https://www.nps.gov/grsa News releases from Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. en-us https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/04-10-2026-great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve-breaks-ground-on-housing-rehabilitation-project.htm Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:00:00 EST The National Park Service broke ground today on an approximately $14 million project to rehabilitate employee housing at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Partners, including the National Park Foundation, joined NPS leadership and elected officials for a ceremonial event marking the start of long-needed improvements. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/04-10-2026-great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve-breaks-ground-on-housing-rehabilitation-project.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-seeks-vendor-to-operate-the-pinion-flat-campground-store-in-the-park.htm Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:57:00 EST The National Park Service is seeking a vendor to provide sales of vended beverages, firewood and ice at the Pinon Flats Campground within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. These services will be conducted under a Commercial Use Authorization and the agreement period will cover the 2026 and 2027 seasons. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-seeks-vendor-to-operate-the-pinion-flat-campground-store-in-the-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/01-26-2026-news-release-great-sand-dunes-offering-summer-paid-internship-opportunities.htm Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:49:00 EST Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will be hosting a Scientists in Parks paid summer internship program, and a Southwest Conservation Corps paid internship position for the 2026 summer season. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/01-26-2026-news-release-great-sand-dunes-offering-summer-paid-internship-opportunities.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/07-17-2025-great-sand-dunes-offers-living-history-and-junior-ranger-day-programming.htm Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:00:00 EST Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is offering two free programs to the public the first weekend August. On Friday, Aug. 1, Buffalo Soldier reenactor Terrance Beasley will present a living history program at the visitor center from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 2, the park’s education team will host Junior Ranger Day with kid-friendly activities at the main dunes parking area between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/07-17-2025-great-sand-dunes-offers-living-history-and-junior-ranger-day-programming.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/6-12-2025-dineh-tah-navajo-dancers-at-great-sand-dunes-june-20th.htm Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:15:00 EST On Friday, June 20th, Great Sand Dunes welcomes Shawn Price and the Dineh Tah’ Navajo Dancers for two special presentations at 1:30 pm and 6:00 pm. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/6-12-2025-dineh-tah-navajo-dancers-at-great-sand-dunes-june-20th.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/06-03-2025-great-sand-dunes-hosts-family-archeology-day-at-fort-garland.htm Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:07:00 EST Children and their families are invited to join the staff of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center on June 6th to learn about how archeology has led to a deeper understanding of the Fort’s story. Enjoy a guided tour of the Fort and learn how the buildings were made by making your own adobe bricks! https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/06-03-2025-great-sand-dunes-hosts-family-archeology-day-at-fort-garland.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-hosts-christmas-bird-count-on-december-31.htm Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:50:00 EST This year, the annual Christmas Bird Count will be held at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve on Tuesday, December 31, starting at 7:45 a.m. Volunteers of all skill levels and ages are welcome and encouraged to take part in this exciting event. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-hosts-christmas-bird-count-on-december-31.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/9-26-2024-great-sand-dunes-newest-chief-ranger-zachary-parkes.htm Thu, 26 Sep 2024 10:24:00 EST The National Park Service welcomes the newest Chief of Visitor and Resource Protection Zachary Parkes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The selection was made earlier this year by Superintendent Andrea Compton. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/9-26-2024-great-sand-dunes-newest-chief-ranger-zachary-parkes.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/smoke-from-distant-wildlifires-at-great-sand-dunes.htm Wed, 24 Jul 2024 05:37:00 EST Smoke is at 'Moderate' level, affecting visibility with potential affects to health of sensitive individuals. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/smoke-from-distant-wildlifires-at-great-sand-dunes.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/national-park-week-at-great-sand-dunes.htm Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:54:00 EST National Park Week starts Saturday, April 20 with a fee-free day! Each day has a different theme to highlight various aspects of Great Sand Dunes and the National Park Service as a whole. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/national-park-week-at-great-sand-dunes.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/public-input-sought-on-transportation-and-transit-planning-effort.htm Fri, 16 Feb 2024 09:48:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public feedback on initial proposed ideas for Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve’s Transportation and Transit Planning effort. Staff will share the park’s transportation improvement concept at public meetings and gather public feedback on the initial concept to address challenges presented by increased and changing visitor use patterns. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/public-input-sought-on-transportation-and-transit-planning-effort.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-seeks-artist-to-lead-workshop.htm Tue, 13 Feb 2024 10:31:00 EST Great Sand Dunes is accepting artist proposals to lead a public program or workshop in their chosen medium (painting, photography, sculpture, music, dance, writing, etc.) on Saturday, October 5, 2024. