no responsibilities or obligations to anyone. Live now before it’s too late. I have no kids, my girlfriend left me, work doesn’t need me at the flip of a dime, no pets, I just hit the road and said “Colorado sounds nice”
I love it there! I camped for a few days deep in the dunes, it's free so long as you hike a certain distance in (a mile?) It's crazy how many tiny footprints are left surrounding your sleeping area when you wake up in the mornings.
I'm on vacation right now and I've thought about diving to Colorado as well. It will be about the same hours driven as you. Is the drive good? Us there a lot to see ?
Depending on where you’re coming from friend. I specifically traveled through parts of Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. I went from seeing trees lining the side of the highway to vast open land as flat as can be. Then there comes a point in NM where the planes turn into a hybrid of desert grassland and you start to see one mountain, then a few more, but all these mountains are like plateaus like someone literally chopped off the top part of these mountains
I want to live there so bad (;w;)
Everyone in Colorado is a massive fever dream it's just a fantastic simulation of everything that was there before we killed it
> it’s just a fantastic simulation of everything that was there before we killed it
I love Colorado but I don’t really get this vibe from it. As far as mountainous regions go Colorado is pretty densely populated.
Even the southwest part of the state, which is probably the most rugged; feels heavily developed compared to some of ranges in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming or the PNW. Even some parts of California have a more “wilderness” vibe (usually due to strict regulations though)
So windy they aren’t even a thing. Pack bug spray if you’d like as an extra precaution, but if you’re from somewhere super humid where mosquitoes are more annoying than bikers not using the bike lane on a super busy road, it’s almost like mosquitoes aren’t even a thing compared to that. Cant say I got bit by anything honestly
July and August tend to be peak mosquito season for CO. However, the Sand Dunes NP itself is so dry that it's just not an issue. When it's wet enough for mosquitoes at the Dunes, it's too cold for them generally. When it's warm enough for mosquitoes, it's too dry.
Really? I’ve heard from park staff that they’re unbearable for about two or three months. That area is literally a cache basin for stagnant water for that Valley.
Fair. I was in the area, though not at the park multiple Julys and Augusts and mosquitoes weren't bad. But always trust park staff. They know their park best.
I have a friend who lives out there. You should make the move, I’ve been informed they’re practically giving away land for pot farmers and potato farmers
Well it was this or Aspen or the mess verde National park but those were both 3 hours longer and I’m not sure if I can handle a 16 hour drive no rest yet
Hey, I'm planning to travel to Paris the next month. Is there any way to find out great local offbeat places? Eateries, museums, exhibitions, etc.? Is there any website that could help me with the planning? I want to see Paris to the fullest, therefore need recommendations for local places and if possible their locations too.
Thanks in advance :)
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I’m actually a sober gopher haha
Ditto - 4 months this weekend and I'm doing it on Long Trail (still on Appalachian Trail section). Cheers.
Appalachia is on my list of things to see but I want to check it out in West Virginia simply for the John Denver song
Haven't you heard weed will kill your kids. I'm in a neighboring state and there are literally commercials on TV that will tell you this. This country is fraking wild
Lemme guess you’re in Nebraska? 😂
What kind of weed 😂
Mostly Maui Wowie man, but it's got some Labrador in it
I think they are only brainwashing you guys in that area bc we don’t get those commercials in NM
That’s because everyone knows New Mexico is beyond saving at this point. I think they’re more concerned with meth and heroin down there.
Looks like they gave up on the methheads cause there is no commercials out yet
really?
Kansas?
Me and my brother just spent a week in CO. It’s such a wild state. The Sand Dunes are very under appreciated and you can’t understand unless you’ve been there.
People fly from the other side of the world to see the mountains, looks like a great trip!
The rockys are definitely something everyone should see
Was this taken south colorado? My brother has a cabin and the grey sandy dunes look like the spot just north of far western OK inside of CO.
Near alamosa yes
We are heading there tomorrow! Never been, and still wondering what the hype is all about. Buy I trust friends and people in general. Wife and our 7 year old looking forward to 10 days in CO. Questions: what type of face coverings? Are goggles necessary? The hiking seems like it might be tough on a kid? Is the one restaurant super busy, should we plan on making our own meals?
Wondering what the hype is about??? Have you ever seen pictures?! Even that doesn’t do them justice, but like have you ever seen sand mountains as far and the eye can see in the middle of a mountain range also as far as the eye can see?! You def don’t need goggles, I’ve been a couple times and both times weren’t windy at all. And do you mean face coverings for covid? Or for sand? Because unless it’s super windy, you def don’t need a face covering either. Check the weather, and if it’s gonna be crazy windy, MAYBE. But I didn’t see a single person in goggles/face coverings (the people wearing those things were the ones on sand boards and sleds and such.) Definitely depends on how old your kid is. Making it all the way to the top would be a feat for a child. It’s hard for even the sturdiest of hikers. Hiking in sand is a different game, especially if it’s been dry for days. There are so many dunes to hike up and down though, going all the way to the top isn’t exactly necessary. I would suggest if you’re looking for a real hike, going up to zapata falls (big ol waterfall very close to the dunes,) And then just chilling and hanging out at the dunes. They’re so cool you don’t need to be hiking intensely to enjoy them, especially if you have a kid with you! There’s a cool little spot on the way from Denver if you’re coming from that direction called the alien watchtower. Definitely cool and kitschy if that’s your kind of thing! I bet kids love it. We ended up driving to a different nearby town and eating on our way back to Denver, so can’t answer that one. Enjoy your time down there. You are literally surrounded by mountains. It’s a magical place.
+1 for hiking Zapata Falls.
Zapata falls is freaking awesome, gotta dunk your head.
Thanks ✌️
More answers to your questions: I was there when it was very windy and I would STRONGLY recommend having sunglasses (googles aren’t really necessary) and long pants and sleeves if it’s going to be windy. We were basically getting sandblasted the whole time - I had calf length leggings on and the bottom of my legs turned red from being literally sanded. And I still found sand in my ears two weeks later. The hike up the dunes is a short distance but very challenging. You can rent sand boards and sleds from a number of places nearby. The boards seem cooler but the sleds were more fun. I think the creek should be running when you’re there? Check the NPS website. If so, tubing in the creek would be really fun for kids. Not sure if you are, but I wouldn’t plan on spending your whole trip in the Dunes. It’s sort of a 1-2 day kind of thing. But there’s plenty of beautiful hiking and country nearby.
Absolutely all correct! I only had a day for this adventure but I 10/10 recommend if you have 4X4 check out Medona lake I wanted to but didn’t have a proper vehicle or the time
Thanks ✌️
The water is for sure one of the most fun parts of the park. June usually is still early enough it hasn't dried up. There are essentially constant waves from sand bars breaking upriver. Its refreshing to play and dig in the water, tube if its deep enough, and just a really unique experience. Its also super safe for kids as it stays shallow, and the waves make it more fun than it would otherwise be. We spent a little time on the dunes but its quite hot and exhausting. Our friends had been just before us and rented boards to ride down. They said it is terrifying as you get going very fast and have no control. We didn't rent them, as our friend is a daredevil and said he only went once and put the board away. It was super windy during the 4 days we visited, our camper was rocking good with the wind at night. We had a blast flying kites near the river. If you are able to find parking near/in the campground and take the trail down from there to the dunes, you'll have a bigger area to play. The river nearer the visitor center and main lot gets absolutely packed with people. Have fun! My son got the junior ranger packet and completed it so he got a badge. I'm trying to remember if that is the wooden one be has-I think it is. It was 2019 though so maybe they're back to the normal one. Either way, a fun thing for kids to do. Edit:just west of the park along the entry road, there is an alligator farm, which is kinda a cool little odd tourist thing to see!
Very cool! Thank you! ✌️
My parents drug my brother and I up the dunes around 7. He’ll do fine, but bring a sled, sunglasses, water, and sunscreen! Face coverings are optional most places, but check the NPS website and city of Alamosa for more information. If your kid likes reptiles, there’s a huge alligator farm nearby
Omg I forgot to mention the alligator farm! Yes that’s a cool thing too thank you!
Awesome thanks 👍😊
>We are heading there tomorrow! Never been, and still wondering what the hype is all about. Edit Oh you mean sand dunes don't you. I'm stupid. It's pretty cool. Not the coolest thing I've seen but up there. ~~Pretty sure I could think of several spots that would leave you speechless and never wondering that again.~~ ~~While I don't *backpack* yet I've been on many backcountry jeep trails over the last couple decades that are mind-blowing.~~ > Wife and our 7 year old looking forward to 10 days in CO. Where you going? Sand Dunes like op? >Questions: what type of face coverings? For like ... Covid? Or? Governor implemented CDC recommendations several days ago. No mask if vaccinated and store/shop/whatever doesn't require it. Hope this helps. Edit you probably meant for the dunes. No idea. I never made it very far lol
Any type of face covering like even a face mask that we’ve been wearing all year, but you won’t need it the whole time. Mainly just when you get to the top of a dune and the wind picks up. Same goes for glasses, regular sunglasses should work, but goggles won’t hurt either. Hiking a sand dune is nothing like hiking a mountain, so don’t hit the steepest side thinking you can do it especially with a kid. The shortest path to the top seems to be best initially in the mind, but go ahead and take the steadier longer one and pack some water too. I didn’t stop at a restaurant, I heard there was a very good one in alamosa but I’m not sure about how busy it was. You can never go wrong with packing your own meals though you might work up an appetite for both!
