The Great Sand Dunes National Preserve is part of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness area, a federally designated wilderness where nothing mechanical is allowed.
Backpackers will need a parking permit and a backcountry camping permit from the backcountry office only if accessing the National Preserve through the National Park (along State Highway 150 or the Medano Pass Primitive Road within the National Park boundary.
Other Roads leading to remote areas within the National Preserve (like Music Pass) often require High Clearance 4WD vehicles. AWD vehicles are not advised.
The mountainous portion of the park and preserve, is available in most areas off-trail, as long as you are following Leave No Trace Guidelines and national preserve regulations.
- Please Leave No Trace of your visit.
- Must camp a minimum of 200 feet away from trails, 300 feet from water
- Gas stoves only; no wood fires
- Maximum of 15 people per party, one party per campsite.
- Dogs and pets must remain on a short leash at all time.
- Trail access is limited and extra preparedness is required.
- Hunting is permitted in the national preserve by license and in season - use extra caution if you hike during hunting season.
- The overnight stay limit within the National Park for all persons, groups, and organizations is 14 consecutive days and 21 total days per calendar year. The total days is to reflect time within the National Park and National Preserve combined.
