Product Description Nowhere else in North America do alpine tundra, tall forests of evergreen and aspen, and massive desert dunes meet so dramatically as in our nation's newest crown jewel. This book is your essential guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Camping, wildlife viewing, hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountain biking, dunes snowboarding--the recreational opportunities at "The Dunes" are endless. Slides down the highest sand dunes on the continent, backpack to a pristine high-country lake or climb one of Colorado's legendary 14,000-foot peaks. Soak in a hot springs pool beneath the stars, tour a working bison ranch or experience an alligator farm!
*Color-coded tabs and activity symbols make it quick and easy for you to find the information you need.
*Detailed trail and route descriptions for over 30 hikes, plus info for bikers, mountain climbers, equestrians, and 4WD enthusiasts.
*Packed with over 40 maps, information charts and hundreds of stunning photos--all in full-color.
*Enjoy complete park planning information, including facilities, camping, lodging, and safety and equipment tips.
*Dozens of close-by activities and fun attractions that will interest anyone, plus fascinating natural and cultural history.
The Dunes and San Luis Valley uncovered June 11, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Although the Great San Dunes National Park is the draw, the San Luis Valley has much more to offer than a slide down the dunes or wade in Medano Creek, and the Wingers tell you where to go and how to get there. They also give you the cultural and historical context, flora, fauna and place name translations. Well written and beautifully photographed, this guide is essential for those who come to experience the place as well as the sand. They even suggest renting the classic Japanese film, Woman in the Dunes. Thanks, Charlie and Diane!
Excellent... January 27, 2008 Excellent book...as a avid backpacker i was very impressed with the hiking/trail descriptions included...there a TONS of them...very good educational information about the dunes and the surrounding areas as well...I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to get a little more out of there dunes trip than a trip to the visitors center...while your there try and catch a sunset from atop the dunes!
Accurate and entertaining September 13, 2003 This is an excellent guidebook. Most importantly, the maps and descriptions are very accurate yet still entertaining to read.
The guidebook encompasses short family appropriate hikes such as the Visitor Center Interpretive trail (.5 miles) to the more strenuous bushwhacking ascent of Carbonate Mountain (9.2 miles and 4,580 feet). A resource guide at the back of the book summarizes hikes by destination, difficulty, distance, and duration.
I have to not only recommend the guidebook, but the Great Sand Dunes area as well. I have spent many days hiking in Colorado (as well as other states and countries), and the Sand Dunes is truly a wonderful place for its unique beauty and ruggedness.
Last July 4th weekend, I hiked up Tijeras Peak which rises to 13,600 feet. The trail took me trough alpine meadows to an open expanse of lakes surrounded by peaks up a steep snow chute and eventually to the summit of Tijeras with awesome views that truly have to be experienced to be understood. And I had the summit all to myself.
I look forward to many more days in the Sand Dunes with this guidebook.
Something for Everyone September 13, 2003 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This new guidebook covers ALL aspects of the Great Sand Dunes. There is something for everyone interested in this beautiful, unique ecosystem in Colorado: natural and cultural history, hiking and climbing and other recreational activities, and local events and attractions . . . this book has it all. Want to know about the eolian (wind) geology that formed the dunes? Want to know which picnic spots are the best? Want to know what rock pro you can leave at home when climbing The Prow route on Kit Carson Mountain? The Wingers seem to provide information and resources about everything! Their easy, conversational style draws you into the delights of the dunes and echoes the small-town friendliness of the surrounding area. And this is a guidebook that can travel with you - its quality binding and sturdy pages will hold up to frequent use, which is inevitable once you experience this special area of Colorado.
Wingers have a Winner! August 18, 2003 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Charlie & Diane have surprised the hiking public once again with their great new guide to the Sand Dunes. Soon to be declared a National Park, this full color book is set up in easy to understand color-coded sections, a first that I have seen. It is focused on a small area, so understandably goes into great detail, something many guidebooks can not do as they pretend to cover a huge aray of peaks, or trails, or entire state or regional hiking concepts. If you like getting every last bit of info on a cool place like Sand Dunes, well, this is your book. You will probably wake up with some grit in your teeth, but that's OK, sand is the name of the game here.
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