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| Pagosa Hot Springs |
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| View from Great Sand Dunes back road |
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| Immense Dunes |
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| Great Sand Dunes National Park |
Overview: Nestled against the backdrop of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the wide San
Luis Valley lies the Great Sand Dunes National Park. These huge sand dunes - North America's tallest- look out of place & almost like a "freak of nature". It is truly hard to believe they are there. Charlie had been here 40 years ago and was again amazed. Once inside the park we were able to drive part of a back road until the surface of the road became too soft - which would require us to deflate all the tires in order to continue (Charlie chickened out). We hiked with the dogs to the dunes, climbing some of them and getting a real feel for their immensity.
Next we continued another hundred miles to Pagosa Springs - home to the world's deepest geothermal hot springs. The Great Pagosa Hot Spring draws its name from the Native American tribes who discovered early on its therapeutic and healing qualities. "Pagosa" is derived from the native term "Pag Osah" which is said to mean "healing waters". We stayed at The Springs Resort featuring 23 individual hot springs pools. Located along the San Juan River, the scenery and soothing sounds of the setting are wonderful. The pools ranged in temperature from 98 to 113 - the latter being named the "lobster pot".
Rating: Very easy paved mountain roads. No 4-wheel required.
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