Sandboarding and Sand Sledding

Two girls speed down a dune on a specially designed sand sled.

NPS/Patrick Myers

Sand sledding or sandboarding can be fun with the right gear and conditions. On this page you'll find tips for an enjoyable and safe sand sledding experience at Great Sand Dunes, and links to area rentals. You can also watch a video on the Great Sand Dunes YouTube Channel about sandboarding and sand sledding.

• Don't waste time with snow sleds, saucers, cardboard, or soft plastic items. These won't slide on dry sand. 
• Sandboards and sand sleds are specifically made for sand, featuring a special design with extra slick base material and special wax; these work best for sliding in most conditions. Rent these at local retailers outside the national park (see list below).
• Sandboarding, sledding, and skiing are permitted anywhere on the dunefield away from vegetated areas. From the main Dunes Parking Area, it's a minimum 0.7 mile (1 km) hike to get to the small or medium-sized slopes; the top of the first high ridge is 1.25 miles. Smaller slopes at the base are fine for young children, while teens and adults may prefer longer slopes near the top of the first high ridge of dunes.
• Plan your dunes time for early morning or evening during summer to avoid a 150 degree F sand surface or thunderstorms. In spring and fall, sand temperatures are usually moderate throughout the day, but spring afternoons can be very windy.
• While Castle Creek Picnic Area (4WD access) provides close access to high slopes, sledders who can't stop may crash into the firm creekbed sand at the base. Instead, it is recommended to sled on the first high ridge of dunes, accessible from the main Dunes Parking Area. At the base of most dunes in this area is softer sand and a gentler runout to slow you down.
• Sledding/Sandboarding has a potential for injuries if safety precautions aren't considered. If injuries occur, assistance from ranger staff may be required. Sledding beyond the first high ridge of dunes will make it more difficult to receive timely assistance in case of injury.

Rentals

The National Park Service does not rent sand sleds or sandboards. These may be rented or purchased at retailers in the San Luis Valley. Some retailers are a 45 minute drive away from the dunes. Plan to rent gear before arriving at the park. Be sure to check the location, prices, and policies of each retailer to see which one best meets your trip logistics and budget.

4 miles away - Oasis Store is located 4 miles from the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center near the park entrance. Hours vary; open March through October for sandboard and sand sled rentals. Call 719-378-2222. To protect the special slick material on the bottom of each board, Oasis will not rent sleds when the sand is wet.

25 miles away - Spin Drift Sand Board Rentals, located in downtown Blanca, 25 miles southeast of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, rents sandsleds and sandboards mid-March through October. Follow link above to website or call 719-379-4410.

32 miles away - Sand Dunes Swimming Pool and Recreation, located near Hooper, 32 miles west of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, rents sandsleds and sandboards year round. Follow the link or call 719-378-2807. The facility is closed on Thursdays for pool cleaning.

35 miles away - Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa, 35 miles southwest of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, rents sandsleds and sandboards year round. Follow the link or call 719-589-9759. To protect the special slick material on the bottom of each board, Kristi will not rent them when the sand is frozen.

64 miles away - Spanish Peaks Outfitters located in La Veta, Colorado, 64 miles southeast of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, rents sand sleds and sandboards year round. 720-401-8545.

Details

Duration

2-8 Hours

Plan on a minimum of 2 hours to hike to a slope and sled down a few times. Children typically sled on lower slopes, while teens and adults hike higher to taller slopes, requiring more time and effort.

Activity

Surfing

Sand sledding or sandboarding can be fun with the right gear and conditions. Below are tips for an enjoyable and safe sledding or sandboarding experience at Great Sand Dunes.

