In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by 54 USC 100101, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. Unless otherwise stated, these compendium actions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7. Introduction to the Superintendent's Compendium The Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR). It serves as public notice, identifies areas closed for public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a special use permit or reservation, and elaborates on public use and resource protection regulations pertaining specifically to the administration of the park. The Superintendent’s Compendium does not repeat regulations found in 36 CFR and other United States Code and CFR Titles, which are enforced without further elaboration at the park level.
The regulations contained in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, are the basic mechanism used by the National Park Service (NPS) to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the park and to protect visitors and property within the park. Parts 1 through 6 are general regulations applicable to all areas of the National Park system, and Part 7 contains special regulations specific to individual parks.Each of these Parts has many sections and subsections articulating specific provisions. Within some of these Part 1-7 sections and subsections, the Superintendent is granted discretionary authority to develop local rules to be responsive to the needs of a specific park resource or activity, park plan, program, and/or special needs of the general public. As an example, 36 CFR 1.5(a) Closures and Public Use Limits provides the Superintendent certain discretion in allowing or disallowing certain activities. The authority granted by the Section, however, requires the Superintendent to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act (6 USC Section 551), which requires public notice on actions with major impact on visitor use patterns, park resources or those that are highly controversial in nature. Another example is 36 CFR 1.6 Permits, which allows the Superintendent to require a permit for certain uses and activities in the park. This Section, however, requires that a list of activities needing a permit (and a fee schedule for the various types of permits) be maintained by the park. A final example is 36 CFR 2.1(c) (1) Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources, which provides the Superintendent the authority to designate certain fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells which may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption. This activity can occur, however, only if a written determination shows that the allowed activity does not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources. This Compendium should be used in conjunction with Title 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, to more fully understand the regulations governing the use and enjoyment of all the areas of the National Park System. A copy of Title 36, CFR, can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at:
Superintendent of Documents
P.O. Box 371954
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 The CFR is also available on the Internet at: https://gov.ecfr.io The National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under 54 United States Code (U.S.C.) §102701 (Organic Act of 1916, as amended) to “…regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations…by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purposes of the said parks…which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment for future generations” (54 U.S.C. §100101). In addition, the NPS Organic Act allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, to “make and publish such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary or proper for the use and management of the parks, monuments, and reservations under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service” (54 U.S.C. §100501).
In 1970, Congress amended the NPS Organic Act to clarify its intentions as to the overall mission of the NPS. Through the General Authorities Act of 1970 (54 U.S.C. §100101-101301), Congress brought all areas administered by the NPS into one National Park System and directed the NPS to manage all areas under its administration consistent with the Organic Act of 1916. In 1978, Congress amended the General Authorities Act of 1970 and reasserted System-wide the high standard of protection defined in the original Organic Act by stating “Congress further reaffirms, declares, and directs that the promotion and regulation of the various areas of the National Park System, as defined by Section 1 of this Title, shall be consistent with and founded in the purpose established by Section 1 of this Title, to the common benefit of all people of the United States.” 54 U.S.C. §100501 defines the National Park System as”…any areas of land and water now or hereafter administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the National Park Service for park, monument, historic, parkway, recreational, or other purposes.” In addition to the above statutory authority, the Superintendent is guided by established NPS policy as found in the NPS Management Policies (2006). The Superintendent is also guided by more specific policies promulgated by the Director, National Park Service, in the form of Director’s Orders. As stated in the Management Policies, the primary responsibility of the NPS is to protect and preserve our national natural and cultural resources while providing for the enjoyment of these resources by visitor and other users, as long as use does not impair specific park resources or overall visitor experience. The appropriateness of any particular visitor use or recreational experience is resource-based and will vary from park to park; therefore, a use or activity that is appropriate in one park area may not be appropriate in another. The Superintendent is directed to analyze overall park use and determine if any particular use is appropriate. Where conflict arises between use and resource protection, where the Superintendent has a reasonable basis to believe a resource is or would become impaired, than that Superintendent is obliged to place limitations on public use. The Superintendent’s Compendium is not considered a significant rule requiring review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. In addition, this Compendium will not have a significant economic effect on a number of small entities nor impose a significant cost on any local, state or tribal government or private organization, and therefore does not fall under the requirements of either the Regulatory Flexibility Act or the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
The actions and requirements described in this Compendium are found to be categorically excluded from further compliance with the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in Department of the Interior (DOI) Guidelines 516 DM 6 and as such, an Environmental Assessment will not be prepared. As outlined above, the NPS has broad authority and responsibility to determine what types of uses and activities are appropriate in any particular National Park System area. The requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium are developed through an analysis and determination process. The decision criteria used during this process are:
The rules contained in this Compendium apply to all persons entering, using, visiting or otherwise present on Federally owned lands, including submerged lands, and waters administered by the NPS within the legislative boundaries of the park. This includes all waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including all navigable waters.
NPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36 CFR, assimilated state regulations, and this Superintendent’s Compendium.
A person who violates any provision of the regulations found in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, or provisions of this Compendium, is subject to a fine as provided by law (18 U.S.C. 3571) up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months (18 U.S.C. 3559), or both, and shall be adjudged to pay all court costs associated with any court proceedings. You may receive a list of fines associated with any particular provision by contacting the Chief Ranger at the park address found below.
The Compendium is reviewed annually and revised as necessary. The park welcomes comments about its program and activities at any time.
The Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed on the first page of this document and remains in effect until revised for a period up to one year.
Some of the terms used in this Compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR 1.4Definitions.
Copies of the Compendium are available for viewing at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, PO Box 249, Eads, CO 81036.It may also be found online at: https://www.nps.gov/sand/learn/management/superintendents-compendium.htm
36 CFR PART 1 – General Provisions (a)(1) The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:
Our Associated Tribal Nations have requested that we refer to the Massacre Site as “the site” instead of as a “park.”
Operational hours and public access are prioritized for the site, as it contains the core resources which the site preserves. The Headquarters and Research Center will be open for by-appointment research regular hours on weekdays.
It is necessary to establish this public use limit to protect the natural and cultural resources from damage, theft, vandalism and inappropriate group activities. It is also necessary for visitor safety since restricted areas can present hazardous conditions, which become extreme during seasonal variations of weather and daylight. Available staffing capacity controls the hours and days of operations.Schedules are set to take advantage of contemporary visitor use patterns.
Service roads and trails are closed to vehicles except for administrative use. It is necessary to establish these public use limits to protect the natural and cultural resources from damage, theft, vandalism and inappropriate group activities. It is also necessary for visitor safety since restricted areas can present hazardous conditions, which become extreme during seasonal variations of weather and daylight. Restrictions may also help to reduce conflicts Public access is restricted on non-public service roads except through special use permits and for approved contractors and lessees. Designated non-public service roads (West Boundary Road and County Road 56 and unmaintained ranch roads) are used by personnel only for resource management, maintenance and other purposes as approved by management. Access and use of these roads by partners, permitees, and others requires a permit. Segways and other gyroscopically controlled devices and Motorized Scooters are prohibited on trails. The use of a Segway or a similar gyroscopically controlled device is considered the same as a motorized wheelchair and may be used (as provided by ADA law) by persons with mobility disabilities. Sand Creek does not have any prohibitions concerning motorized wheelchair access. For safety purposes, a Segway or similar device are required to travel at a walking pace in all areas of the site. Use of a Segway outside of ADA law is prohibited. Recreational Activities The site is closed to public use activities involving sports or other recreational activities not related to the historical themes of the Site. Public pedestrian access is restricted to designated public use trails during open hours only. It is necessary to establish this public use limit to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage and to maintain public safety. In addition, most recreational activities are considered inappropriate to the historic and cultural nature of the Site and the purposes for which the Site was intended. Traditional Geocaching is prohibited. (See also 36 CFR § 2.22 -- PROPERTY.) Due to concerns of unchecked development of traditional geocaches and the resultant development of associated social trails in areas of archeological, scenic, and biological significance, and the concern of geocache placement in unsafe areas, public development of traditional caches is prohibited. However, NPS-reviewed and approved EarthCaches and ParkCaches offer a virtual and educational form of caching, pose an acceptable alternative for the caching community. Any road, parking area, trail, facility or portion of a facility that is posted as closed by barricades, closed gates or signs is closed to public access. Note: Pursuant to P.L. 106-465 (The Sand Creek Massacre NHS Establishment Act of 2000), Sec. 9(b) “…the Secretary shall temporarily close to the general public one or more specific portions of the site in order to protect the privacy of tribal members engaging in a traditional, cultural, or historical observances in those portions; and any such closure shall be made in a manner that affects the smallest practicable area for the minimum period necessary for the purposes described above.” Recreational Activities The site is closed to public use activities involving sports or other organized recreational activities not related to the historical themes of the site unless under a special use permit. 36 CFR §2.51(e) Locations Available for Public Assembly (First Amendment Areas)
(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the site manager is required: Note: Apply for a permit through the Site Manager’s office.
36 CFR PART 2 – Resource Protection, Public Use and Recreation(b) Hiking or pedestrian traffic is restricted to the trail or walkway as listed in Section1.5 of this document.
