Colorado - Great Sand Dune National Park

Today we drove to our last National Park for this trip, Great Sand Dune National Park. There are the tallest sand dunes in America. The mountain pass created a funnel that caused the sand to accumulate at its current location. This park was very busy with many school busses and groups hiking the dunes.

After taking photos at the dunes near the Visitor Center, we took a short drive up the Medano Pass Primitive Road. This was mostly a sand road, but our car did fine. There were only a few spots where the sand was deep and loose, but we made it through. We stopped and turned around where four wheel drive was required to continue.

We had spotted a hot spring spa with yurts on our way to the dunes, and decided to stop on our way back.

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa

These mineral hot springs are said to have healing properties. It is set up with multiple pools with different temperatures. They also had a cold plunge tank! The views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range made the experience even better.

Silver Ridge Lodge

We stayed at the Silver Ridge Lodge in Salida. It was budget friendly and very clean. The room was hugh and we had a full sized refrigerator in the room. The wifi was pretty good, but the hot tub was smelly.

Tres Litros Beer Company

For dinner, we wanted a place to watch the men’s soccer game. We found Tres Litros Beer Company. There was a hot dog cart at the entrance. Sandy got the standard hot dog, I got the ruben hot dog. We also got the homemade sourdough bread. The fresh beer was good as well. Later a band set up and we were able to enjoy live music. Another great end to a fun day.