Great Sand Dunes National Park, September 2016

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Our 4 person LL Bean tent at the Great Sand Dunes campground. It's a perfect size for Sue, myself, and Keetna, and the campsite had terrific views of the dune field.

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For our first hike, we did about 4 miles along the "Sand Ramp" trail, beginning at the campgournd. Still some rabbitbrush blooming along the way.

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The ravines had good fall color from the cottonwoods.

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Some nice views of the dunefield from an overlook on the trail

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Fall color at Great Sand Dunes

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Early afternoon view of the dunes

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Mount Herard, towering above the valley

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View across Medano valley of the dune field

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A telephoto view of High Dune, with a few people climbing it, for scale

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Fall color in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

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Dune patterns

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Raven flying over the crest of a dune

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Sunset panorma, Great Sand Dunes National Park

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Deer at our camp site

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A fiery sunrise over the dune field

Dune Sunrise

Early morning sun at the Great Sand Dunes National Park

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For our 2nd hike, we did the Mosca Pass trail, about 7 mi and 1600 ft. The trail follows Mosca Creek, and fall foliage was spectacular.

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Lots of aspen leaves on the trail

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But still plenty of aspen groves near their peak color, as well. Looking towards Carbonate Mountain.

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Keetna is taking a breather at our lunch stop.

Aspen Glow

Aspen along Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

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Aspen among the conifers

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Late afternoon shadows in the dunes