Great Sand Dunes National Park to re-open June 3
MOSCA, Colo. (KRDO) -- The National Park Service announced Friday that Great Sand Dunes National Park is expected to begin a phased reopening June 3.
The first phase will restore public access to the following:
- 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
The following facilities and 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
Although the visitor center will remain closed, park rangers will be available to provide information outside the center.
By mid-June, Great Sand Dunes plans to reopen the Pinon Flats campground and begin issuing backcountry permits for the park and preserve as part of Phase 2. However, Phase 2 is contingent on the success of Phase 1, so plans are subject to change.
“We are excited to welcome visitors back to the park and support our local communities,” said Park Superintendent Pamela Rice in a prepared statement. “As the public returns to the park, we ask that they practice
social distancing and follow national and state guidance to keep park staff, local residents and the general public safe.”
Park officials are encouraging the public to follow local health orders, avoid over crowding, and wear cloth face masks in crowded areas, especailly around the visitor center and restroom facilities.
