Great Sand Dunes National Park Engagement
Great Sand Dunes National Park is in southern Colorado. It has stunning stretches of huge dunes. You feel as though you have stepped right into the Sahara Desert. It was Jake and I’s first time visiting this National Park and it was one to remember. They are the tallest dunes in North America and are a showpiece in Colorado.
Are you ready to read some hilarious and breathtaking stories from our trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park? Keep scrolling to read all about my experience with sandboarding and how to plan your trip to the park.
Okay, I promise you a story about how I came face to face with sand. BUT first I must tell you how we got there. Jake and I were taking a personal trip driving through Colorado in a travel van we rented from a local company, Discover Campervans. We absolutely love traveling and visiting new destinations. If we are not on the road or in the sky on our way to a destination wedding, we are planning our own trips. When I posted on social media that I was going to be visiting the park my good friend Brittany mentioned that she had some rad friends who just recently got engaged. Que Josee and Tyler who were down to meet up with us and play behind my camera and celebrate their engagement. These two are Colorado natives, hiking and camping all over.
Prior to their engagement session is where my story begins. Jake and I decided to go explore the dunes since this was our first time there and we wanted not only the experience but to get familiar with the lay of the land. You can rent sandboards and sand sleds near the park. It was a super-hot day in September and the sand was burning hot. We were wearing our hiking boots completely prepared for the adventure. Wearing sun protective clothing and covered in sunscreen to fight off the blazing sun. We started the hike with sand boards in hand. Jake insisted that we hike all the way to the very top. Now at the moment, this task did not look so terrible. When you are looking up at the dunes they do not seem so far away. Famous last words… Hiking in the sand is no joke but we were so determined. You know that, “we’re only here once” motto.
Sandboard bases are much harder than snowboard bases. They are waxed before a run so you can slide down the sand easily. You can also use smooth saucers or a boogie board with a smooth plastic bottom. Any of these options are great for Great Sand Dunes National Park and some can be rented nearby.
Now here is where you grab your popcorn. After climbing all the way to the top it was time to sandboard. At this point the dunes were high and when you got going, you were flying. You already know where this is going…after oh I don’t know, only two rides, I totally wiped out. I flipped over my board and was completely covered in sand. Now you must remember one thing I mentioned above. It was hot so I was sweating profusely, and I was covered in sunscreen. The sand stuck to my body like grainy slime, EVERYWHERE. In my ears. Down my pants. In my very long hair. But here is the real cherry on top. We were traveling in a van. So, we had no shower to fully clean off prior to the engagement session we were about the have that afternoon! But hey, that’s what you get when you hire an adventure photographer I guess! Let’s just say I looked like one sandy hot mess.
When we met with Josee and Tyler they were so gracious and wonderful and not at all horrified by my appearance, ha-ha. They were super pumped that we tried sand sledding and sandboarding. Josee and Tyler were absolute champs! They trekked the long walk to get to the base of the dunes and hiked up a portion of them. They were so fun and relaxed the whole time we explored and it quickly cooled off in the evening giving us perfect temps.
The nice thing about Great Sand Dunes National Park is that to get super cool views you do not have to hike all the way to the top! It is still gorgeous in every part of the park.
Wondering what to pack?
Pack a sun hat, sunglasses, plenty of sunscreen, hiking boots, a long sleeve shirt with UPF sun protection, and maybe some wet wipes or baby powder just in case you get some extra sand as I did. Also a ton of water, and probably a change of clothes/shoes/socks.
Facts and Recommendations:
It is better to go early morning or later evening when it is cooler and the sand is also cooler.
You must get a permit for photography. So, when you are planning your session this will be something we will want to lock in right away.
Pets are permitted in the preserve and main use areas of the park. They must be always leashed, and you must clean up after them. But they can adventure with you during your session. But keep in mind, their paws need to be protected too, on hot days.
You also need a national park pass to enter.
There are bathrooms and picnic spots and a nearby camp ground.
It’s a great place for stargazing!
Planning a trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park? Or maybe another incredible National Park? I am available for travel! Get in touch and let’s start planning your session!
Interested in a National Park wedding?
But don’t know where to start? Check out this resource: