Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

We've always wanted to visit the Great Sand Dunes when Medano Creek is flowing. This year, we managed perfect timing.

We took a hike first thing in the morning, approaching the creek on foot rather than taking the car. Medano Creek peaked on June 2 with an excellent flow of 50 cubic feet per second. As of June 7, according to the Creek Conditions portion of the park's website, flow had dropped significantly to 31 cfs. Unless rain comes, the flow will probably continue to decrease until around mid-July when the creek may retreat back toward the mountains.

Taking the NPS oath.

The girls both decided (without prompting from earnest parents) to learn about the dunes, the creek, and the mountains so that they could become Great Sand Dunes Junior Rangers.