Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Planning a visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park? Put sandboarding at the top of your to-do list. We enjoyed this park and our favorite part was hiking up into the dunes and sand boarding or sand sledding down the dunes. It was so fun to watch people all over the dunes sliding down the sand.
In this post I’ll share a quick and complete guide on how to sand board Great Sand Dunes National Park.
To help you plan your visit, you might also like:
- Guide to Sand Dunes (this is a good place to start to help plan your visit)
- Hiking Great Sand Dunes
- Seeing the Surge Flow at Medano Creek
What is Sand Boarding?
Sandboarding is an outdoor sport where you ride down sand dunes on a board, similar to snowboarding. Instead of snow, sandboarding takes place on desert dunes, allowing you to glide down the slopes using a specially designed board. The activity can be done in various desert locations around the world, making it a unique way to explore these landscapes. It’s a straightforward and enjoyable way to experience the desert, whether you’re new to the sport or looking for something different to try.
Where can you Sand Board at Great Sand Dunes?
You can sand board throughout the dunes at Great Sand Dunes. Most people who sand board Great Sand Dunes simply start at the main parking lot and hike up into the dunes. Since you need a relatively steep slope to get moving on a sand board you may need to hike up into the dunes at least 1/2 mile to get to the steep dunes.
One great option is to hike to the top of Great Dune (not the tallest dune) and then sand board on your way down as you go. The hike up is about 1.5 miles and you can do it any way you like – there isn’t really a trail.
Where can you Rent Sand Boards and Sand Sleds?
The best place to rent sand boards is right outside the entrance of the park. As you drive in on the entrance road, there are some small stores that rent boards. It’s important to note the closing time and when you will need to get your board back to the rental place.
Most places rent both sand boards and sand sleds – read more below about the best option.
We visited Great Sand Dunes with 4 people (myself and 3 kids). We decided just to rent one board and take turns. In retrospect, it may have been nice to rent two boards (or 1 board for 2 people).
The National Park Service keeps a list of places that rent boards. We rented ours at Oasis Store which is closest to the park.
Which is Better – Sand Board or Sand Sled?
Most of the rental stores rent both sand boards and sand sleds – so how do you choose? It depends a bit on your experience. Here are some of the advantages of each.
Sand Board – best for people with good balance, people who snowboard, and overall active people
Sand Sleds – better for people worried about falling, young kids, but also heavier to carry into the dunes
It is completely possible to sit on the sand board like a sled but you won’t get the same balance as a sled. Even though we are all relatively active, we found that on the long/steep slopes we prefered to sit on the board.
Things to Know to Sand Board Great Sand Dunes National Park
Use Proper Equipment: Regular sleds or boards don’t work well on sand. It’s best to rent or bring a specially designed sand sled or sandboard with a slick base, which allows you to glide smoothly over the dunes.
Check the Weather: Wet sand can make sledding difficult or impossible. Sledding is best when the sand is dry. Avoid sledding when the sand is wet, frozen, or covered in snow, as these conditions can damage the boards and make the experience less enjoyable.
Safety Considerations: The sand can get extremely hot during the day, especially in the summer. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring plenty of water, and consider sledding in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat.
Respect the Dunes: Stay on designated areas and avoid trampling vegetation or wildlife habitats. The dunes are a delicate ecosystem, and it’s important to minimize your impact.
Start Small: If you’re new to sand sledding, start with smaller dunes before attempting the taller ones. This will help you get a feel for how the sled or board handles on the sand.
Prepare for the Climb: Unlike snow sledding, there’s no lift to take you to the top of the dunes. Be prepared for a challenging climb back up after each ride, especially on the larger dunes.
Know the Location: The best sledding areas are located away from the main visitor center, typically at the base of the first large dunes. Ask for recommendations or look for areas with fewer people for a more enjoyable experience.
Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and belongings, and be mindful of others enjoying the dunes. The park’s beauty is maintained by visitors who respect the environment.
