There’s a hidden gem in Colorado that few people know about — a place where the tallest sand dunes in North America rise dramatically from the valley floor, surrounded by streams of snowmelt flowing from the peaks of Mount Herard. Here, golden sand meets alpine mountains, and at night, the sky transforms into a blanket of stars. Colorado offers countless opportunities for landscape photography, but what first drew me to the state was the surreal beauty of the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

The first time I planned a trip there, visiting the dunes would’ve required nearly two full days — a journey I couldn’t make at the time. But a year later, I returned to Colorado with one goal: to experience the land of the dunes.

Located about two hours from Colorado Springs, the drive to the park is as scenic as the destination itself. Once inside, you’re constantly greeted by the breathtaking sight of towering dunes framed by distant mountains. To camp among the dunes, we had to get a backcountry permit and follow specific park guidelines. The hike began easily enough, but after 25 minutes of steep ascents, our legs began to burn. Forty-five minutes in, we reached the highest dune — standing 750 feet tall — and carefully set up our tent out of sight to preserve the untouched view.

The sunset that evening was unforgettable. The golden light painted the dunes in warm, sweeping curves, while Mount Herard, perfectly positioned west of the setting sun, became bathed in vibrant color. For my photography trips, I usually plan around a new moon to shoot the Milky Way. But this time, I embraced the full moon. I wanted to use its light to illuminate the landscape — and it worked beautifully. For the first time, I was able to capture Mount Herard, the glowing dunes, and the stars all in a single exposure. I hadn’t realized how much light the moon could provide until that night.

Spending the night out there was an experience I’ll never forget. For any landscape photographer, I highly recommend visiting the Great Sand Dunes — and studying the moon cycle beforehand. Whether you’re chasing the Milky Way or experimenting with moonlight, the possibilities for unique compositions are endless.

Colorado, USA

2017