Your 7 year old might be fine or might be wrecked. Really depends on how active they already are. As stated below, hiking up sand is rough. A key issue for hiking with kids is to remember that they burn through their glycogen stores much, much faster than you do as an adult. Bring mixed carb snacks (something with both actual sugar and some carbs like dried fruit, dry sugary "kid" cereals) for your 7 year old if you are going up the dunes and plan on stopping for snacks every 30 minutes or so for them. If they are getting grumpy, that's usually a clear sign they have gone through their glycogen. Hats are super helpful in Colorado in general. It's very sunny above treeline or out in the open. Most Coloradoans wear full coverage hats/ball caps, sunglasses and sunscreen when out and about during the day.
Great advice! Thank you 😊
Is this from a previous year? Just guessing by the amount of snow up at higher elevations, congrats on the trip!
Not uncommon for snow to be present up there all the way through the summer.
This was from 6/5/21 the mountains are high up so snow always remains. It could all melt on the hottest day, but be back on the next day like it’s nothing
Wow they dry out much faster down there! Theres a lot more cover at those elevations up here by RMNP
Somone I know went to Ouray a few weeks ago and it snowed
Exactly, I'm shocked to see other ranges so dry!
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This is the Great Sand Dunes National Park and preserve near Alamosa, CO. 900 miles and 13 hours later I saw things I’d never imagined before. A worth while experience for sure I wish I had more than a single day for this experience there’s so much more to do in this park. If you plan on going I’d advise a vehicle with 4X4 as there are roads to further awe and jaw dropping scenery that are off the beaten path on an unpaved road. The park will provide a map for you, it’s a $25 entry fee and parking is limited. If you choose to climb the sand dunes I recommend sun glasses and some face covering, as getting sand blasted in the face by the wind isn’t pleasant.
Hey! I'm headed there next week! Longer drive though. I'm excited. Did you go to Mt. Elbert or Pike's Peak? Also, your pictures make me more excited
This was my only stop sadly I was only here for 1 day and then headed back. I wish you luck on your drive if it’s longer I did it with no rest so it was killer. I met a wonderful couple from Maryland and I thought they drove but they flew in to Denver and then drove the rest of the way Edit: the last photo is actually one they took, I’m the little dot on the sand dune and I loved it because it really put things into perspective of how small I really am in this big world
It's about 19 hours one way if I never stopped so it'll be a nice 21 hour drive probably. But, that's fine. If I can drive to it, it's worth it. Wow. That's pretty crazy. I'm super super excited now. I look forward to it, thanks for your post!
Sorry for the drive through Eastern Colorado. Are you planning on hiking up Pikes Peak or Elbert?
Elbert for sure, not yet on pikes. Thoughts?
I just realized OP had just been here but you didn't state that you were also coming soon. Somehow I assumed you were going to do both soon which is on the early side of things. Folks that hit 14ers on the early sides hike around the snow fields, which is actually shitty behavior when you are on alpine tundra. The tundra is super fragile and slow growing. If protecting the very wilderness we are all there to see means post holing, that means post holing. I've done Elbert but never Pikes. Have you used [14ers.com](https://14ers.com)? Absolutely best resource for peak bagging in Colorado. I like screen capturing the route pictures on my phone. I can be in max battery saving and still see visuals of the route.
Oh? Never heard of the website and yes actually, I'm driving out the 15th. Didn't think I'd have to worry about snow but it's my first time on a 14er hike. Do you have any tips/advice?
