The wind, the water, and the passage of time have all left their mark on the history of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado, USA. The spectacular sand dunes in the park were developed over millennia by the interaction of prevailing winds and the area’s geology.

The Ute and Apache peoples, among others, have held the dunes in high regard for millennia. The arrival of European settlers brought mining and grazing to the area. To preserve the Great Sand Dunes’ unique ecosystems, President Herbert Hoover declared the area a national monument in 1932.

After years of campaigning, the park was upgraded to national park and preserve status in 2004 after being extended. The renowned dunes are now part of a larger ecosystem that includes alpine lakes and mountain peaks. Nature’s unyielding ability to create and modify landscapes is on full display in this park, which offers visitors a one-of-a-kind playground.