Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve announced a phased opening starting June 3. The park has been closed to visitors since mid-April due to health concerns amid the new coronavirus pandemic.
The first phase includes opening access to the main park road, trails, picnic areas and dunefields. Some areas, like the visitor center and Pinon Flats Campground, will remain closed.
Park officials plan to open more areas mid-June, which would include access to the campground and backountry permits. These plans are dependent on health outcomes over the next few weeks and in alignment with local and state guidance.
"We are excited to welcome visitors back to the park and support our local communities," said Park Superintendent Pamela Rice in a statement. "As the public returns to the park, we ask that they practice social distancing and follow national and state guidance to keep park staff, local residents and the general public safe."
These guidelines include staying on trails, wearing face masks and avoiding overcrowding when visiting.
