Unexpectedly awe-inspiring!

The wind quickly erases the footprints of previous hikers; so, you get to hike up the dunes on virgin sand. Sounds corny, but it really is a great feeling!

Thirty-Five square miles of sand.

There are no marked trails; you simply wander among the dunes until you've had your fill - or in my case are physically exhausted.

Star Dune (the tallest dune in the park) is 750 feet above the Visitor Center, which is already 8,175 feet above sea level.

Walking at 8,000 feet is already tough. Try climbing a sand dune up to 9,000 feet!

I did not expect Sand Dunes to be at alpine elevations nestled against a mountain range looking down on several creeks and a wetland area. Although, it certainly makes for a stunning view!

Definitetely an unexpected treat and absolutely worth exploring.