It is necessary to establish these public use limits to protect the natural and cultural resources from damage, theft, vandalism and inappropriate group activities. It is also necessary for visitor safety since restricted areas can present hazardous conditions, which become extreme during seasonal variations of weather and daylight. Restrictions may also help to reduce conflicts and protect the sensitive nature of the site. (d) The transporting of legally taken wildlife through the park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:
NOTE: Night vision devices are not artificial lights, however, infrared lighting/beams are. These regulations help to protect against the unlawful taking of wildlife within the site. (d)(8) Fishing is not permitted within the park. There is no suitable fish habitat within the site. (a)(2)(i) Weapons, traps, or nets may only be carried, possessed, or used at the following designated times and locations:
(a) Camping is prohibited without a permit within Sand Creek Massacre NHS. Picnicking is limited to the designated visitor use area. Note fire and grill use limitations listed under §2.13 – FIRES.
Picnicking in the designated areas of the site will maintain the proper decorum of the sacred site and keep the site clean. (a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires are prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles and under the conditions noted:
Service Animals: (a)(3) Pets may only be left unattended and tied to an object in the following areas, under the following conditions:
(a)(5) Pet excrement must be immediately collected and removed from the Park by the pet owner or responsible person. (b): Horses and pack animals (burros, mules, llamas, or other hoofed mammals) are prohibited unless authorized by permit from Site Manager for living history programs or other special events.
The trails at Sand Creek Massacre are maintained for pedestrian use. Other opportunities outside of the park for horse use are available. (a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:
As directed by Presidential Executive Order #13058, and in recognition of the health risks associated with “secondhand” smoke, the Superintendent has determined this restriction is necessary for public health and safety.
(a)(3)(i) All public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or to the of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or that has been opened, or whose seal is broken or the contents of which have been partially removed. The consumption of an alcoholic beverage or the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage would be inappropriate considering other uses of the location and the purpose for which it is maintained or established.(c)(2)-Designated Location: A 50’ X 50’ area on the southwest corner of the visitor orientation area just north of the entrance road has been designated as available for demonstrations. A permit is not required for a demonstration in the designated location if it involves 25 persons or fewer and does not involve structures. (See Appendix 1.3 for map) The following location, a 50’ X 50’ area in the mowed area immediately in front of the Contact Station Deck to the east and immediately south of the path from the parking area to the contact station has been designated as for the sale or distribution of printed material. A permit is not required for a demonstration in the designated location if it involves 25 persons or fewer and does not involve structures. (See Appendix 1.3 for map)
The designated location is in a prominent location near the Visitor Contact Station that will allow individuals and groups to conduct demonstrations in a manner that will allow for effective communication of speech and other protected activities. At the same time, the designated location leaves ample space for visitors to enter and leave the contact station safely and for the NPS to conduct administrative activities such as interpretive events. (b) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains. The scattering of human ashes from cremation is allowed pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit as outlined below:
These conditions for memorialization are to provide for a safe, sanitary and orderly process for visitors and staff, while at the same time taking into consideration the wishes of a deceased person and/or their loved ones. 36 CFR PART 3 – Water Use Activities(a)(1) The following areas are closed to swimming and bathing:
36 CFR PART 4 – Vehicles and Traffic Safety(a) Park roads, open for travel by motor vehicle, are those indicated below:
Any road, parking area, trail, facility or portion of a facility which is posted or closed by barricades, closed gates or signs is closed to public access. It is necessary to occasionally close normal public use areas to protect the natural and cultural resources from damage, theft, vandalism, and inappropriate group activities. It is also necessary for visitor safety since restricted areas can present hazardous conditions, which become extreme during seasonal variations of weather and daylight. (b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated.
(a) Bicycles and e-bikes are limited to public gravel roadways and gravel parking areas.
The unimproved nature of park service roads and unpaved trails is inconsistent with the safe operation of bicycles. Definition: The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 horsepower). 36 CFR PART 5 – Commercial and Private OperationsEngaging in or soliciting any business within the park is authorized only by a permit issued by the Site Manager or his/her designated representative. Any person engaging in or soliciting any business within the park must have the permit in his/her possession while in the park. (b) & (c) Using commercial vehicles on government roads within park areas when such use is in no way connected with the operation of the park is prohibited and requires permission or a permit from the Superintendent. NOTE: See conditions for granting permission or issuing a permit in §5.6. Such activities are prohibited, except in accordance with the provisions of a valid permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States. IV. APPENDIX 1.1 Public Use Trails 1.2 Visitor Use Area 1.3 First Amendment Area ![]() The Monument Hill Trail is half a mile long and leads to the village overlook above Sand Creek. The Bluff Trail extends approximately one and a half miles beyond the village overlook area along the ridge line. Note: Map reflects pre 2022 boundary and will be updated in next brochure printing. NPS ![]() NPS ![]() NPS |
Last updated: June 16, 2025