GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

**TITLE 36, CHAPTER I**

Compendium of Designations, Closures, Request Requirements, and other
Restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the
Superintendent.

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in
Title 36,

Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1, Parts 1 through 7, authorized by
Title 16,

United States Code, subsection 3, the following regulatory provisions
are

established for the proper management, protection, government and public
use

of the portions of Great Sand Dunes National Park under the jurisdiction

of the National Park Service.

Unless otherwise stated, the regulatory provisions apply in addition to
the

Requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Lewis A. Hutchinson, Superintendent Date

**36 CFR § 1.5 -CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS**

**(a)(1) The following closures and public use limits are established
for all or listed portions of the park to all public use or to a
specific use or activity:**

# [Closures]{.underline}

*[Public Entry:]{.underline}*

# The following areas are closed to public entry:

-   The National Park Service (NPS) residential and maintenance shop
    area.

-   The water tank road at the Pinyon Flats Campground.

Determination: This restriction is intended to provide for the privacy
and security of park residents by limiting entrance to the housing area
to residents and their invited guests, employees, and contractors.
Similarly, this restriction provides additional security for government
facilities, vehicles, equipment, and other property kept at the NPS
Maintenance Area.

The water tank road at the campground is for service use only.

## 

[*Camping*:]{.underline}

The following areas are closed to overnight camping:

-   The **No Camping Zone** as described below and as shown on the
    attached map.

> The ***No Camping Zone** (*excluding designated backcountry campsites
> and within designated sites at the Pinyon Flats Campground) is defined
> as within a boundary line beginning where the southern park boundary
> intersects with the eastern Great Sand Dunes Wilderness boundary, then
> northeasterly along the wilderness boundary to a point due west of
> park headquarters, then westerly to the west bank of Medano Creek,
> then northerly to the top of the main ridge on the eastern front of
> the dune field, then following this ridgeline in a northerly direction
> to the juncture of Little Medano Creek and Medano Creek, then easterly
> to the wilderness boundary, then northeasterly along the wilderness
> boundary to the boundary between the park and Great Sand Dunes
> National Preserve, then southerly along the park/preserve boundary to
> the southeastern corner of the park, then westerly along the park
> boundary back to the beginning. A map depicting this area is attached.

Determination: The No Camping Zone is the most frequented and popular
area of the park. This restriction is intended to prevent unnecessary
visual intrusions for day users and prevent additional resource impacts
associated with camping, primarily waste disposal, sanitation, and
degraded water quality. Designated campsites are established to
concentrate campsite impacts to areas where such impacts can be managed
and minimized.

[Commercial Use Authorizations:]{.underline}

-   Effective March 01, 2007 and until further notice no new Commercial
    Use Authorizations (CUA's) will be issued for commercial operations
    that utilize any backcountry area. Examples of such operations
    include, but are not limited to, guided hiking services, guided
    hunting services, horse rides, or services that pack in supplies and
    equipment using livestock. Backcountry is defined as those portions
    of the national park outside the 'no-camping zone' as shown on the
    attached map and defined in the [Camping]{.underline} section above.
    This restriction does not apply to persons or businesses that held a
    CUA in 2006.

-   The boundary between Great Sand Dunes National Park and the
    Baca-Grande subdivision is closed to entrance by any commercial
    entity and their clients.

Determination: This moratorium is established until a [Wilderness
Management/Backcountry Management Plan]{.underline} can be prepared as a
supplement to the park's General Management Plan. Such a plan is
necessary to assure protection of natural and cultural resources,
implement management responsibilities, assure equitable allocation and
use of the area, and avoid overuse or conflict among the various uses
and users of the area.

## Public Use Limits

*[Use of Segways and Similar Devices by Persons with
Disabilities:]{.underline}*

The following areas in Great Sand Dunes National Park are open to the
use of Segways and similar devices by visitors with disabilities:

-   Visitor Center, sidewalks, parking lots, Pinyon Flats Campground,
    Mosca Creek Picnic Area, non-vegetated areas of the dunefield, park
    roadways, and that portion of the Liberty Road between the NPS
    boundary with the Baca Grande Subdivision on the north and the Rio
    Grande National Forest on the south, provided:

    -   The person operating the Segway or similar device must be at
        least 16 years of age.

    -   The maximum speed that the Segway or similar device is operated
        must not exceed 8 MPH while being operated in places other than
        along park roads.

    -   Segway or similar device operators will yield the right-of-way
        to other pedestrians.

