Great Sand Dunes National Monument

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	Great Sand Dunes National Monument
	This place rivals Palm Springs, CA is the strangest place I've been to. Huge (700') dunes in the middle of Colorado. It's really near nothing and it's a pretty far drive there from anywhere. Quite a site that's worth the trip. Here is the view as you approach.
	As you get closer you see that the area is surrounded by brush and fauna. The sand is carried by winds that blow from the west over the San Juan mountains then dropped due to weight at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
	In late May, the mountain snow melt run-off creates a brisk, fast running stream at the foot of the dunes.
	The snow-capped mountains juxtaposed against these dunes is truly a remarkable sight.
	These dunes cover 32 square miles. Peaking at 13,000 feet, I only made it up about a third of the way. If you look carefully, you'll see people-dots at the top.


	The only other attraction in proximity is an alligator farm which is bizarre to see in CO. Apparently, hot springs keep the gators happy year-round.