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area is closest, requiring a 1.5-hour hike (round trip). For the truly hardy, the Sand Ramp Trail is 11 miles (each way) along the eastern and northern edges of the dunefield, ending at the northern end of the Star Dune Complex. The Medano Pass Primitive Road leads out of GSDNP and into the preserve. There, several other long, backcountry hikes to mountain lakes are available. Still, all are beyond the scope of this article, as they would not be accessible via a typical rental car. Even sticking to the Main Use area of GSDNP, it is a truly unique park. Because it is close to a versatile airport and is relatively small by western national park standards, it’s a great day or weekend trip destination. If your timing allows, be sure to stay after dark. Stargazing over the dunes is incredible, thanks to the lack of light pollution in the vast, open area. Wildlife viewing is also best in the low light of sunrise and sunset, when elk, mule, deer and pronghorn are more likely to venture into open areas to graze.
Colorado has no shortage of awe-inspiring destinations to tour aerially and terrestrially. Perhaps the most popular state for mountain recreation of all sorts, it is also equally popular for gaining mountain flying training and experience. In many of the mountain flying courses I’ve taught over the years, Colorado has been the state of choice to begin the course. Its many national parks, national monuments and other NPS sites alone could keep one busy touring for years. Add to that its many fun
and challenging airports, beautiful mountain villages and endless unspoiled backcountry, and it’s hard to imagine anyone ever feeling like they’ve seen all that Colorado has to offer. Whether it is for business or pleasure, make it a point to add some Colorado flying and tourism to your travel wish list. Then, with proper training completed, start trading those wishes for experiences. The mountains await. KA
Copyright 2021, Matthew McDaniel.
First publication rights granted to Village Press for King Air Magazine. All other rights reserved by copyright holder.
Matthew McDaniel is a Master & Gold Seal CFII, ATP, MEI, AGI, IGI and Platinum CSIP. In 30 years of flying, he has logged over 19,500 hours total, over 5,600 hours of instruction-given and over 2,500 hours in various King Airs and the BE-1900D. As owner of Progressive Aviation Services, LLC (www.progaviation.com), he has specialized
in Technically Advanced Aircraft and Glass Cockpit instruction since 2001. Currently, he is also an Airbus A-320-series captain for an international airline, holds eight turbine aircraft type ratings and has flown over 95 aircraft types. Matt is one of less than 15 instructors in the world to have earned the Master CFI designation for nine consecutive two-year terms. He can be reached at: matt@ progaviation.com or (414) 339-4990.
AUGUST 2021
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 11