High Dune

High Dune is a unique sandy summit that clearly stands out from the surrounding terrain giving stunning views over the dunes stretching out in all directions and much of the northern range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Best time to hike is early in the day, the earlier the better. Not only will sand temperatures be more moderate, but the low angle of the sun grazing the dunes and surrounding mountains will make for very dramatic photography. Hiking late in the day to enjoy the sunset from the top of High Dune is another excellent option. It's also possibly to hike/shoot the dunes at night, but a free permit is required (obtain at the visitor center during business hours). Of course, hiking during the winter months should see far fewer people on the dunes, and could present some interesting photo opportunities with the snow-covered mountains. (Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA)