Surf at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

While there are no traditional surfing experiences in landlocked Colorado, you can still try your hand at the sport. Here comes sand surfing. Visitors to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve can surf down the massive dunes with a sandboard, comfortable clothing, and a bit of courage. Keep in mind that there are no board rental facilities within the park; you must rent from a shop in the nearby San Luis Valley. The nearest rental store is Oasis Store, which is 4 miles from the entrance.

The best boards to get are those designed specifically for sand – snow sleds and snowboards will be difficult to slide on. Sand surfers can walk a little more than a half-mile from the main parking area to some decent-sized dunes. Those looking for larger slopes can walk a little further because surfing is permitted anywhere on the dunes except in vegetated areas. Those who prefer to sit rather than stand should go sand sledding. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; admission is $25 per vehicle, and no reservations are required. There are also numerous other activities available within the park, such as hiking and swimming in Medano Creek.