The Essential Guide To Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

* Guidebook to hiking, biking, or climbing in the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains. * Details unlimited recreational opportunities for the park's 225,000 annual visitors * 210 color photographs and 40 color maps * Color-coded tabs and activity symbols for quick reference 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 the essential guide to one of the nation's newest national parks. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve earned this status in 2003, and became an instant treasure both for Coloradans and vacationers everywhere.

Southern Colorado's unique Great Sand Dunes rise to a height of 750 feet above the San Luis Valley floor and are the nation's highest dunes not adjacent to an ocean or lake. The sweeping dunes were protected as a national monument in 1932 and as a national park in 2000. From prehistoric hunter-gatherers to the historic Ute Indian tribe, inhabitants have long used the resources of the land around the dunes. Zebulon Pike was the first American explorer to witness the dunes in 1807, followed by a long procession of other explorers, ranchers, and miners. Today, visitors from around the world come to climb up and slide down the dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

A guide to national parks in the West provides information on attractions, accommodations, restaurants, when to go, plants and animals, and activities for each park.

From ghost towns to Native Americans to the state flower, author Phyllis Perry collected stories and ideas from all over Colorado in order to take a fresh approach to the state's history. In this fun and entertaining new book, every aspect of the state is explored, from national parks and wildlife to early explorers and Native peoples, the state's railroading and mining days to its state symbols and modern-day landmarks. Every chapter contains unique photographs and intimate stories about Colorado's fascinating and diverse characters. A unique and fun reference, A Kid's Look at Colorado is a must-have for young Colorado enthusiasts!

Lace up your boots and head into Colorado's rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains to explore this spine of soaring peaks that stand more than a mile above the San Luis and Wet Mountain Valleys. Here you'll discover plunging creeks, gorges cut from chunky conglomerate, and valleys where elk, bighorn sheep, coyote, and cougar live. Climb Kit Carson Mountain, Crestone Needle, or Blanca Peak; hike Black Canyon or Wild Cherry Creek. Wander the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which has the tallest dunes in North America. Local hiker and outdoor writer Lee Hart will introduce you to these trails and many more. Inside you'll find: up-to-date trail information; accurate directions to wilderness trails; difficulty ratings; topographic trail maps; zero-impact tips. Whether you are planning a day hike or an extended backpacking trip, you'll find trails suited to every ability and interest in one of the most beautiful regions of Colorado.

From mountainous trails to scenic paths, Hiking Colorado, Fourth Edition, provides readers with a comprehensive guide to Colorado's many hikes. With updated maps and photography, reviser Sandy Heise leads readers through Colorado's many exciting outdoor adventures. Using GPS coordinates and detailed maps of each route, Hiking Colorado is the most complete and accessible hiking guide available.

DREAM IT This guide features concise descriptions and maps for 50 beautiful hikes throughout Colorado. Hikers of all levels can enjoy beautiful views, get fit in the outdoors, and learn about the region’s history. PLAN IT Hiking Colorado provides the latest information to plan a customized trip: • Popular and lesser-known hikes • Full-color photos, maps, and trailhead GPS • Insightful hike overviews, details on distance, difficulty, accessibility, and more. DO IT This guide takes you from the trailhead to: • Find hikes suited to any ability • Experience the thrill of exploring new landscapes and viewing wildlife • Discover alpine lakes, spectacular mountain views, and much more.

Southern Colorado’s unique Great Sand Dunes rise to a height of 750 feet above the San Luis Valley floor and are the nation’s highest dunes not adjacent to an ocean or lake. The sweeping dunes were protected as a national monument in 1932 and as a national park in 2000. From prehistoric hunter-gatherers to the historic Ute Indian tribe, inhabitants have long used the resources of the land around the dunes. Zebulon Pike was the first American explorer to witness the dunes in 1807, followed by a long procession of other explorers, ranchers, and miners. Today, visitors from around the world come to climb up and slide down the dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.