Scientists aren't yet entirely sure how old the Great Sand Dunes are, but they are known to be the tallest dunes in North America.

The tallest dune here stands 750 feet tall; known as Star Dune, the massive dune takes approximately 5 hours to summit.

If you have even more time to spend in the park, you can get a free backcountry camping permit and pitch a tent anywhere outside of the day use area.

Adventurous visitors can also try their hand at sand sledding or sand boarding down the dunes; gear can be rented from a kiosk right outside the front entrance.

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