Some of our earliest adventures together truly set the stage for our shared love of exploration. One of those memorable firsts was a long weekend trip in May 2016, venturing south into the unique landscapes of Colorado and New Mexico. Our itinerary was wonderfully eclectic: the hot springs of Pagosa Springs, the artistic charm of Taos, and two unforgettable stops that perfectly captured our travel philosophy—the majestic Great Sand Dunes National Park and the delightfully quirky Alamosa UFO Watchtower.
In this post:
Scaling Sandy Mountains at Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is, quite simply, astonishing. Towering sand dunes rise improbably against the dramatic backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, creating North America’s tallest dunes in one of the most surreal landscapes we’ve ever encountered. This was one of the first weekend trips Justin and I took together, and the sheer scale of these sandy peaks was breathtaking.
We arrived in the morning, eager to experience this geological marvel firsthand. From the parking area, we made our way toward the dunes, crossing Medano Creek—a seasonal waterway that flows along the base of the dunes. Depending on the time of year, this crossing can range from a fun wade through ankle-deep water to barely a trickle. During our May visit, the creek was relatively low, nothing like the more substantial flow I’d encountered during a summer visit with my family in 2015. Still, even that small crossing added to the sense of journey, marking the transition from ordinary terrain to this extraordinary sandy landscape.
The moment we stepped onto the dunes, it felt like walking on another planet. The sand was surprisingly soft and powdery underfoot, and the quiet expanse stretched endlessly before us. That morning, we had the dunes nearly to ourselves, which made the experience feel even more magical and remote.
The tallest dune, Star Dune, rises about 750 feet above the valley floor—a height that doesn’t sound particularly daunting until you’re actually climbing it. On solid ground, 750 feet might be a manageable hike, but on sand? Every step forward means sliding partially backward. Your feet sink with each stride, your calves burn, and what looks like a straightforward climb becomes surprisingly exhausting. We quickly gained appreciation for just how challenging these dunes are. We clambered up several of the smaller slopes, pausing frequently to catch our breath and marvel at the intricate ripple patterns the wind had etched into the sand. Each crest revealed another vista of undulating golden hills against those snow-capped mountain peaks—a photographer’s dream. We never made it anywhere near Star Dune’s summit.
Still, our brief encounter with Great Sand Dunes left an indelible impression. Few places combine such dramatic natural beauty with such an otherworldly atmosphere. We left already planning a return visit—ideally on a calmer day.
Searching the Skies at the Alamosa UFO Watchtower
Later that same afternoon, our adventure took a wonderfully eccentric turn. After leaving the dunes, we headed to the UFO Watchtower in Alamosa, and what we initially thought might be a quick roadside curiosity turned into an hour-long experience we still talk about today.
We spent time wandering the “vortex garden,” an endearing collection where visitors leave trinkets, toys, and offerings—everything from alien figurines to handwritten notes. The hodgepodge of items created an oddly touching folk art installation. We climbed the observation platform, taking in the vast, empty landscape that surrounded us in every direction.
The true highlight was meeting the passionate owner, who regaled us with stories of local UFO sightings, explained how the watchtower came to be (out of genuine curiosity and a desire to provide a dedicated viewing space), and enthusiastically discussed theories of extraterrestrial life. Her conviction was infectious, her stories entertaining, and her openness refreshing. We left feeling entertained, slightly bemused, and with our minds a little more open to the mysteries of the universe.
The location itself made a compelling case for sky-watching. This part of Colorado is vast and empty—no trees, no tall structures, minimal light pollution. If you wanted to observe the night sky or search for unexplained phenomena, this would indeed be an ideal spot. They even offer RV and tent camping for those who want to conduct their own overnight observations.
Perfect Beginnings
This day—blending majestic natural wonders with quirky roadside attractions—perfectly captured what would become our travel style. We discovered we could appreciate both the sublime beauty of nature and the charm of eccentric Americana, and that combination opened the door to countless future adventures.
It was also an early lesson that even when the wind whips up or plans change, the joy of discovery and shared experiences makes every journey worthwhile. Sometimes the best memories come from the unexpected detours and the wonderfully weird places you never knew existed.