Great Sand Dunes National Park plans to begin a phased reopening on June 3, according to a message posted on the park's Facebook page.
The phased approach, following guidance from the White House, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local public health authorities, will allow the park to follow recommendations to reduce risk to visitors and staff, and to promote safe recreational opportunities.
The park has already implemented several strategies to allow visitors to enjoy the site while minimizing potential risks of COVID-19.
Phase 1 of reopening will allow 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
These areas will 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
Park rangers will be outside the visitor center to provide information while the center itself remains closed.
Park officials plan to reopen the Pinon Flats Campground and begin issuing backcountry permits in mid-June as part of Phase 2, but that is contingent on successfully implementing Phase 1.
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.
