Place · 0 mi away
Overview
This is the park’s concessioner-run gift shop just behind the Visitor Center—your one-stop for dune gear, souvenirs, and a quick bite. If you’re planning to sled or sandboard, this is the most convenient place to rent or buy sleds and grab wax before heading into the dunes.
What You’ll Find
- Sleds and sandboards for rent, plus sleds for purchase; wax sold on-site to keep you moving on the gypsum.
- A broad mix of souvenirs: tees, magnets, ornaments, books, and park-branded trinkets.
- Regional, handcrafted goods like Native American pottery and sterling silver jewelry, often made by local artists.
- A small grab‑and‑go section with sandwiches, snacks, bottled water, and beverages.
- Public restrooms next door by the Visitor Center (not inside the shop).
Rentals: How It Works
- Last rentals go out two hours before closing, so plan pickup early if you want a long dune session.
- Posted prices have included sled rental around $15, sandboard rental around $25, and sled purchase around $25; policies and pricing can change.
- Wax matters—reapply every couple of runs for speed. If you bring or buy your own disc elsewhere, you’ll still want wax from the shop.
- Some renters note the process can bottleneck during busy times (tablet sign-ins, lines), so budget a little extra time.
Is It Worth a Stop?
Yes—especially if you’re here to play on the dunes. The rentals are convenient and the craft selection is better than a typical tourist shop. That said, it’s a park concession: prices are higher, and it can feel tight and crowded in the middle of the day.
Best Time to Visit
- For rentals: arrive early (opening hour) to avoid lines and to secure gear well before the two‑hour cutoff.
- For cooler temps and fewer people, stop first thing in the morning. If you want evening light on the dunes, pick up gear early and remember it must be returned before closing.
- Weekends and holidays see the biggest crowds; midweek is calmer.
Good to Know
- The shop sits in the historic Pueblo Revival–style Visitor Center complex—worth a quick look.
- Restrooms are next door; grab enough water here before driving deeper into the dunes.
- If you’re a book/map person, the nonprofit park store next door focuses on educational items; this shop is better for gear, snacks, and gifts.
Pros
- Convenient sled and sandboard rentals with wax available
- Well‑stocked souvenirs and authentic regional Native American crafts
- Grab‑and‑go snacks and cold drinks
Cons
- Rental and gift prices run high compared with buying elsewhere
- Can feel crowded with slow checkout at peak times
- Rentals must be returned before closing, limiting sunset runs
Tips
- Pick up rentals at least two hours before closing to avoid cutoffs.
- Buy or bring a sled elsewhere if you’re budget-minded, but get wax here.
- Reapply wax every couple of runs for the best speed on gypsum.
- If sandboarding, wear socks to reduce strap rub if barefoot use is requested.
- Use the Visitor Center restrooms next door before driving into the dunes.
