Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to North America's tallest sand dunes which measure roughly 750 feet (228 meters) above the San Luis Valley floor. The formation of these dunes took place approximately 440,000 years ago. Sand and soil deposits from the Rio Grande River led to the formation of these dunes. Though the sand dunes are the primary attraction, the park is also home to several wildlife species including the Sandhill crane, the Great Sand Dunes beetle, and bighorn sheep which are one of its most notable inhabitants.