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Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, making it the perfect place for sandboarding and sand sledding. When I first saw people gliding down the dunes, I knew I had to try it for myself.
On a hot July day, we rented sand sleds and took on the dunes—and it was an absolute blast! Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced boarder, here’s everything you need to know before sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Sandboarding in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Sandboarding and sand sledding are so much fun, and you can enjoy them all day. Here is a guide on what you can expect!
Looking for something specific? Use the drop down below!
What is Sandboarding & Sand Sledding?
Both sandboarding and sand sledding let you ride down the dunes, but there are some key differences:
Sand Sledding:
- Uses a flat, wide sled (similar to a snow sled).
- Riders sit or lie down and push off to slide.
- Beginner-friendly and great for all ages.
Sandboarding:
- Uses a longer board with foot bindings (like a snowboard).
- Requires standing and balance while riding down.
- More advanced but offers higher speeds & longer runs.
No matter which you choose, both are an unforgettable way to experience the massive dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park!
Want more activities? Read 6 Things To Do In Great Sand Dunes National Park!
Sandboarding in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Your sandboarding adventure starts at the Dunes Parking Area, where you can easily walk to the first ridge.
Best Spots for Sandboarding & Sand Sledding
Your adventure will begin at the Dunes Parking Area, which offers easy access to the first ridge of dunes.
First Ridge Dunes – Closest to the parking area, great for beginners.
Medium-Sized Dunes – A short hike further in, perfect for longer rides.
High Dune – For experienced boarders, offering steeper, faster runs.
Pro Tip: The further you hike into the dune field, the less crowded it gets!
My Experience Sandboarding Great Sand Dunes
My adventure began at the Dunes Parking Area, which provided easy access to the first ridge of dunes.
I made my way to the first ridge, just a short walk from the parking lot. It’s one of the most popular spots for sand sledding in Colorado, and I could see why—there were plenty of people already sliding down the dunes, laughing, and having a blast.
These dunes were tall enough to give me a thrilling ride, but still a great warm-up for the even bigger dunes ahead.
I sat on my sand sled at the top of the dune, feeling the excitement build. I could either have someone give me a push or push off myself—so I went for it!
As soon as I started sliding, the sled picked up speed quickly, and I used my hands to slow down and steer when needed.
After a few runs, I got the hang of it and decided to climb up to higher dunes for even longer, faster rides.
And our second run of sand sledding in Colorado!
We spent all day here because we were staying at This Amazing Campground At Great Sand Dunes National Park!
Does Sandboarding Hurt If You Fall?
I fell plenty of times, but luckily, the sand is super soft!
- Minimal impact compared to snowboarding.
- Some sand burn can happen, but nothing serious.
- Wear lightweight pants if you want extra protection.
Bottom line: Wipeouts are part of the fun!
Sandboarding Great Sand Dunes Video
Here is my YouTube video of our sandboarding adventure!
FAQS
Can You Sandsled With Two People?
Yes, we went down together or by ourselves. Sand sledding with two people can be difficult, but it’s super fun once you get the hang of it.
Can You Use a Regular Sled or Snowboard?
No! Regular snow sleds and snowboards don’t work well on sand.
Instead, use specialized sand sleds & sandboards that have:
- A slick, waxed base for smooth sliding.
- Materials designed for sand friction.
If you have your own sandboard or sand sled, you can bring it!
Where To Rent Sandboards In Colorado
We rented from the Oasis Store and the staff were very friendly and helpful!
You can rent sandboards and sleds from several locations near the park:
- Oasis Store (Outside the park entrance) – Best for convenience.
- Kristi Mountain Sports (Alamosa) – Offers boards & outdoor gear rentals.
- SpinDrift Sandboarding (Blanca) – Great selection of high-quality sandboards.
Pro Tip: Boards come with wax—apply it before each run for the best ride!
Best Time to Go Sandboarding
Sandboarding is best early in the morning or late afternoon when the sand is cooler.
Best times to go:
- Morning: Cooler temps, fewer crowds.
- Evening: Soft light for amazing photos.
Avoid midday! The sand can reach 150°F+ in summer, making it too hot to walk on!
Tips For Sandboarding
- Wax Your Board: To ensure a smooth ride, apply wax (often provided with rentals) to the bottom of your sled or board before each run.
- Dress for the He: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing. The sand can get extremely hot in summer, so cover your skin on dangerous days.
- Protect Your Feet: Closed-toe shoes are recommended to protect your feet from the hot sand, which can quickly get inside your shoes. I wore sandals with straps to hold my feet in.
- Hydrate and Protect: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The sun is intense, and there is little shade on the dunes.
- Check the Wind – Strong winds can kick up sand, making it harder to ride.
- Safety First: Start on smaller dunes to get a feel for the sledding experience. Always sit or lie down on your sled; standing can be dangerous on a sand sled, as it is not a sandboard.
Where is Great Sand Dunes National Park?
📌 Location: Southern Colorado, near Alamosa.
Driving Distances
- Denver, CO: ~4 hours (232 miles)
- Colorado Springs, CO: ~3 hours (169 miles)
- Albuquerque, NM: ~5 hours (271 miles)
Explore More Of Colorado!
Looking for the best place to stay in Great Sand Dunes? This is the Best Campground At Great Sand Dunes National Park!
Want more camping spots in Colorado’s National Parks? Here is your guide to Camping At The Glacier Basin Campground In RMNP.
You can also make your way over to The Best Colorado Glamping Cabins Are At Durango Riverside Resort.
Want more of Colorado’s hiking trails? Here are The 5 Best Wildflower Hikes In Colorful Colorado!
Where Do You Want To Travel Next?