Containing approximately 85,000 acres, Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado was designated a national park only in 2004, but had been a national monument since 1932.
The park claims the tallest sand dunes in North America with heights reaching 750 feet above the floor of the valley below. These dunes are constantly regenerating themselves through a very complex process. For example, sand is blown off of the main dune mass during windy days, but gets caught up either in the Medano Creek when it is flowing, or its creek bed when it is dry. When it is flowing, the sand is carried back to the southern edge where the creek dries up and the sand is blown back onto the main mass.
Temperature extremes are common in the park with the sand itself easily attaining 140 degrees during the hot summer day. Appropriate attire including boots or closed shoes is highly recommended for those wanting to hike.
Also included as part of the park are alpine lakes and several
mountain peaks which reach heights of over 13,000 feet.
The Geocache Notification Form has been submitted to the Glacial Drumlin State trail office in Lake Mills, of the Wisconsin DNR. Geocaches placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource managed lands require permission by means of a notification form. Please print out a paper copy of the notification form, fill in all required information, then submit it to the land manager. The DNR Notification form and land manager information can be obtained at:http://www.wi-geocaching.com/hiding