Image credit: ParkwolfCaution
Muddy conditions on Medano Pass Primitive Road
Medano Pass Primitive Road is open, but wet ground and mud are causing vehicles to become mired and stuck 9.3 miles from the road’s start. - The affected area is next to Camp 4.5 and between the eighth and ninth creek crossings. - Turning around at Camp 4.5 is recommended for eastbound traffic. - A very high-clearance 4WD vehicle with a low-range transfer case is required by law; AWD and 2WD vehicles are prohibited beyond the Point of No Return. - The road has no cellular signal, so visitors should not rely on a phone to call for assistance. Check current Medano Pass road conditions before departure.Official detailsCaution
Stage 1 fire restrictions
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect; use fires only in the designated developed recreation sites listed below. - Campfires are allowed in steel fire rings at developed campsites at Piñon Flats Campground, in established steel barbecues in the picnic area, or in steel fire rings at primitive campsites along the 4WD Medano Pass Primitive Road. Put all fires out cold before leaving them unattended. - Fires, grills, and barbecues are prohibited outside those areas. Fireworks and other explosive devices or targets are prohibited. - Smoking is allowed only inside an enclosed vehicle, at a developed or improved recreation site, or while stopped in a barren area at least three feet in diameter. - Portable cooking stoves, propane campfires, and lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel are allowed. Check current fire restrictions before using fire or smoking in the park.Official detailsInformation
Medano Creek is dry at the main dunes area
Medano Creek is currently completely dry at the main Dunes Parking Area, so do not plan on water play there. - The 2026 water year was one of the driest on record, and the very low snowpack caused the creek to seep into the sand upstream from the main dunes parking area. - The creek currently stops flowing about 1.5 miles northeast up the creekbed from the parking lot. - Visitors without a 4WD vehicle can park at Horse Trailer Parking at the beginning of Medano Pass Road and hike one mile upstream to reach water. - Medano Creek is barely flowing at Sand Pit and Castle Creek Picnic areas; access to those areas is limited to high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. All-wheel-drive and two-wheel-drive vehicles are prohibited on Medano Pass Primitive Road. Check current Medano Creek conditions before visiting and refresh the page for updates.Official details
