Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

You’re visiting a national park and preserve with clear rules that keep people safe and protect the landscape, so please make sure you follow them.

• At the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Colorado’s state law does not change that. Possession or use of any amount is prohibited, including facilities and campgrounds. Violations can bring a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for up to six months, or both, under 16 U.S.C. 551 and 18 U.S.C. 3559 and 3571. If you have questions, contact the Chief Ranger’s Office by email or call 719-378-6322.
• Leave antlers where you find them. Collecting antlers is not allowed anywhere within the park and preserve.
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft are not allowed. It is illegal to launch, land, or operate an unmanned aircraft from within the boundaries of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve or other national park units. This protects wildlife, emergency operations, and visitor privacy and enjoyment.
• If you legally possess firearms under federal, state, and local laws, you may legally possess them in this park as of February 22, 2010. It is your responsibility to know and follow all applicable laws before you arrive. Use Colorado’s state website as a starting point. Federal law prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park. These places are marked with signs at all public entrances. The Visitor Center, Headquarters Building, and all other administrative and maintenance buildings are prohibited areas.
• Hunting is allowed in season in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, but it is not permitted in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Refer to the Great Sand Dunes National Park Compendium of Regulations above.
• For the safety of everyone, you may not launch or land hang gliders or paragliders anywhere within the boundaries of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Visiting the park in spring or summer is all about timing and awareness. Stay informed on conditions affecting your visit, check the weather forecast, and keep an eye on the sky, since afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. The only safe place during a thunderstorm is inside your vehicle or inside a building, so plan outdoor activities for morning or evening if storms are in the forecast.

• Be bear-aware (store food properly; bears frequent foothills/campground areas). Mountain lion encounters are rare; in case of any, heed NPS guidance.

• Mosquitoes can be intense in wet years near creek vegetation (June). No venomous snakes have been recorded in the park/preserve at these elevations.

• Fire closures may be implemented as needed; follow current orders and the Superintendent’s Compendium.
• Wood fires are allowed only in designated facilities; backpackers should follow permit conditions (stove use where required).