The 14,000-foot Crestone Peaks loom above the dunes.

Mt. Herard rises above the dunes.

Park visitor center.

Approaching the dunes.

Medano Creek runs through these flats in the spring and summer.

Islands of grass can be found scattered throughout the dunes.

Big grains of sand.

Ripples in the sand run perpendicular to prevailing winds.

Lighter-colored fine grain sand collects in these ripples.

Sand breaks off this small ridge.

Slopes high up on the dunes.

The views improve as you climb higher on the dunes.

Approaching High Dune.

The view from the top.

View from the top.

Tracks left by a kangaroo rat.

Mt. Ouray and other peaks near Poncha Pass can be seen from the high dunes.

Outcroppings of grass and sunflowers support the minimal wildlife onthe dunes.

Kangaroo rat tracks lead to this grassy oasis.

View from Music Pass in the northeast sector of the park. NPS photo.

Alpine flowers in Sand Creek basin. NPS photo.

Tijeras Peak. NPS photo.

Tundra on Mt. Herard. NPS photo.

Upper Sand Lake. NPS photo.

Mule deer try to stay out of sight.