Celebrate America’s Beauty at Seven National Parks

For the X Gamer
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Colorado
Set against the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by grasslands, wetlands, and forests, the otherworldly Great Sand Dunes are the tallest in North America, rising to 750 feet. Rent a sand sled at Great Sand Dunes Oasis ($20 per day; alamosa.org), climb to the top, take in the view—and then zoom down. When you reach the bottom, cool off in Medano Creek.

Stay here: Adjacent to the park’s southern border, the Zapata Ranch is a rustic but luxe resort and spa on a working 103,000-acre bison and cattle ranch. Starting at $460 per person, per night, all-inclusive; zranch.org