Go Sandboarding or Sand Sledding at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

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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. 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. 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 (1km) 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. While Castle Creek Picnic Area (4WD only) 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 high potential for injuries to occur 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. The National Park Service does not rent sleds or sandboards; these may be rented or purchased at three retailers in the San Luis Valley. Sandboards and sand sleds are available year-round fo rent or purchase at Kristi Mountain Sports, located 40 miles southwest of the Visitor Center, 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.Sand Dunes Swimming Pool and Recreation, located 32 miles west of the Visitor Center near Hooper, rents sandboards and sand sleds year round. Follow the link or call 719-378-2807. The facility is closed on Thursdays for pool cleaning. From April through October, sandboards and sand sleds are available for rent at the Oasis Store just outside the park entrance. Hours vary; 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.

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