Great Sand Dunes National Park Backpacking - September 2025

Backpacking Great Sand Dunes National Park via Medano Pass

For nearly 10 years this trip sat on our bucket list, and we finally made it happen. Heidy and I set out for an overnight backpacking adventure into the Great Sand Dunes National Park, entering from the back side over Medano Pass. The drive itself was an adventure. The drive took us over about 10 water crossings, long stretches of soft sand (perfect for the Jeep Mojave), and pretty amazing mountain scenery.

Once we reached the park, we packed up and hiked in. The first stretch was crowded with visitors sledding and sand boarding, but as soon as we crossed that first ridgeline, the crowds disappeared, and it felt like we were in another world. We set up camp and spent the afternoon exploring. One of my favorite memories was watching Heidy in her beautiful orange dress, dancing around in the dunes, the colors popping against the golden sand.

Dinner plans changed when we realized we hadn’t brought quite enough water for both our meals and the next day’s hike out. So instead of our delicious freeze-dried dinner we had planned, we opted for a simple spread of cheese and crackers. That night, we woke up around 4 a.m. to walk under a starry sky with a full moon glowing over the dunes. While I didn’t capture video of that part, the memory of it is something I’ll never forget. After a bit more rest, we woke to a calm, golden morning overlooking the dunes—quiet, peaceful, and absolutely breathtaking.

The hike out was waaay easier, but still glad we reserved some extra water. Then we capped off the trip with a well-deserved meal in Salida, Colorado.

This trip wasn’t just about crossing a place off our list. It was about stepping into the kind of silence that makes you feel small, yet completely present. Out there, it was just the dunes, the sky, and the two of us. I love every adventure were we push each other through the challenges, laugh at the little surprises (or mistakes), and holding onto the moments that remind us why we choose to keep exploring together. These adventures with Heidy mean more to me than the photos or the miles we cover.

If you’ve ever thought about backpacking the Great Sand Dunes, I hope this video gives you a glimpse of what makes it so special.

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