Summer in the dunes: 5 sandy trips you won't forget

Sands of wonder: Scale the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. Credit: National Park Service.

By Erik Torkells

Say the word “sand” and most people think of the beach. But you can also have a fantastic time exploring sand dunes — and you don’t have to cross the Atlantic to make like Lawrence of Arabia. Here are five terrific spots for sand dunes in the U.S.A.

Death Valley National Park, California
Of course the other word that “sand” brings to mind is “desert,” and few desertscapes can compete with those in Death Valley. The Mesquite Flat Dunes are conveniently near Stovepipe Wells, or if you’re up for driving on dirt roads, check out the Eureka Dunes. When the sand on the highest dune is totally dry, it’s known to “sing,” making a deep thrum as it shifts.
Where to stay: Pahrump, Nevada (especially if you like casinos).

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Located in the south-central part of the state, the 150,000-acre Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the continent’s tallest sand dunes; the tallest, Star Dune, rises 750 feet. Besides hiking, you can go sledding, skiing and sandboarding (and falling isn’t nearly as painful as in snowboarding). Bring a swimsuit and wash the sand off at Medano Creek.
Where to stay: Alamosa, Colo.

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
The name says it all: The gypsum sand is as white as snow, and when it crunches under your feet, you’ll swear you’re at a ski resort. The national monument is in the southern part of New Mexico, next to White Sands Missile Range — which means that when missiles are being tested, the park closes (so check the website before you go!).
Where to stay: The funky-hip town of Truth or Consequences to the west or UFO-happy Roswell to the northeast.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area sits on 40 miles of prime coastline, and the dunes reach up to 500 feet tall. It’s best known for allowing OHVs (off-highway vehicles), but non-motorized activities such as horseback riding and hiking are also plentiful.
Where to stay: The coastal towns of Florence or Bandon.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
There are two main ways to enjoy the dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Take it easy with a seven-mile scenic drive, or get out and hike the dunes. The first plateau is 150 feet up; the second is twice that. If you’re feeling game, attempt the three-to-four-hour trip to the Lake Michigan, where a golden palace filled with chilled beverages awaits — sorry, that was a mirage. But there is an overlook.
Where to Stay: Traverse City, a half hour’s drive to the east.

Wherever you go, a few pieces of advice:

The sand can get exceedingly hot in high summer, so hike in the morning or late afternoon.
Bring sunglasses any time of year, because the sand reflects light.
Hiking is easier along the ridges than in the basins.
Go on and do some banana rolls — but bear in mind that you’ll want to shower soon afterward, because sand gets everywhere.

Related resources

Formerly the editor of Budget Travel magazine, contributor Erik Torkells has written for many other publications, including Travel + Leisure, the New York Times and T Magazine. He has appeared on MSNBC, Fox News, and “Good Morning America” on Orbitz’s behalf.

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