From the flat prairie lands to the drive across 150 thru LaVeta pass (9413ft) was spectacular. Bright yellow aspen, cottonwood, and willow mixed with low reds and oranges. Looks just like the Alaskan tundra.

What a Sandbox- Great Sand Dunes NP

We walked a trail and out onto the dunes after arrival. The sunset was impressive over the dunes. Pretty chilly though and the wind was blowing so we ended up with sand just about everywhere.
The next morning we headed out on the Dunes overlook trail and then moved on toward a creek bed trail recommended by the Visitor Center staff. Pretty views; but, turned out to be about an 8 mile day with much of it in the sand and at over 8000 ft. The dogs are more whimpering than barking by the time we got back to camp.