STATE PARK ADVENTURES

Sand surfing Monahans

As a winter sport, snowboarding is particularly ill-suited to the Texas climate. But if you’re willing to use a little imagination, you may find the next best thing waiting for you in the deserts of West Texas.

True, there’s no white powder, but powder-soft sand abounds at monahans sandhills state park, the perfect place for sliding down hills. With entrance fees an affordable $4 per adult, it’s a lot cheaper than a ski lift ticket.

Don’t have your own gear? No problem! You can rent a sand disc at the park’s head­quarters. There are endless sandhills to climb, jump or surf down. Pick a few and have fun!

Boarding or sledding the dunes is more fun on cool sand, so mornings and evenings are best. Midday, picnic at one of the park’s covered shelters or build a sandcastle, the Monahans equivalent of a snowman.

After playing in the sand all day, rinse off at one of the park’s watering stations before heading home.

Dune Again

While you're at Monahans Sandhills, make the most of your visit and check out these other park highlights.

 TPWD

More than Sand

Learn about natural history and human history at the Dunagan Visitors Center (undergoing renovation).

 Chase Fountain | TPWD

In the saddle

Bring your horse and explore the 800-acre equestrian area, which has no marked trails.