We spent three nights each in Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks. Both in south-central Colorado, these are lesser known but still interesting parks. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't ideal for either (it snowed in both), so we couldn't accomplish the full set of things we may otherwise have done. But, there's still a lot to do in both parks and if you're in the area, you should give them a visit!
Where can you find beaches and foot high waves a thousand miles from any coast? In Great Sand Dunes National Park! Due to reliable windy conditions at the base of the Rockies here and a river that runs through them, sand dunes hundreds of feet tall have formed in this area over thousands of years. The dues themselves are very strange to look at in this mountainous landscape, and even more interesting to hike through. When you visit, try hiking Star Dune (the tallest in the park). But really, any of the dunes are fun hikes, though remember that hiking through sand is not like hiking on a hard surface. The 3.5 miles to Star Dune and back is a long hike! Also, don't neglect the other parts of the park - check out the Mosca Pass trail and any of the others in what the "Preserve" section of the park. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is helpful for accessing these parts of the park.
Where can you find beaches and foot high waves a thousand miles from any coast? In Great Sand Dunes National Park! Due to reliable windy conditions at the base of the Rockies here and a river that runs through them, sand dunes hundreds of feet tall have formed in this area over thousands of years. The dues themselves are very strange to look at in this mountainous landscape, and even more interesting to hike through. When you visit, try hiking Star Dune (the tallest in the park). But really, any of the dunes are fun hikes, though remember that hiking through sand is not like hiking on a hard surface. The 3.5 miles to Star Dune and back is a long hike! Also, don't neglect the other parts of the park - check out the Mosca Pass trail and any of the others in what the "Preserve" section of the park. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is helpful for accessing these parts of the park.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park contains 12 of the 48 wildest miles of the Gunnison River as it passes through the Black Canyon. The Gunnison River descends more elevation in these few miles than the Mississippi does in 1500. Its no wonder then that this raging river has cut such a deep canyon here, in many places more than 2000 feet from rim to river. This also makes for grueling hikes down into the canyon. We didn't opt to do this, especially considering the weather, and instead enjoyed the canyon from the rim. There is a great drive you can do to visit many of the best overlooks down into the Canyon - at the least check out Painted Wall, Chasm and Sunset overlooks. Tomichi Point is also nice at sunrise.
As for hiking, there are not that many hikes in BCGNP that don't go down to the river. We did the Warner Point Nature trail and the Oak Flat Loop. The Warner Point trail is an easy 2 miles along a ridge with good views to both sides to a lookout down the canyon. It's nice, especially at sunset. We also hiked the short Oak Flat Loop, which the parks bills as strenuous. We found it neither flat nor strenuous, though there were some Gambel Oak bushes. It was also a bit underwhelming - you'll get much better views from the lookouts along the main road.
As for hiking, there are not that many hikes in BCGNP that don't go down to the river. We did the Warner Point Nature trail and the Oak Flat Loop. The Warner Point trail is an easy 2 miles along a ridge with good views to both sides to a lookout down the canyon. It's nice, especially at sunset. We also hiked the short Oak Flat Loop, which the parks bills as strenuous. We found it neither flat nor strenuous, though there were some Gambel Oak bushes. It was also a bit underwhelming - you'll get much better views from the lookouts along the main road.
We liked these parks, but in honesty, we didn't find that much to do in either of them, though that would have been better at a warmer time of year for sure. In short, my recommendation is that if you're in Colorado this summer and looking for some interesting parks to visit, give either or both a look for a day or two, but there's no need to spend more time than that.