Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of March 17, the Visitor Center is closed until further notice. Public restrooms and water fountains will continue to be available in the visitor center lobby between 9:00a.m. and 4:30p.m. Visitors can also pick up park information or a junior ranger activity book in the lobby. Backcountry campers can obtain backcountry permits by calling 719-378-6395.
The Park and Preserve remain open to the public, 24 hours, 7 days a week, including trails, parking areas, picnic area, road pull outs, and interpretive outdoor signage. Park Rangers may be present along trails at various times during the day to answer questions, weather and staff permitting, while still maintaining appropriate distancing. Medano Pass Primitive Road past the Castle Creek picnic area continues to remain closed for the season due to weather and road conditions.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Great Sand Dunes is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.
The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.
For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.
Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus and www.nps.gov/grsa. Great Sand Dunes encourages visitors to follow the park’s Facebook and Instagram pages for up to date information.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
