Colorado park closures & advisories

National Park Service

Echo Park Road is temporarily closed to motorized vehicles from the junction with the Harpers Corner Road to Echo Park Campground due to significant storm damage. The Echo Park Campground is also temporarily closed to camping due to road damage.

Updated Oct 16, 2026

National Park Service

The Rainbow Park Road, Rainbow Park Campground, and Rainbow Park Boat Ramp are closed as of September 25, 2026 due to significant storm damage until repairs are completed, likely through spring of 2027. The 3/4-mile Rainbow Park Road is closed to vehicles from the junction with the Island Park Road to the Rainbow Park…

Updated Sep 25, 2026

National Park Service

Ignitions on today's operation on the Headquarters Unit of the Front Country Prescribed Fire have been completed. Fire personnel will continue to patrol and will remain on site overnight. U.S. Highway 36 in Rocky Mountain National Park is open. Smoke will continue to linger. As temperatures cool overnight, smoke may se…

Updated Nov 4, 2026

National Park Service

Currently, there is no visitor center for Amache National Historic Site. There is a museum in the town of Granada that is operated by Amache Preservation Society. Learn more at amache.org

Updated Mar 18, 2024Official notice ↗

National Park Service

Cell phone voice and data coverage is very limited in the park and surrounding area.

Updated Aug 8, 2023

National Park Service

Entry into the reconstructed fort is limited to the central plaza on scheduled days. For your safety respect all closures and restrictions. Guided tours provide access into additional areas.

Updated Nov 25, 2025Official notice ↗

National Park Service

A 1/4 mile (1,275 feet) walk on a paved trail from the parking area is required to reach the gate of the fort. At the end of your visit, you'll return to your vehicle along the same path.

Updated Nov 24, 2025Official notice ↗

National Park Service

Regularly scheduled guided tours provide access into furnished rooms and explore the fort’s role in Westward Expansion and the reconstruction of the fort in 1976.

Updated Dec 1, 2025Official notice ↗

National Park Service

The design of the reconstructed fort fails to meet accessibility, fire, and life-safety requirements of 1976. A lack of code compliant components such as emergency lighting, illuminated exit signage, panic hardware on doors, and outwardly swinging exit doors results in a limitation of 49 occupants for visitor operation…

Updated Nov 25, 2025Official notice ↗

National Park Service

Water systems throughout the park have been shut off for the winter season, October to April. Please plan ahead and bring your own drinking water.

Updated Oct 13, 2026

National Park Service

Black Canyon's operations are now cashless. South Rim Campground is by reservation only via Recreation.gov. East Portal & North Rim campground sites are first-come first-served and accept payment using Scan & Pay through Recreation.gov's mobile app.

Updated Apr 15, 2026Official notice ↗

National Park Service

Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle. Fireworks and wood fires are always prohibited. Charcoal fires only allowed in designated grills. Visit our Fire Safety page for more info.

Updated Sep 4, 2026Official notice ↗

National Park Service

Cyanotoxin levels in the Blue Mesa Reservoir are now below state thresholds. Toxins are still present at low levels, therefore keep kids and pets out of the water. Avoid all contact with algae. If exposed, shower immediately.

Updated Oct 13, 2026

National Park Service

Winter Operating Hours in effect September 14, 2026: the visitor center is open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Updated Sep 8, 2026Official notice ↗

National Park Service

Entrance fees and pass purchases must be made with a credit/debit card or payment app on a mobile device. Electronic payment reduces transaction times, saves money, and improves accountability.

Updated Dec 28, 2023

National Park Service

The park weather station measured 1.5 inches of rain overnight on 10/23/2026. Medano Creek is currently flowing at 28 cubic feet per second. These conditions have resulted in many of the 9 creek crossings on this 4WD only road to have swift moving water that is 3 or more feet deep on some of these crossings. Extreme ca…

Updated Oct 23, 2026Official notice ↗

National Park Service

Sand boarding and sand sled rentals are located in local communities surrounding the park. Visitors are encouraged to arrange rentals BEFORE coming to the park.

Updated Dec 22, 2025Official notice ↗

National Park Service

As of August 18th, Great Sand Dunes is under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. All wood and charcoal fires must be in established fire rings in designated campsites or picnic sites. No other open fires are allowed. Fires MUST BE put out COLD before leaving your site and must not be left unattended. camp stoves and other press…

Updated Aug 22, 2026

National Park Service

Due to the need for improvements in Piñon Flats Campground, sites can be reserved 3 months in advance beginning in 2026.

Updated Sep 10, 2025

National Park Service

Speed limits for the park include 30 MPH near the park boundary and Great Sand Dunes Sign, and as low as 10 MPH near the Headquarters and Entrance Station. Speed limits are in place to protect park visitors, pedestrians, and wildlife in the park. Please drive carefully and responsibly.

Updated Feb 17, 2026

National Park Service

The voicemail for the main park phone line (970-562-4282) is not functioning reliably. People are advised to call during business hours in order to speak with a ranger.

Updated Jan 22, 2026

National Park Service

The park now accepts only mobile or electronic payments for entrance & camping fees. You can reserve campsites and buy entrance passes on Recreation.gov, or only use debit/credit cards to pay in person.

Updated Jul 3, 2024Official notice ↗

National Park Service

Limited drinking water filling is available during the winter season. Bring enough water with you for your visit.

Updated Oct 26, 2026

National Park Service

Road work will begin on the first four miles of the Main Park Road during the week of September 20 - 26. Expect delays up to 15 minutes. Far View Sites and Cedar Tree Tower are closed for road improvements.

Updated Oct 26, 2026Official notice ↗

National Park Service

Trail Ridge Road is closed to through travel. The road is closed at Many Parks Curve on the east side of the park and at Colorado River Trailhead on the west side. For the latest information on the status of Trail Ridge Road, call 970-586-1222.

Updated Nov 4, 2026Official notice ↗

National Park Service

All visitor Services are available at the Historic Site, 23 miles northeast of Eads, Colorado. The Center for Sand Creek Massacre Studies located in Eads, Colorado is available for appointment only research requests.

Updated Nov 24, 2025Official notice ↗

National Park Service

In order to reach the Sand Creek Massacre Site, visitors must travel on at least 8 miles of unpaved roads. We are not able to guarantee road conditions of county roads 54 or W after spring storms.

Updated Nov 24, 2025Official notice ↗