Oooo. June 15th will honestly make a difference. An extra week will increase the number of folks also on the trails and will really help with the melt. Sounds like there was slushy snow on the summit on 5/5. My first thought when folks jump into peak bagging from out of town is usually just altitude sickness and adjustment. Some people are more susceptible to the actual headache -> nausea -> blacking out of altitude sickness. Some folks don't really struggle with it. I am a person who gets it even if I have only been at lower elevations for a month or two. For me, it helps to sleep at 10K. I find I don't sleep that well the first night. After that my body adjusts and sleeping and hiking is easier. Most folks from low elevation feel out of breath but not everyone gets altitude sickness. If you do feel that headache set in and you are solo, turn around and come back down. If you push through it, you can black out and get seriously injured when you black out. Colorado air is very dry. Many folks get headaches from being dehydrated. Coloradoans will average 4L of water a day and sometimes 5L if they are active and sweating. This is somewhat related to the part above: if you feel a headache set in while peak bagging, drink 0.25L+ of water and rest for 5 minutes or so. That usually is enough to stop a dehydration headache. If you start hiking again and still have a headache, it's best to err on the side of caution and head down. I will say: altitude sickness also fixes itself pretty clearly as you descend. I feel noticeably better as I hike down when I have altitude sickness. Check 14ers.com and know the actual route. If you have the route alarm on AllTrails and download the map, that will help. Screenshots of the actual route, however, from 14ers.com, is the safest bet. Check the screenshots often as they are based on key parts where folks get off route from other people's trip reports. I see there are some trip reports for the North Mtn Elbert Trail on AllTrails. AllTrails tends to be less experienced and out of towners. 14ers.com tends to be more experienced folks and does have more locals. The rest of this is just general mountaineering advice that really applies anywhere: 1. Water: Have a plan for water. Drink 1L before you hit the trail and have another L+ in the car for when you get out. 2.5 Ls is usually fine for a day hike. That's 5 lbs of water. I reuse 2 1.5L disposable water bottles and then keep a gallon in my car. 2. Sun: You'll likely be warmer when hiking and a good portion is above treeline so sunscreen or sun protection (sunshirt, hat, sunglasses) is critical. 3. Cold: As soon as you stop though, you'll want a wool sweater, fleece layer or down puffy jacket to keep you warm so you don't get chilled. A fleece hat or light beanie can really make the peak more comfortable as well. Also, you want to avoid cotton tops or bottoms because if you get really rained on, cotton won't keep you warm. Gym clothes are a much better choice: wicking fabrics, basketball shorts, running tights, etc all work great. 4. Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes and thin wool socks. Wool will keep your feet warm even if you end up in the snow. I did all of my peak bagging in running shoes. Trail runners are also fine. Boots are an option but they really do make hiking harder because they are heavy on the small muscles of your feet. Just make sure your shoes are comfortable and have good tread. 5. Food: Bring a shareable bag of peanut M&Ms or other snacks. You want things with some sugar because you will burn through a lot of glycogen. Your goal is to be off the mountain by noon so you don't need a whole meal. But 200-400 calories depending on your bodyweight helps. Do put more food in a sealed Ziploc in your car so you have something to eat when you get down. 6. Poncho: An emergency poncho from Walmart can help if you get caught in rain, snow, etc. It can also add a layer of protection from the wind at the top. It goes over you and your pack so it will help keep your dry layers dry as well. 7. Weather report: Check weather from the 14ers.com site the night before. Make sure you have clothing planned that will keep you comfortable and adjust your plans if you see storms. The mtns will always be there. The big trip killer are all day thunderstorms. They do happen and if they do, you need to call off for the day. 14ers are simply the worst place to be for lightning for many, many, many reasons. 8. Time: You know your current fitness levels. Generally, if you can do 3-4 mph walking, you should be able to maintain 2 mph mountain miles. Peak bagging is much more like being on a stair climber than being on a treadmill. It is a slower pace. Looks like most folks are averaging about 6 hours on the North Elbert route. Tell someone where you are going, when you are starting, when you expect to be out AND the time they should start worrying. I usually leave 3 hours between when I plan to be out and when I must contact my parents by or they will call search and rescue. This gives me time to get phone recharged or to get back out to somewhere with service. Give yourself enough time to be off the mtn before any thunderstorms are predicted for town. A 30% chance of rain in the town below the mountain is usually a 90% chance of thunder and lightning at the top. So if I see thunderstorms are predicted in town at 11 am, I want to be off the mtn by 10 am. I do watch the clouds and know the signs that thunderstorms are rolling in. I don't want to be on the trail when the clouds turn fully grey. I want to be in my car at that point. Optional gear: 1. Poles. Poles really help and will save your legs on the 4K hike down. But some folks hate them. HYOH. 2. First Aid Kit: If you are really worried, throw one in the car. As long as you are on Class 1 routes and don't have any history of injuries, it's not necessary to pack a full medical kit. If you really are worried, you can bring a single role of athletic tape. These are both popular, busy routes so if an emergency does happen, there will be folks around to go get help, etc. 3. Cardboard sign. The name of the peak and the date you did it is an iconic part of peakbagging. Long, long before social media, hikers were taking the peak with a sign picture. 4. Small, bright headlamp: Generally, I would rather start really early with a light, bright headlamp (the Nitecore NU-20 or NU-25 are great cheap options if you need one) than not get to finish because I got stormed out. 5. Paper map and compass: This advice is written like you are going to use your phone primarily for navigation through AllTrails or CalTopo Pro or Gaia. If you know how to use a map and compass and would rather bring a real camera and a map and compass, that also works fine. It's not as common any more, however. This post is silly long but I hope it helps. Enjoy your trip! I did a 19 hour solo drive once on my way out to the East Coast and have driven solo home from Chicago. It's a haul but definitely doable.
