2014 America the Beautiful Quarters ^™

Originally designated the Great Sand Dunes National monument, Great Sand Dunes National park was created by an act of Congress in 2004. A decade later, it will be featured as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters program.

GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK OVERVIEW

Located in eastern Colorado, this park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising to about 750 feet. The dunes were formed when sand from the Rio Grande whipped its way through the San Luis Valley. As the wind died down, the sand was deposited in the valley, growing the dunes into the shape they take today. As this process is still occuring, the dunes continue to grow.

More than simply a collection of dunes, the park features tundra, alpine lakes, grasslands and wetlands. The diversity of terrain leads to an equal diversity of wildlife. Visitors tend to enjoy hiking, siteseeing, sliding and skimboarding.