> *Determination: Per memorandum from the Director of the National Park
> Service dated May 24, 2007, the NPS has concluded that allowing the
> use of Segways and similar devices by individuals with mobility
> disabilities is compelled by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the
> Department of the Interior's (DOI) regulations found at 43 CFR Part
> 17, Subpart E. DOI regulations acknowledge that there are limits to
> accessibility in the outdoor environment. The NPS believes that the
> use of Segways and similar devices by persons with disabilities may be
> appropriate in certain locations but may not be in others. Because of
> topography, surface characteristics, and other attributes, these
> devices are suitable for use in the areas described above subject to
> the described conditions which are intended to provide for the safety
> of the operator and other visitors. All other locations not listed
> above are not open to Segways and similar devices because of the
> nature of the terrain which would render use of these devices unsafe
> for the operator and/or other visitors (such as gradient, narrowness
> of trails, stream crossings, rocky ledges, or drop-offs) or could
> cause resource damage (such as to vegetation along trail-sides because
> the wheel width of the Segway is larger than the trail width).*

*[Camping group size limits]{.underline}:*

-   The group size limit for all wilderness and other backcountry areas
    of the park is 6 persons. Additionally, groups with livestock may
    have up to 6 animals per group.

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-   The group size limit in Loops 1 and 2 of the Pinyon Flats Campground
    is 6 persons or one family per site.

Determination: Group size limits are set to minimize or prevent undue
impacts to individual campsites and surrounding areas; to prevent
campsites from growing to prevent the increase of social trails; to
prevent intrusions on other visitors enjoying backcountry or campground
experiences; and to manage human waste accumulations in backcountry
areas, thereby protecting water quality.

*[Camping Overnight stays]{.underline}*:

-   The overnight stay limit within the park for all persons, groups,
    and organizations is 14 consecutive days and 21 total days per
    calendar year. This limit does not apply to holders of Incidental
    Business Permits or their employees who are conducting business
    operations under the terms and conditions of the company's IBP, but
    it does apply to their clients.

Determination: Overnight stay limitations are a 'standard industry
practice' to ensure the equitable use and allocation of campsites and
campground facilities.

**(Refer also to § 2.10, Camping, on page 8 for other regulations
relating to campground and backcountry area camping.)**

*[Hunting camps]{.underline}*:

-   Hunting camps are not allowed within any backcountry/wilderness area
    of the park. A hunting camp is defined as a campsite occupied by one
    or more persons who are conducting, or intend to conduct, any
    hunting activities.

Determination: Hunting is not allowed within Great Sand Dunes National
Park. This restriction is intended to protect the wildlife residing
within the park and to prevent giving others the mistaken idea that
hunting is allowed.

#### Glass Containers 

The use of glass containers in the wilderness area is prohibited.

Determination: This restriction is intended to prevent broken glass
containers in an area where visitors frequently go barefooted.

[Medano Pass Primitive Road]{.underline}

The Medano Pass Primitive Road is closed to motor vehicle traffic during
those periods: When stream crossings become hazardous due to weak ice;
snow accumulations make travel hazardous or may result in motorists
traveling off-road in an attempt to bypass snowdrifts; or muddy and wet
conditions may result in road damage or motorists traveling off-road in
an attempt to bypass muddy sections.

Determination: During the late fall or early winter when stream
crossings begin to ice over an ice condition often results wherein the
ice cannot support the full weight of a vehicle. During this time one or
two wheels of the vehicle may break through causing the wheel or wheels
to get stuck behind a ledge of ice from which it is impossible to get
out without significant help. Closing the road at these times is
intended to protect drivers who may get stuck at remote crossings during
cold weather.

Snow accumulations can cause the road to become impassable, thereby
presenting a safety hazard should motorists become stuck. Patrol
resources are limited and stuck motorists may not be discovered for
days. Also, experience has shown that many motorists will attempt to
drive off road around snowdrifts so this measure will prevent associated
off-road travel impacts.

During spring snowmelt or warm periods the road frequently becomes very
muddy and snowmelt often runs down or across the roadway. During these
periods vehicle traffic can cause damage to the road in the form of
rutting or by causing runoff to cause additional erosion. This temporary
closure is intended to minimize road damage.

*[Motor and Non-motorized Vehicles:]{.underline}*

The following roads are closed to the use of two-wheel drive vehicles:

-   The Medano Pass Primitive road between the *Point of No Return* and
    the park/preserve boundary.

