High Dune — Local services in Alamosa

I went during fall and the temperature (low 50’s) was just right for a hike up a mountain of sand. The wind on the other hand was quite relentless. I don’t know for sure but I suspect the wind is a common factor. The higher you go, the windier it becomes.

The views and experience cannot be beaten. I am 42 so there were some points that I had to stop to catch my breath; walking up steep inclines, while wading through deep sand can be exhausting. You are going straight up mounds upon mounds of sand. It is one of those hikes that you think you’ve made it to the top only to found another vertical journey ahead of you.

There’s are areas of the hike that you will be on (or close to) edges that drop off (70 to 80°) so it could be risky at some parts but the sand keeps you safely supplanted.

As long as you are up for the challenge, bring a hat, jacket, sunglasses (will also help protect your eyes from the blowing sand), some sunblock and a change of clothes/shoes and you will have a great and...

As someone who did not go in fully prepared I will give some advice on what I could have done better. First, do it early in the day. I was going at it at like 12-2 and it was hot and not fun. Second, being so much water, I brought about 3 medium size plastic water bottles and it was not enough, I ran out about halfway down. You won’t even realize you’re dehydrated so make sure you bring a ton of water. Third, if you can go with another person. Fourth, a sand board helps you a lot on the way down. A good trick is to slide the sand board in between your back and backpack. Overall, great views at the top and would...

Could not make it all the way to the top that day. Sand was too soft. Two people tried and we watched them walk in place for 45 minutes before they give up. If you want to get to the top of the dune, wait until a storm (they are common) and start out as soon as there is enough light to see. Wear flat shoes not deeply contoured hiking shoes. Don't walk where someone else has walked. You might even make yourself some minerature snow shoes. The sun dries out the dunes quickly so rest as little as possible. Take "baby steps" so you don't pull a thigh muscle. We got as high as we could and the view...