Current Conditions

The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Based on guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to the park is as follows:

Service	Available	Unavailable	Comments
Dunes Area	X
Visitor Center and Gift Shop	X		Walk-up table service only (9:00 am - 5:00 pm)
Dunes Drive	X
Hiking Trails	X
Picnic Areas	X
Restrooms	X
Sledding	X		Sleds available at the gift shop
Passport Stamp	X		Visitor Center
Sunset Stroll		X
Backcountry Camping		X
Group Use Area		X
Park Museum and Film		X
Horse and Stock Riding		X
1st Amendment Activites	X
Early Open/Stay Late Permits		X
Commercial Photography/Filming Permits		X

While most park areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may continue to be limited. When recreating, please follow local area health orders from the NM Department of Public Health, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

 

How to Navigate the Visitor Center and Gift Shop

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to the visitor center and gift shop has changed. In order to be prepared for your visit please read the guide below on how to best navigate the buildings.

Restrooms

The main restrooms located next to the visitor center structure are now open. There are also portable toilets located in the north parking lot behind the visitor center.

Visitor Center

The visitor center structure is allowing one-way traffic through to a modified front desk. The entrance to the visitor center is done from the south parking lot. To encourage social distancing there are stickers located on the sidewalk to help guide you into the structure. To exit the structure there is a one-way path through the inner patio between the gift shop and visitor center.

Gift Shop

The gift shop currently has a table outside their main double doors facing the north parking lot. To encourage social distancing there are stickers located on the sidewalk to help guide you safely through the line. The end of their line meets up with the path that leads you out of the visitor center.

 

 

NPS Photo

Park Closures

Occasionally the road into the park is closed due to missile testing or weather conditions. Look here for the latest information about park closures.

 

NPS Photo

Road Conditions

Dunes drive consists of both pavement and hard packed gypsum sand. Consider the effects of inclement weather when planning to drive into the park. The park may close if weather conditions pose a safety hazard for visitors.

 

NPS Photo

Weather

The weather can be hard to predict in the desert. Look here to learn more about possible weather conditions when you visit.