Sandboarding the Dunas de Yeso

The Dunas de Yeso, an 800-hectare field of pure gypsum crystal dunes near Cuatro Cienegas, is one of the few dune systems in the world formed entirely of gypsum rather than silica sand, and its slopes of 10-20m in height are used for sandboarding sessions run by local outfitters and reserve concessions. Sessions last 1-2 hours and require no prior boarding experience, though a reasonable level of fitness helps with the walk up each dune between runs; the sport carries a moderate risk of falls on the steeper slopes, so riders unfamiliar with board sports should start on the gentler dune faces. Sandboards are available for rental, and riders bring their own closed-toe shoes for the walk across the dune field and sunglasses to cut the strong glare off the white gypsum surface. Local outfitters operating at the dunes are typically small, reserve-affiliated concessions rather than large adventure companies, providing boards and basic orientation on stance and braking rather than formal certification; supervision on the open dune field is informal, so riders are responsible for judging slope conditions before each run. The dunes can be visited year-round, though early morning or late afternoon sessions avoid the strongest midday sun and the glare it produces off the gypsum, and are generally more comfortable for the uphill walks between runs.