National parks across the country provide the perfect spots to pick up a sled and cruise downhill in style. No matter the temperature, there’s a national park waiting for you to grab a sled and hit the slopes – be they covered in snow or sand.
LessWinter activities abound at Rocky Mountain National Park, but Hidden Valley is the one place where park visitors can sled to their hearts’ content. The opportunity to sled is available throughout the winter, as long as snow conditions are right, and the area features a nearby restroom and a warming room, open most weekends. Just bring your own sledding vehicle of choice!
Try sand-sledding at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve to take your sledding skills to the next level. Sand sports like sandboarding, sand-skiing, and sand-sledding are available year-round on the dune field, as long as you stay away from vegetated areas that might cause a potentially dangerous ride. Use sandboards and sleds designed specifically for sliding on sand, and make sure to follow the park’s safety tips to ensure everyone enjoys an unforgettable, unique sledding experience.
Take advantage of the annual snowfall at Lassen Volcanic National Park and go sledding! Find smaller, gentler slopes close to Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center or walk a bit further along the snow-covered park highway to access steeper slopes popular with experienced sledders. Grab your own sled before you head out to the park and pack a picnic to enjoy fireside in the dining area of Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center after hours of frosty fun.
The powdery white gypsum dunes at White Sands National Park may look like snow-covered hills, but don’t let them fool you – these slopes don’t come with the usual winter temperatures! Visitors to the park can glide down the faces of the dunes along the loop portion of Dunes Drive using plastic snow saucers brought from home or wax ones purchased in the park’s gift shop. Make sure to use the proper sand-sledding technique and choose your sledding path carefully to avoid injury.
One unique way to experience the vast, iconic landscape of Yosemite National Park is visiting in the winter months and taking advantages of all the winter activities available. While you can strap on some skis or snowshoes for a walk or lace up your skates for laps on the outdoor ice rink, you can also grab your sled or snow tube and enjoy family-friendly fun at Badger Pass. Yosemite Hospitality, an authorized concessioner, sells passes for winter visitors ready to ski, snowshoe, or sled.