Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Colorado is a landlocked state, so typical surfing experiences are not available there, but that doesn't mean you can't try your hand at it. Sand surfing is here. Visitors to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve can surf down the enormous dunes by bringing a sandboard, some guts, and comfortable clothing.

To hire a board, you must go to a store in the nearby San Luis Valley as there are none available within the park. The closest rental store is Oasis Store, which is 4 miles from the entrance. You should purchase sand-specific boards because snow sleds and snowboards won't allow you to slide easily. Sand surfers can walk a little more than a half-mile to some respectable-sized dunes from the main parking area. Since surfing is permitted everywhere on the sand dunes excluding forested areas, those looking for steeper slopes can choose to travel a little further.

Sand sledding is a better option for people who would prefer to sit than stand. The Great Sand Dunes National Site and Preserve is open every day of the year, admission to the park is $25 per vehicle, and reservations are not necessary. The park offers a wide range of other activities, such as swimming in Medano Creek and hiking.

• Location: Colorado