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-seeks-artist-to-lead-workshop.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/free-nature-haiku-workshops-october-7-8.htm Sat, 16 Sep 2023 10:21:00 EST Watercolor artist and poet Nancy Arbuthnot will lead 'Nature Haiku' workshops on October 7, 10-12 am and October 8, 11-1 pm. These are designed for all ages, though parents should accompany children under 14. Materials are provided at no cost. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/free-nature-haiku-workshops-october-7-8.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/temporary-parking-lot-and-campground-closures-for-road-resurfacing.htm Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:40:00 EST From August 21 through 24, visitors should expect partial parking lot closures to complete road resurfacing. Pinon Flats Campground will remain closed through the 22nd. On Aug. 24, Montville/Mosca Pass parking lot will be completely closed. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/temporary-parking-lot-and-campground-closures-for-road-resurfacing.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/andrea-compton-selected-as-superintendent-of-great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve.htm Thu, 20 Jul 2023 07:40:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) announces the selection of Andrea Compton as superintendent of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. She begins her new assignment on July 17. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/andrea-compton-selected-as-superintendent-of-great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-announces-closures-to-prepare-for-visitor-center-exhibit-installation.htm Thu, 18 May 2023 06:31:00 EST As the park prepares for the next phase of the visitor center renovation, the installation of visitor center exhibits, the visitor center will be undergoing temporary closures and adjustments to park operations from Monday, May 22 to Sunday, May 28. The interior exhibit space will be open to visitors starting Monday, May 29 at 9am. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-announces-closures-to-prepare-for-visitor-center-exhibit-installation.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/registration-extension-for-youth-archeology-expedition-high-school-camp.htm Tue, 09 May 2023 13:48:00 EST The registration deadline for Youth Archeology Expedition High School Camp has been extended. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/registration-extension-for-youth-archeology-expedition-high-school-camp.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/we-love-our-national-park-kickoff-event-in-alamosa-april-7.htm Tue, 04 Apr 2023 11:27:00 EST Join park rangers, musicians, and vendors for a celebration of Great Sand Dunes April 7! https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/we-love-our-national-park-kickoff-event-in-alamosa-april-7.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/we-love-our-national-park-celebration-in-april.htm Fri, 17 Mar 2023 09:30:00 EST To honor the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and to celebrate being the Gateway Community, Visit Alamosa will launch the third annual, month-long ‘We Love Our National Park Celebration’ on April 1, 2023 https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/we-love-our-national-park-celebration-in-april.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/call-for-artists-to-lead-october-7-workshop.htm Tue, 14 Mar 2023 11:44:00 EST Great Sand Dunes is accepting artist proposals to lead a public program or workshop in their medium (painting, photography, sculpture, music, dance, writing, etc.) on Saturday, October 7, 2023. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/call-for-artists-to-lead-october-7-workshop.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/prescribed-burning-planned-january-2023.htm Thu, 19 Jan 2023 07:18:00 EST The National Park Service plans to burn several piles of woody debris at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service Rio Grande National Forest starting on Monday, January 23. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/prescribed-burning-planned-january-2023.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/2023-spring-and-summer-internships.htm Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:55:00 EST Great Sand Dunes is actively recruiting energetic, committed young adults for this year’s spring and summer internships. This year, the park is recruiting to fill positions for the park’s Conservation Internship Program and the Scientist in Parks internship. These internship opportunities are a great way for young adults from San Luis Valley communities to work at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to learn skills, contribute to meaningful park projects, and create experiences that will make them competitive in a career with a public land agency. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/2023-spring-and-summer-internships.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/2022-christmas-bird-count.htm Tue, 13 Dec 2022 06:51:00 EST This year's Christmas Bird Count will be held Friday, December 23rd at 8:00 am. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/2022-christmas-bird-count.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/secretary-haaland-partners-celebrate-great-sand-dunes-national-park-land-acquisition-during-colorado-visit.htm Thu, 06 Oct 2022 17:27:00 EST MOSCA, Colo — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and National Park Service (NPS) Director Chuck Sams today celebrated the transfer of approximately 9,362 acres of the Medano Ranch from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to Great Sand Dunes National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/secretary-haaland-partners-celebrate-great-sand-dunes-national-park-land-acquisition-during-colorado-visit.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/visitor-center-closures-to-prepare-for-remodel-project.htm Wed, 14 Sep 2022 07:59:00 EST There will be some closures of the visitor center during the last two weeks of September as park staff moves operations to a temporary mobile visitor center. Details and dates are in the latest update. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/visitor-center-closures-to-prepare-for-remodel-project.