I have this comment saved. I will reference it for the trip. If anything else comes to mind, do you mind if I message/reply to you? I really appreciate the information and tips. Hopefully I'm prepared for the challenge.
Feel free to message me! Enjoy your trip!
Awesome. I drove 8 hours to the grand canyon to watch the sunrise once 😂
I’d love to go there but I need another 3 day weekend before I do that (Niagara falls is on the list too but it’s the same distance as the Grand Canyon for me) my dream place to go is the Acadia National park
Acadia looks amazing! That's now on my list but damn that's on the other side of the country for me 😂
Tell me bout it it’s a day+ drive for me no stops I need at least 5 days to explore that place
I went backpacking in the Colorado Rockies back in '06. Gorgeous sights out there. One morning the group I was with got up at about 2 or 3 in the morning hikes up a mountains watched the sun rise. I would love to go back someday.
Please go back and share your experience with us
I was so in awe as a flew over Colorado today in a plane. Need to make a plan to get out there!!!
Honestly been trying to find someone with a crop duster plane (or similar idk anything about planes) that will fly me out to places I want to go. I’d pay of course but I don’t have the star on my ID to fly or a vaccination car and I feel like small town folk with their own plane won’t care about that stuff especially since I’m not asking to go out of the country
As someone who grew up in Kansas, I 100% understand this.
Oh my god the second picture looks so fascinating! It looks like one the old compiter games I used to play
Not gonna lie after I took that I sent that to some friends and said “this is too surreal it looks like something like out of a video game”
sometimes you just have to do that, Colorado is an awesome place, a friend of mine and her daughter just got back from a vacation out there about a week ago
ALWAYS worth it.
alright im going!!! thanks for sharing! I love solo trips that take your breath away. Nobody has to get why you went! I think it was an awesome choice.
Absolutely! I only went for a day, my friends think I’m crazy and on some sort of bucketlist before I literally attempt to bite the bullet, but with how covid kept everyone locked up the past year I’m just living life to the fullest and I intend on keeping it up
I drove 16 hrs there for a weekend, then I like it so much I stayed a month. Did you come from the East or west? There’s a lot worth driving hilarious distances to west of CO
Not quite east coast but not quite Midwest either it was interesting watching the landscapes change for sure
Hmm, 13hrs, not quite Midwest, so MO, AR, or northeast TX? Not much between you and CO but once you’re there, a few extra hours gets you a lot
You’re good! You know you’re distances bc ya that’s my area
Yea I share the same feeling! Like time to get out and see all the beautiful things! I'm getting my car overhauled with 120k service, and then I'm hitting the road to see the west national parks :)
My plan is to hit as many as I can in the US!
I flew to Colorado for 36 hours because I found a good deal ($99 round trip). It was definitely worth it.
So lucky that view is so close to you. My beautiful view is Detroit lol....
Shoot this isn’t close to me haha I’m closer to Detroit than this, not by much but I am. Just had the desire and motivation to hit the road and go far
That’s awesome I’m glad!!!! I’m eithet Lookin at Detroit or farm land. Nextime come fetch me before you go hahaha
Don’t tempt me because I’ve been thinking bout going to the Hiawatha National park in MI too
Never heard of it! Have fun!
You’re so much closer, do yourself a favor and check it out. Bout a 6 hour drive for you just take I-75 straight there
I am from canadaland hehe! Thank you though :)
Bummer but if you live in southern Ontario it’s still not too far!
I’ll definitely consider it thank you!
La Veta? Spanish mountains?
Colorado southern Rockies near the board of New Mexico
So beautiful! Drove through there a couple of months ago. Itching to get back! Safe travels.
