The Essential Guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Jewels of the Rockies)

Sincerely,
Bud Norlin


Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (GSDNP&P)   August 9, 2003
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Having read and reviewed many a guidebook, I can say without hesitation that GSDNP&P is one of the best I've yet to come across. Indeed, its closest competition may come from the Wingers' HIGHPOINT ADVENTURES, a guide to climbing (or, in some cases, driving up) the summits of the fifty States.

Charlie and Diane Winger must have enjoyed researching and writing this book--that's obvious as its so much fun to read. Covering vitually every conceivable aspect of the National Mounument (which is expected to become a National Park shortly)--natural and cultural history, park facilities, hiking, climbing, biking, fishing--there's never a dull moment, with maps, insets and photos galore.

Although I haven't been to the Park personally, after reading the Winger's paean to the area, I'm planning to do so as soon as possible.


Essential guidebook for visiting the Great Sand Dunes   August 9, 2003
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This book is a must read for anyone visiting this area. The diversity of activities which are covered in the Guide should make everyone want to vist this area. Whether you are a tourist from the "flatlands" or an experienced mountaineer, this book has something for everyone.
The Winger's have done an outstanding job describing the sights and sounds of the Park. You can almost feel the breezes caress your body as you spend your night amongst the dunes watching for shooting stars!
While the dunes are the main attraction, the surrounding fourteen thousand foot peaks have an alure all their own. Especially enjoyable was their description of the Zapata Falls area and what adventurous person could resist a trip to those Marble Caves? Spanish Gold, you say?
The book contains many treasures of its own and will occupy a special place on my bookshelf for years to come. "Essential" is surely the correct word to describe this guidebook.


A gem of a book   August 5, 2003
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This is a beautiful and informative book, filled with hiking information, places to see, fun activities, history, and hundreds of color photos. I was amazed at the variety of scenery, plant and animal life, and terrain found within the National Park and the huge National Preserve around it, as well as other great nearby natural wonders. This guide is well-written, with something for everyone. You'll spend hours paging through it "ooo-ing" and "ah-ing" over places like Zapata Falls and Marble Caves and chuckling about Colorado's alligator farm. Our family can hardly wait to plan a trip to see "the dunes" and everything around them!