Great Sand Dunes alerts

Stage 1 fire restrictions are active throughout Great Sand Dunes; use fires only in designated steel fire rings or picnic-site barbecues.

• Wood fires are allowed only in steel fire rings at developed campsites in Piñon Flats Campground, established steel barbecues in the picnic area, or steel fire rings at primitive campsites along Medano Pass Primitive Road. Fires, grills, and barbecues are prohibited elsewhere.
• Gas camp stoves and other appliances using liquified or bottled fuel are allowed. Fires must be out cold before being left unattended.
• Fireworks and other explosive devices or targets are prohibited. Smoking is allowed only inside an enclosed vehicle, at a developed/improved recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren of flammable material.

Check current fire restrictions before using fire in the park.

Medano Pass Primitive Road is open, but heavy rain has created swift water up to 3 feet deep, especially at creek crossings 3, 4, and 5.

• Inspect each crossing’s depth before proceeding and assess your vehicle’s capabilities; beaver activity may increase crossing depths at any time. Creek crossings are not recommended for most vehicles.
• The muddy area beside campsite 4.5 and between crossings 8 and 9 is slippery after recent rains. Campsite 4.5 is very muddy and wet, with downed trees.
• High-clearance 4WD with a low-range transfer case is required; AWD and lower-clearance vehicles are not permitted because they can get stuck in the deep sand or creek crossings.
• Access to paved-road destinations, including the visitor center, dunes parking lot, and campground, remains unaffected.

Check current Medano Pass road conditions before departure.