Last Updated on January 3, 2023
Over the past couple of years Colorado has become one of the trendiest sandboarding destinations in the states. This is hardly surprising, given that Colorado is home to the tallest dunes in North America , appropriately called the Great Sand Dunes, located in the southern part of the state.
There are however a few additional sandboarding spots across the state, namely the dunes near Mosca and Walden. Unfortunately, you cannot sandboard at the Grand Canyon.
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Colorado Sandboarding Locations
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Sand boarding, sand sledding, and sand skiing are allowed away in the park on any dune away from vegetation, but you will need to bring your own equipment. You can buy a sandboard online (150-250$) or rent one in a city nearby (20$ per day)
There is no sandboard rental at the National Park itself, but plenty of options a few miles away, such as The Oasis Store, Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa, and Sand Dunes Recreation in Hooper.
Keep in mind that some stores will not rent you a sandboard in winter or when the sand is wet or frozen (and even if you have your own board, you may want to postpone your trip to the dunes until when the weather is nicer).
Opt for a sandboard if you are planning to descend the tallest dunes, while sandsleds are better suited for smaller slopes close to the Visitor Center (and they make a perfect choice for kids!).
Dune skiing is still a somewhat niche activity and only recommended if you are very experienced. You will likely need to make your own sand skis as they cannot be easily bought nor rented. Make sure to use plenty of sandboard wax!
Sandboard Rentals
- Oasis Store. Near the park entrance, 4 miles from the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center. Sandboards and sand sleds are available for rent from March 1 to October 31.
- Spin Drift Sand Board Rentals. Rents sandsleds and sandboards from March to October in downtown Blanca, 25 miles southeast of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center.
- Sand Dunes Swimming Pool and Recreation. Rents sandsleds and sandboards all year round near Hooper, 32 miles west of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center.
- Kristi Mountain Sports. Rents sandsleds and sandboards all year round in Alamosa, 40 miles southwest of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center.
- Spanish Peaks Outfitters. Rents sand sleds and sandboards all year round in La Veta, Colorado, 64 miles southeast of the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center.
The Great Sand Dunes
The Great Sand Dunes of Colorado are the tallest in North America. The tallest dune, the Star Dune, is 750 feet high and over 8,000 feet in elevation. The presence of a year-round stream at their base, flowing out of the mountains, is another unique feature of these dunes.
Sediments and water once poured down into the San Luis Valley from both mountain ranges, into what geologists have named Lake Alamosa. Most of the ancient lake has now vanished as a result of climate change, leaving behind a huge layer of sand.
This sand is continuously moved by the prevailing winds back and forth. The prevailing winds are blowing the sand eastward, and storm winds are blowing the sand westward. These opposing forces are what cause the dunes to expand vertically, forming the massive star-shaped dunes.
Medano Creek / Castle Creek Dunes – Mosca
Medano creek is a seasonal stream and popular recreation site by people of all ages. The stream usually flows from April until July, but the best time to visit (and the most crowded) is from late May until mid June.
The word “Medano” in spanish means “sand dune” and sandboarding is only one of the main activities that you can do at the site, together with skimboarding, surfing, floating (“tubing”), and sand sculpting.
North Sand Hills – Walden
The North Sand Hills Recreation Area is a 1400-acre patch of sand located in the middle of a mountain, surrounded by trees. This unique area was once used by Native Americans as a bison killing site and is now a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
With its beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountain scenery.
What to wear
 Hanes Men’s Long Sleeve Cool Dri T-Shirt UPF 50+ |  HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 7 |  75% Merino wool socks |  Scott Recoil Pro WFS Goggles |  100% cotton shemagh |
If you are planning to go sandboarding in Colorado, you want to be wearing cotton socks, closed-toe shoes, long trousers and loose, breathable clothes for desert. Avoid putting on your favorite shirts as you will end up ruining it, and be ready to scoop up a lot of sand from your pockets!
Sandboards for Sale
 Slip Face Sandboards’ Diamond Back Terrain Sandboard  | – 9 ply maple veneer deck – High pressure laminate base, high gloss – Dakine adjustable foot straps – Slip Face Sandboards multi-positionable foot pads – Swallow tail design |
 Slip Face Sandboards’ Kestrel Wing 127  | – 9 ply maple veneer deck – Low friction base – Dakine adjustable foot straps – Slip Face Sandboards multi-positionable foot pads – Swallow tail design |
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