• Don't waste time with snow sleds, saucers, cardboard, or soft plastic items. These won't slide on dry sand. 
• Sandboards and sand sleds are specifically made for sand, featuring a special design with extra slick base material and special wax; these work best for sliding in most conditions. Rent these at local retailers outside the national park (see list below).
• Sandboarding, sledding, and skiing are permitted anywhere on the dunefield away from vegetated areas. From the main Dunes Parking Area, it's a minimum 0.7 mile (1 km) hike to get to the small or medium-sized slopes; the top of the first high ridge is 1.25 miles. Smaller slopes at the base are fine for young children, while teens and adults may prefer longer slopes near the top of the first high ridge of dunes.
• Plan your dunes time for early morning or evening during summer to avoid a 150 degree F sand surface or thunderstorms. In spring and fall, sand temperatures are usually moderate throughout the day, but spring afternoons can be very windy.
• While Castle Creek Picnic Area (4WD access) provides close access to high slopes, sledders who can't stop may crash into the firm creekbed sand at the base. Instead, it is recommended to sled on the first high ridge of dunes, accessible from the main Dunes Parking Area. At the base of most dunes in this area is softer sand and a gentler runout to slow you down.
• Sledding/Sandboarding has a potential for injuries if safety precautions aren't considered. If injuries occur, assistance from ranger staff may be required. Sledding beyond the first high ridge of dunes will make it more difficult to receive timely assistance.

Rentals

The National Park does not rent sand sleds or sandboards; these may be rented or purchased at retailers in the San Luis Valley. Some retailers are a 45 minute drive away from the dunes in the off-season. Plan to rent gear before arriving at the park. Be sure to check the location, prices, and policies of each retailer to see which one best meets your logistics and budget.

4 miles away - Oasis Store is located 4 miles from the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center near the park entrance. Hours vary; open mid-March through October for sandboards and sand sled rentals. Call 719-378-2222. To protect the special slick material on the bottom of each board, Oasis will not rent sleds when the sand is wet.

25 miles away - Spin Drift Sand Board Rentals, located in downtown Blanca, 25 miles southeast of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, rents sandsleds and sandboards mid-March through October. Follow link above to website or call 719-379-4410.

32 miles away - Sand Dunes Swimming Pool and Recreation, located near Hooper, 32 miles west of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, rents sandsleds and sandboards year round. Follow the link or call 719-378-2807. The facility is closed on Thursdays for pool cleaning.

35 miles away - Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa, 35 miles southwest of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, rents sandsleds and sandboards year round. Follow the link or call 719-589-9759. To protect the special slick material on the bottom of each board, Kristi will not rent them when the sand is frozen.

64 miles away - Spanish Peaks Outfitters located in La Veta, Colorado, 64 miles southeast of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, rents sand sleds and sandboards year round. 720-401-8545.

Age(s)

2-75

Young children will need to be held on an adult's lap for safety. As with any fast activity, visitors should consider potential injuries.

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are permitted up to the top of the first ridge of dunes.

Activity Fee

Yes

Sand sled and sandboard rentals average about $20 per sled per day. These are rented at retailers outside the national park. Each retailer has different prices, policies, and logistics for sled rentals.

Location

First Ridge of Dunes

Sandboard and sand sled anywhere on the first ridge of dunes, accessible from the main Dunes Parking Area.

Reservations

No

No reservations are needed to slide down the dunes.

Season

Year Round

Sandboarding and sand sledding can occur any time of year, but in winter months, some retailers will not rent the sleds due to potential damage from frozen sand. When snow falls on the dunes, consider bringing snow equipment instead.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Sandboarding and Sand Sledding can occur any time of day, but in summer months plan your time on the dunes for morning or evening to avoid 150 degree F sand or thunderstorms with lightning.

Accessibility Information

Dunes wheelchairs are available for visitors to check out from the visitor center, allowing closer access to sledding slopes. Keep in mind sand wheelchairs must be pushed by another person through soft sand, sometimes requiring considerable effort.

Duration:

1 minute, 49 seconds

Learn to use the right gear and techniques in this fun 90-second video with music! Choose Broadband/HD at lower right for clearest video, or lower settings for slower connections. 2017