Exploring Alamosa

Our usual campground in Estes Park was full, so we decided it was time to venture out to another location. After moving to Colorado years ago, one of our first day trips was to Great Sand Dunes National Park. But because it’s roughly 3.5 hours away, we didn’t have much time to explore the surrounding area, so we thought why not do it now.

We booked a site with full hook-ups at the KOA in Alamosa. I was a bit nervous about the drive because this was the furthest we’ve ever taken the R-Pod. But other than some sketchy construction around Colorado Springs, it really wasn’t that bad. This was our first time staying at a KOA – and we have to admit, it was nicer than the campground we’ve been going to in Estes Park. The sites were wider, with nicely manicured gravel spaces. And we lucked out with a pull through, so setting up the camper was a breeze – giving us more time to spend at the sand dunes!

The national park was just as bizarre and breathtaking as when we visited six years ago. This incredibly gigantic pile of sand spans 233 miles, and backs up to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains soaring over 14,000 feet above sea level – an odd pairing of two opposite landscapes.

It is impossible not to feel microscopic while trekking up the dunes. No matter how much ground we gained, there was still an endless stretch of sand on the horizon. We got a few miles in before having to abruptly turn around because of lightning. And while we didn’t have a sled to glide back down like we did last time, it was still fun jumping and sliding in the sand ourselves.

The following day we explored in and around Alamosa. We discovered that most of the surrounding area are national wildlife refuges; protecting wetlands and other habitats that migratory birds rely on – such as the 20,000 sandhill cranes that stop here on their spring and fall migration.

We switched gears and headed west up Silver Thread Byway, tracing the old routes of stagecoach lines and mining camps. Rocky cliffs loomed over the road with the Rio Grande River cutting right through it.

We arbitrarily picked the town of Creede as our turn-around destination, not knowing how insanely picturesque it was going to be. The byway opened up to a lush valley with rolling hills. Creede was a quintessential mountain town straight out of Colorado’s history books. And its main street was perfectly aligned with the opening of the steep canyon walls of Willow Creek.

On the way back to the campground, we stopped at a few scenic pull-offs along the Rio Grande. A long stretch of the river was actually rebuilt to restore the fish habitat, and create better fly fishing opportunities for the community. We found a gorgeous spot in the national forest with river access – and it didn’t take long for Dave to catch a brown trout!

That evening we returned to the national park for sunset; warm light highlighted the ridgeline’s multiple layers while darkening the silhouette of each individual sand dune. Meanwhile, an earlier storm left a fresh dusting of snow on Blanca Peak!

As we were settling into the camper, Dave caught sight of the Neowise Comet! NASA discovered the comet just months ago, and it won’t return to Earth’s orbit for another 6,800 years – basically a once in a lifetime opportunity! We ran outside in our pajamas, set up the camera and spent well over an hour gazing at the night sky.

Normally I’d stop there, but we had quite an eventful ride home. Roughly 2 hours away from our house, our car made a loud noise and steam started coming out of the hood! Long story short, the engine’s belt snapped, and as it was whipping around it punctured the air conditioner, which is what released the steam. And since it was Sunday, all auto repair shops were closed. We had to wait 3 hours for an available tow truck to pick up our car and camper, then ride 5 hours in traffic – with no AC – the entire way. It was awful. But our sweet neighbors saved the day with a warm home-cooked meal waiting for us when we got home.