Great Sand Dunes feels like another planet, 750-foot dunes against the Sangre de Cristos, and almost no one around at sunset. Hannah and Austin used every bit of it.
Why Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes sits in southern Colorado and holds the tallest sand dunes in North America, framed by the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Sunrise and sunset light across the dunes is unlike anywhere else in the state, and crowds drop off fast once the day-trippers leave.
The Day
We hiked out onto the dunes for the ceremony, stayed for sunset, and made it back to the parking area as the first stars came up.
Planning a Great Sand Dunes Elopement
Permits are required for ceremonies in the park, apply well in advance. Bring water, sun protection, and shoes you can dump sand out of. Late afternoon into sunset is the best light window.