Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of my absolute favorite places. Located in Southern Colorado, it is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. On my last trip there, I threw my backpack over my shoulders with about 35 pounds of gear and started trudging through the deep sand. I had my eyes set on the High Dune this time (750 ft above the valley floor). As I made it to the top, the wind started whipping the sand all over the place. It was almost mostly constant, only giving up for a minute at a time here and there. I thought about heading back down, but decided to brave through it and try to be aware of my camera gear so I didn't get sand in it. I saw how the clouds were forming in the sky and knew it would be a stunning sunset. The way the light transforms the landscape is nothing short of awe-inspiring. This is such a unique place with incredible landscape. The dunes are flanked by the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The transition from the dry San Luis Valley, to massive sand dunes, to rugged 14k foot peaks is incredible. The natural contrast of the area almost seems ethereal. No matter how many times I visit this park, it will always have a profound effect on me.