Sand dunes symbolize desert environments found in many places in the world. Western America has many wonderful sand dunes of great beauty. From the Oregon coast to Death Valley, the Eastern Mojave Desert of California, to the richly colored Coral Pink Sand Dunes of Southern Utah, and the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado, each dune complex is unique.

The Great Sand Dunes carry two distinctions in addition to an absolutely stunning setting. They are the tallest (more than 700 ft.) and the highest altitude dunes (8200 ft.) in North America. Set at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of south-central Colorado, this magnificent dune complex was set aside as a National Monument in 1932.

The Great Sand Dunes rise in a region usually know for high mountains and canyons. Within a few hours drive almost due west, the precipitous, deep gorge of The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park may be seen which is featured in the Mountains and Canyons Screen Saver. North of Black Canyon in the high Rockies, the Maroon Bells (featured in the Autumn Color Screen Saver) rise majestically above Maroon Lake at the end of a scenic paved road near Aspen, Colorado. And near Grand Junction, Colorado in the west-central part of the State, Colorado National Monument (featured in the National Parks and Monuments Screen Saver) with its shear red-rock cliffs and grand vistas offers a glimpse into the vast canyon country cut by the Colorado River further west.

Colorado

Great Sand Dunes, Colorado