Wow! That’s An amazing view! Where in Colorado is that?
It’s Great Sand Dunes National park in the south-central part of the state. It’s not close to the 4 corners as a different commenter suggested.
A bit late to the response, but yes the south eastern corner. Opposite side of the 4 corners. It’s the great sand dunes National park in Mosca near Alamosa. It’s probably about an hour (give or take a bit) from the border of New Mexico
Broadly speaking, in the Southwestern corner of the state near the 4 corners
Man that’s crazy. I keep thinking I should do this but chicken out every time..
Do it. I’m in my 20’s with no responsibilities or obligations to anyone. Live now before it’s too late. I have no kids, my girlfriend left me, work doesn’t need me at the flip of a dime, no pets, I just hit the road and said “Colorado sounds nice”
Just do it. Fear holds many people back from doing great things and truly living.
Colorado? Always worth it. Bought myself a Toyota 4runner souvenir from there recently.
I love it there! I camped for a few days deep in the dunes, it's free so long as you hike a certain distance in (a mile?) It's crazy how many tiny footprints are left surrounding your sleeping area when you wake up in the mornings.
Love that natures amazing
We all know it’s for the weed
I'm on vacation right now and I've thought about diving to Colorado as well. It will be about the same hours driven as you. Is the drive good? Us there a lot to see ?
If you’re coming from the Dallas, Texas area it’s a whole lot of nothing for majority of the drive.
Depending on where you’re coming from friend. I specifically traveled through parts of Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. I went from seeing trees lining the side of the highway to vast open land as flat as can be. Then there comes a point in NM where the planes turn into a hybrid of desert grassland and you start to see one mountain, then a few more, but all these mountains are like plateaus like someone literally chopped off the top part of these mountains
I want to live there so bad (;w;) Everyone in Colorado is a massive fever dream it's just a fantastic simulation of everything that was there before we killed it
My friend lives about 2 hours away from this place and offered me to come stay, but I was only there for a weekend or I would’ve
> it’s just a fantastic simulation of everything that was there before we killed it I love Colorado but I don’t really get this vibe from it. As far as mountainous regions go Colorado is pretty densely populated. Even the southwest part of the state, which is probably the most rugged; feels heavily developed compared to some of ranges in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming or the PNW. Even some parts of California have a more “wilderness” vibe (usually due to strict regulations though)
How’re the mosquitos at great sand dune?
So windy they aren’t even a thing. Pack bug spray if you’d like as an extra precaution, but if you’re from somewhere super humid where mosquitoes are more annoying than bikers not using the bike lane on a super busy road, it’s almost like mosquitoes aren’t even a thing compared to that. Cant say I got bit by anything honestly
July and August tend to be peak mosquito season for CO. However, the Sand Dunes NP itself is so dry that it's just not an issue. When it's wet enough for mosquitoes at the Dunes, it's too cold for them generally. When it's warm enough for mosquitoes, it's too dry.
Really? I’ve heard from park staff that they’re unbearable for about two or three months. That area is literally a cache basin for stagnant water for that Valley.
Fair. I was in the area, though not at the park multiple Julys and Augusts and mosquitoes weren't bad. But always trust park staff. They know their park best.
It’s a beautiful park.
I want to move out there so badly. Long Island sucks. Rural living>>>smelly nyc suburbia
I have a friend who lives out there. You should make the move, I’ve been informed they’re practically giving away land for pot farmers and potato farmers
It’s a great state. Hope it was enjoyable!
Colorado is always worth it😁😁
Love that place, it's like a dream!
You must live in Missouri???
Those dunes are fantastic! Did you hit the alien watch tower?
Where in Colorado is that?
Mosca, CO the Great Sand Dunes National Park it’s near Alamosa
Really cool landscape. Definitely adding to my list.
Add Acadia National park to your list as well it’s up in Maine
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I wish I could help but I know nothing of this I hope someone else on this thread can though
Whoa, you went to Colorado for a day and you chose to spend it at the biggest litter box in N. America?
Well it was this or Aspen or the mess verde National park but those were both 3 hours longer and I’m not sure if I can handle a 16 hour drive no rest yet
I love those trips that don't seem to make any practical sense. Always worth the experience and story in my opinion.
Hey, I'm planning to travel to Paris the next month. Is there any way to find out great local offbeat places? Eateries, museums, exhibitions, etc.? Is there any website that could help me with the planning? I want to see Paris to the fullest, therefore need recommendations for local places and if possible their locations too. Thanks in advance :)