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-to-host-dark-sky-celebration.htm Fri, 19 Aug 2022 09:29:00 EST Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is hosting a dark sky celebration on Saturday, August 27th from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater. Far from the light pollution of urban areas, Great Sand Dunes protects some of Colorado’s darkest night skies. This free event will celebrate and educate visitors about the benefits to dark sky preservation. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-to-host-dark-sky-celebration.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/taz-tally-free-smartphone-photography-workshop-oct-1-2.htm Thu, 04 Aug 2022 10:28:00 EST Capture high quality, memorable images with your smartphone in this free photography workshop at Great Sand Dunes, with three options for sessions October 1-2. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/taz-tally-free-smartphone-photography-workshop-oct-1-2.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/visitor-center-renovations.htm Fri, 29 Jul 2022 10:40:00 EST The Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center will be undergoing a renovation starting Monday, August 1. Flushed toilets and drinking water will not be available during construction, though portable toilets and a hand wash station will be available and located in the visitor center parking lot, and flushed toilets and water fill-up stations are available at the dunes parking area. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/visitor-center-renovations.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-celebrates-junior-ranger-day-2022.htm Wed, 27 Jul 2022 09:30:00 EST Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is celebrating Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Activities will take place from 9:00am to 1:00pm in the dunefield and at the south entrance to the dunefield from the Dunes Parking Area (follow signs posted in the parking lot). https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-celebrates-junior-ranger-day-2022.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/ute-cultural-presentation-with-roland-mccook-july-30.htm Fri, 15 Jul 2022 14:13:00 EST Ute Elder Roland McCook and Morgan Dawn Allen will present Ute culture and history at the park amphitheater 10:00 am on Saturday, July 30, 2022. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/ute-cultural-presentation-with-roland-mccook-july-30.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/stage-1-fire-restrictions-lifted.htm Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:03:00 EST Due to increased moisture from storms, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions were lifted June 27, 2022. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/stage-1-fire-restrictions-lifted.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/stage-1-emergency-fire-restrictions-in-effect-at-great-sand-dunes.htm Fri, 20 May 2022 12:55:00 EST Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect. Campfires are only permitted within metal fire rings. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/stage-1-emergency-fire-restrictions-in-effect-at-great-sand-dunes.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/park-entrance-reopened-following-lightning-caused-wildfire.htm Wed, 18 May 2022 13:14:00 EST The Medano Fire is 100% contained, but crews are still monitoring and addressing hot spots at the site. The park remains open. Please call the visitor center at 719-378-6395 during business hours if you have questions. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/park-entrance-reopened-following-lightning-caused-wildfire.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/summer-route-closure-of-lane-6-between-mosca-and-great-sand-dunes-npp.htm Tue, 19 Apr 2022 10:07:00 EST County Lane 6N, one of two main routes to the Great Sand Dunes National Park entrance, will have construction delays through May 27th, then will close over two phases of road construction from June 6 through September. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/summer-route-closure-of-lane-6-between-mosca-and-great-sand-dunes-npp.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/celebrate-national-park-week-2022.htm Thu, 14 Apr 2022 13:14:00 EST Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, along with 422 other park units, will celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, April 16, through Sunday, April 24, 2022. To kick off the week’s celebrations, all national park units will waive entrance fees on Saturday, April 16, 2022. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/celebrate-national-park-week-2022.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-announces-free-programs-and-events-during-we-love-our-national-park-celebration-in-april.htm Wed, 23 Mar 2022 11:45:00 EST To honor the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and to celebrate being the Gateway Community, Visit Alamosa will launch the second annual, month-long ‘We Love Our National Park Celebration’ on April 1, 2022. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-announces-free-programs-and-events-during-we-love-our-national-park-celebration-in-april.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/2022-conservation-internship-program.htm Wed, 16 Feb 2022 06:28:00 EST Great Sand Dunes is actively recruiting energetic, committed young adults who are interested in a career with a federal land agency for this year’s Conservation Internship Program. The internship program recruits young adults from San Luis Valley communities to work at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to learn skills, contribute to meaningful park projects, and create experiences that will make them marketable in a career with a public land agency. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/2022-conservation-internship-program.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/christmas-bird-count-to-be-held-december-23.htm Mon, 13 Dec 2021 14:30:00 EST Great Sand Dunes invites birders and nature enthusiasts in the San Luis Valley to participate in the annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (CBC) to be held at various locations within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve on Thursday, December 23 at 8 am. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/christmas-bird-count-to-be-held-december-23.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/business-opportunities-for-the-sale-of-firewood-and-other-services.htm Mon, 06 Dec 2021 12:53:00 EST Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has announced business opportunities for firewood sales, and incidental visitor services within the Park. Incidental visitor services include the sale of sunscreen, insect repellent, limited camping supplies and vended beverages. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/business-opportunities-for-the-sale-of-firewood-and-other-services.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-national-park-postpones-planned-liberty-prescribed-burn.htm Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:30:00 EST Due to changing fuel and weather conditions, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has postponed the Liberty prescribed burning operation that was scheduled for November 8-12. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-national-park-postpones-planned-liberty-prescribed-burn.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/prescribed-burning-planned-november-8-12.htm Thu, 21 Oct 2021 08:53:00 EST A prescribed burn is planned for November 8-12 on the north side of Great Sand Dunes National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/prescribed-burning-planned-november-8-12.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/prescribed-burning-planned-in-liberty-area-of-great-sand-dunes-national-park.htm Fri, 08 Oct 2021 13:00:00 EST A prescribed burn is planned in the Liberty area of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Two proposed burn windows are October 26-29, and November 8-12 https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/prescribed-burning-planned-in-liberty-area-of-great-sand-dunes-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-announces-fish-restocking.htm Fri, 20 Aug 2021 08:57:00 EST Over the coming weeks, Rio Grande cutthroat trout are scheduled to be restocked in the Sand Creek drainage. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-announces-fish-restocking.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-announces-youth-archeology-expedition.htm Tue, 20 Apr 2021 08:19:00 EST Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will host two summer Youth Archeology Expeditions (YAE) for San Luis Valley middle school and high school students. YAE is a 6-day program that introduces participants to the discipline of prehistoric and historic archeology through place-based learning. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-announces-youth-archeology-expedition.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/celebrate-national-park-week-at-great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve.htm Thu, 15 Apr 2021 14:05:00 EST National Parks across the country celebrate National Park Week each year in April with special programs, events, social media themes, and fee-free day(s). Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, along with 422 other park units, will celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, April 17, through Sunday, April 25, 2021. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/celebrate-national-park-week-at-great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/2021-sand-dunes-appreciation-month.htm Mon, 22 Mar 2021 13:43:00 EST For National Park Week April 17-25, Great Sand Dunes is planning events, social media posts and programs to align with Visit Alamosa’s campaign, “We Love Our National Park.” https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/2021-sand-dunes-appreciation-month.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-recruiting-for-2021-conservation-internship-program.htm Wed, 10 Mar 2021 09:07:00 EST Great Sand Dunes is actively recruiting energetic, committed young adults who are interested in a career with a federal land agency for this year’s Conservation Internship Program. The internship program recruits young adults from San Luis Valley communities to work at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to learn skills, contribute to meaningful park projects, and create experiences that will make them marketable in a career with a public land agency. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-recruiting-for-2021-conservation-internship-program.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/2020-annual-christmas-bird-count.htm Fri, 11 Dec 2020 06:10:00 EST The annual Christmas Bird Count will be taking place on December 26th, 2020. This is a long-standing holiday tradition across many parks, public lands, communities, towns, and even in big cities across the world. Be a part of the fun by volunteering to help resource management count the birds of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/2020-annual-christmas-bird-count.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-national-park-backpacking-permits-available-online-only-starting-november-18-2020.htm Mon, 02 Nov 2020 04:11:00 EST Great Sand Dunes will implement an online permit system for backpacking in the National Park starting November 18, 2020 at 8amMT. Backpackers must purchase a permit for the Dunes Backcountry and the designated backcountry campsites along the Sand Ramp Trail through the Recreation.gov online reservation system. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-national-park-backpacking-permits-available-online-only-starting-november-18-2020.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/visitor-center-reopening-october-1.htm Mon, 28 Sep 2020 08:54:00 EST Starting on Thursday, October 1, the park will implement part of Phase 3 and re-open access to the visitor center interior, including the public restrooms, some interior exhibits, and the Western National Parks Association (WNPA) park store. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/visitor-center-reopening-october-1.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/winter-storm-warning-september-8-9-2020.htm Tue, 08 Sep 2020 10:04:00 EST Alert: Winter Storm Warning Producing Extreme Winds, and Heavy Snow Forecast Over the Next 48 Hours at Great Sand Dunes https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/winter-storm-warning-september-8-9-2020.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-announces-public-closure-of-areas-around-the-sand-creek-lakes.htm Fri, 21 Aug 2020 13:02:00 EST CPW will be treating the waters within the lakes and a section of the creek with a natural chemical to remove the current population of fish. CPW will use boats and work along the creek and lake shorelines to apply this chemical. As a result, the water will temporarily be non-potable to drink or use. To allow them unimpeded access and the ability to complete this project, the following closure is established under the authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, § 1.5 (a)(1) Closures and Public Use Limits. