MOSCA– Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will increase recreational access through a phased approach following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities. A phased approach will allow the park to adhere to all guidance, reduce risks to visitors and staff, and promote safe recreational opportunities. Great Sand Dunes continues to follow the State of Colorado “Safer at Home” guidance and to work with county and local officials as these changes are implemented. Great Sand Dunes is in Alamosa and Saguache counties.

This summer’s operation will look different. The park has implemented many strategies to ensure that visitors can still enjoy the park while also minimizing potential risks.

 Beginning June 3, Great Sand Dunes will implement Phase 1 and reopen access to:  

• Main park road
• Dunes parking area and dune field
• Medano Pass Primitive Road (if road conditions allow), including established campsites on a first-come, first-served basis
• All trails: Mosca Pass, Montville Nature, Sand Sheet Loop, Wellington Ditch, Dunes Overlook, Sand Ramp, Medano Lake, and Music Pass
• All picnic areas: Mosca Creek, Sand Pit, and Castle Creek
• Entrance Station, including the collection of fees if authorized

 With public health in mind, the following facilities or areas remain closed until further notice:

• Visitor Center
• South Ramada group picnic site in the Mosca Creek Picnic Area
• Pinon Flats Campground
• Overnight backcountry access in the National Park, including the dune field and sites along the Sand Ramp Trail

 While the visitor center remains closed, park rangers will provide information outside at the visitor center.

Great Sand Dunes plans to reopen the Pinon Flats Campground and begin issuing backcountry permits for both the Park and Preserve in mid-June as part of Phase 2; however, Phase 2 is contingent upon successful implementation of Phase 1, sufficient staff capacity and supplies, and current local and state guidance.