A creek that emerges from beneath the sands and disappears again into them, a sky that holds all the starry host, dunes that rise to the greatest heights in all of North America, all surrounded by snow-laced peaks, so is the park they call Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The park lies beneath the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Crestone Peaks in Southern Colorado. I was to visit during May of 2013 while there were still spring storms rolling through the park. Snows briefly covered the dunes in entirety, an ephemeral moment in time. It was truly an amazing couple of days. What follows are images that were made in the park using my iPhone 4S. Once I’ve edited the images made with my Nikon D700, they will follow. I hope you enjoy this first glimpse into one of the least known parks, and one of my personal favorites.
nomadruss in words and photos 
You’re traveling and seeing such beautiful country. Thanks for sharing it.
“There are two people in every photograph: the photographer and the viewer”
― Ansel Adams
Beautiful! So many people have told me to stop there on my way thru CO and I never have. These are great images… new inspiration for a side trip!
Thanks Laura, I’m glad to know that they’ve inspired you! It is a truly special place.
That is absolutely stunning! I also use my iPhone 4S to shoot most of my pictures (altough I have a Canon Eos D), amazing how those smartphone cameras improved. Thanks for sharing these great images and happy travels :)!
Thanks! And happy travels to you as well!
Great photos Russ. Really strikingl
Appreciate it Kris!
What a stunning part of the world!
Thanks & Cheers, ic
“Sometimes I arrive just when God’s ready to have somone click the shutter.”
― Ansel Adams
wow, these are some incredible shots Russ… such eerie but beautiful scenes. Great find…
It’s a great park, a real jewell…
Thanks Andy, it’s a truly amazing park! The whole region really…
Russ, these are exquisite. The landscape draped with silk…
Thanks so much!
Beautiful pictures! I loved the scenery there, but unfortunately the thing I remember most were the mosquitoes and bugs. They just about carried us off.
Nan, I think I visited at the perfect time. Storms continually rolling in, got caught in a white out, had overcast during the day when I could still photograph, had light break through on an evening or two. I saw this park in her many moods and benefitted from that.
I love these photos! Really looks impossible to have all those beautiful bits of water surrounded by so much sand. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Miranda, I appreciate the kind words!
Amazing. Found you by the mention in the travel blog article on here.
Hey thanks, I’m really glad they mentioned me in there, and appreciate your stopping by!
welcome anytime.