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-announces-public-closure-of-areas-around-the-sand-creek-lakes.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-manages-lightning-caused-stupa-fire.htm Sat, 01 Aug 2020 05:53:00 EST A lightning-caused fire ignited within the northern boundary of Great Sand Dunes National Park on the afternoon of Friday, July 31. The Stupa Fire is estimated at thirty acres and burning at an approximate elevation of 8,000’ in grassland vegetation. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-manages-lightning-caused-stupa-fire.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/pinon-flats-campground-changes-at-great-sand-dunes.htm Sat, 01 Aug 2020 05:15:00 EST For the remainder of the campground season, the park will continue to request online reservations through the month of October 2020. Reservations can be made through www.recreation.gov. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/pinon-flats-campground-changes-at-great-sand-dunes.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/fire-restrictions-lifted-in-san-luis-valley.htm Tue, 28 Jul 2020 13:14:00 EST Effective 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 fire restrictions will be removed for all lands managed by the Rio Grande National Forest, Bureau of Land Management San Luis Valley Field Office, and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/fire-restrictions-lifted-in-san-luis-valley.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-to-implement-phase-2-of-the-park-s-re-opening-plan-on-june-17.htm Thu, 11 Jun 2020 11:26:00 EST Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will implement Phase 2 of their re-opening plan on Wednesday, June 17, to further increase recreational access following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-to-implement-phase-2-of-the-park-s-re-opening-plan-on-june-17.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-implements-emergency-fire-restrictions.htm Sun, 31 May 2020 10:51:00 EST The entire area within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is under extreme fire danger due to below-normal moisture conditions combined with unseasonably warm temperatures and windy conditions. The resulting low fuel moisture situation has created severe wildfire conditions and any fire ignitions may result in extreme fire behavior. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-implements-emergency-fire-restrictions.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/phased-reopening-begins-june-3.htm Fri, 15 May 2020 07:30:00 EST Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will increase recreational access through a phased approach following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/phased-reopening-begins-june-3.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve-closed-until-further-notice.htm Thu, 16 Apr 2020 09:43:00 EST Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is announcing additional modifications to operations in response to a request from the Alamosa County Public Health Department. The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners is our number one priority. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve-closed-until-further-notice.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/campground-opening-delayed-until-further-notice.htm Sat, 11 Apr 2020 07:05:00 EST Great Sand Dunes campground is closed until further notice. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/campground-opening-delayed-until-further-notice.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-delays-opening-of-the-piñon-flats-campground-until-further-notice.htm Fri, 10 Apr 2020 06:01:00 EST Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is announcing additional modifications to operations to continue to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. On March 24, the park announced a delay in the opening of the Piñon Flats Campground from April 1 to May 1. As of April 10, the park will delay the opening of the Pinon Flats Campground until further notice. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-delays-opening-of-the-piñon-flats-campground-until-further-notice.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-announces-further-modifications-to-operations-to-implement-local-health-guidance.htm Tue, 24 Mar 2020 05:05:00 EST As of March 24, the park will delay the opening of the Pinon Flats Campground from April 1 to May 1, 2020. The opening date may be delayed further based on future conditions. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-announces-further-modifications-to-operations-to-implement-local-health-guidance.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve-is-modifying-operations-to-implement-latest-health-guidance.htm Tue, 17 Mar 2020 05:26:00 EST 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. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve-is-modifying-operations-to-implement-latest-health-guidance.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-is-offering-business-opportunities-for-the-sale-of-firewood-and-other-services-within-the-park.htm Fri, 24 Jan 2020 06:16:00 EST Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has announced business opportunities for Firewood Sales and Incidental Visitor Services within the Park. Incidental Visitor Services include the sale of sunscreen, insect repellent, limited camping supplies and vended beverages. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/great-sand-dunes-is-offering-business-opportunities-for-the-sale-of-firewood-and-other-services-within-the-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/prescribed-burning-planned-at-great-sand-dunes-national-park.htm Wed, 08 Jan 2020 07:02:00 EST The National Park Service plans to burn several piles of woody debris at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve this winter. The piles will only be burned if and when the ground and adjacent fuels are sufficiently wet from rain or snow, and these wet conditions are present until the burning is completed. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/prescribed-burning-planned-at-great-sand-dunes-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/ump-eis-news.htm Mon, 16 Sep 2019 10:32:00 EST On September 16, 2019, the National Park Service (NPS) released its Record of Decision for the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Ungulate Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement (UMP EIS). This is a public comprehensive plan to manage elk and bison in the park. https://www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/news/ump-eis-news.htm