Sea of Sand: A History of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

The Great Sand Dunes in south-central Colorado are the tallest aeolian dunes in North America, covering an area of nearly thirty square miles. They attained official National Park status in 2004 and are a nexus of more than 10,000 years of human history. Sea of Sand by Michael M. Geary guides readers on a historical journey through this unique ecosystem, analyzing its critical role in the settlement and development of the region and the recent legislative effort to secure the park's designation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2021
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press

Spanning across the eastern boundaries of the expansive San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado, the Great Sand Dunes are a testament to the enduring forces of wind and water over countless centuries. Covering an area of nearly thirty square miles, these majestic aeolian dunes stand as the tallest wind-produced dunes in North America, soaring an impressive 750 feet above the valley floor. Their significance was further elevated when the Baca Ranch and other adjacent lands were added, resulting in their official designation as a National Park in 2004. In his captivating book, Sea of Sand, Michael M. Geary takes readers on a historical journey through this unique ecosystem, showcasing its awe-inspiring natural and cultural wonders. From the sprawling main dunefield and vibrant wetlands to the towering summits of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Great Sand Dunes offer a tapestry of experiences that have captivated explorers and enthusiasts alike.

Zebulon Pike, an esteemed explorer, aptly described them as "a sea in a storm," while frontier photographer William Henry Jackson captured their peculiarity as "a curious and very singular phase of nature's freak." These dunes, with a history spanning over 10,000 years, have witnessed the footsteps of Paleoolithic big-game hunters, nomadic Native Americans, Spanish conquistadors, transcontinental explorers, hard-rock miners, and modern-day tourists in motor homes. Like these successive waves of visitors, Sea of Sand delves into the critical role of water in shaping the region's settlement and development. Geary also explores the profound impact that human use and settlement have had on the land, leading to the early grassroots efforts by San Luis Valley citizens to protect the dunes from further exploitation. Furthermore, he examines the recent legislative initiative led by an unprecedented coalition of local, state, and federal agencies and organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service, which aims to safeguard and preserve this natural treasure for generations to come.

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780806169149