Determination: The Medano Pass Primitive road traverses a section of
soft, deep, sand that frequently results in even four- wheel drive
vehicles becoming stuck. Much of the road is also only one lane in
width. When vehicles become stuck, traffic can be obstructed until the
roadway is cleared. This restriction is intended to prevent two wheel
drive motorists from becoming stuck with the subsequent inconvenience to
them and other motorists, as well as preventing them from incurring
costly tow bills. This restriction may also prevent damage to private
property that may occur while trying to free a stuck vehicle, and damage
to natural resources as other motorists may travel off road to get
around the stuck vehicle.

The following roads are closed to the use of motorized and non-motorized
vehicles, including bicycles and livestock or human drawn carts, wagons,
sleighs, or sleds except for administrative use:

-   All roads within the Baca Unit.

-   All roads located on lands now owned by the National Park Service
    but which were formerly administered by the Bureau of Land
    Management prior to November 22, 2000.

> *Determination: Until future management actions are approved in
> accordance with the [2007 General Management Plan]{.underline}, these
> roads are closed to public vehicle use to ensure that non-conflicting,
> inappropriate, or resource degrading activities do not occur.*

*[Overnight parking]{.underline}*

Overnight parking (excluding registered campers in Pinyon Flats
Campground) is prohibited in all areas of the park except for the
following locations upon condition that the owner/operator has obtained
a Backcountry Use Permit and associated trailhead parking pass:

-   Amphitheater Parking Lot

-   Dunes Overlook Trailhead

-   Point Of No Return Trailhead

-   Montville Trailhead

-   Headquarters Parking Lot (during the off-season period between Labor
    Day and Memorial Day only)

-   Sand Ramp Trailhead

> *Determination: Reasonable accommodation for visitors engaged in
> overnight backcountry trips for which a Backcountry Use Permit has
> been issued. Parking spaces are limited at each of these areas so, in
> order to provide fair allocation, permits must be obtain beforehand.*

*[Picnicking]{.underline}*

The Pinyon Flats Campground is open to picnicking only during the period
of October 1^st^ -- April 30^th^.

*Determination: During this period there are adequate campsites
available for both*

*picnickers and campers. However, during the period of May 1- September
30, the*

c*ampground is* *often near capacity. This limitation is instituted in
order to prevent persons*

*who are not intending to* *camp from occupying a site for an
unreasonable amount of time or*

*discouraging would-be campers from using the campground.*

(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or
activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:

######### Camping

Please refer to §2.10 of this compendium for specific camping area
designations.

*[Pets]{.underline}*

Please refer to §2.15 of this compendium for specific pet area
designations.

######### Weapons

In accordance with the provisions found in 36 CFR § 2.4(d)(4), a permit
may be issued to hunters in possession of a valid Colorado hunter's
license to carry a weapon across park lands for the express purpose of
hunting in the Little Medano, Cold Creek, and Sand Creek drainages of
Great Sand Dunes National Preserve and to access Rio Grande National
Forest areas from north of the mouth of Sand Creek to Cedar Canyon. Such
permit may be issued with an effective date of no earlier than two (2)
days before the onset of the specified hunting season and an expiration
date of no later than one (1) day after the close of the hunting season.
Weapons carried under this permit must be broken down or disassembled
and packed and carried in a manner as to prevent their ready use.

Hunters traveling north from the Sand Ramp Trailhead must use the Sand
Ramp Trail to transport weapons to any of the stated drainages within
the National Preserve. Hunters using livestock who embark from the
Amphitheater Parking Lot may travel on the Medano Pass Primitive Road
until reaching the Point of No Return at which place they may either
continue on the road or pick up the Sand Ramp Trail to reach the Sand
Ramp Trailhead.

Hunters may also obtain a permit on a self-registration basis at a
registration box provided for that purpose and located at the gate
across the Liberty Road at the northern boundary of the national park.
Hunters must stay on the Liberty Road until exiting the park and onto
U.S. Forest Service lands. Hunters desiring to access Sand Creek must
stay on the Liberty Road south of the Liberty town site until reaching
Sand Creek. Hunters desiring to access drainages of the national
preserve south of Sand Creek must then use the trail leading from Sand
Creek to Cold Creek and then the Sand Ramp Trail if proceeding south of
Cold Creek.

*Determination: The Little Medano and Cold Creek drainages are
surrounded by rugged*

*cliffs that preclude carrying in a weapon without crossing over park
lands. Hunting is*

*a legitimate activity within those portions of these drainages located
within the national*

*preserve. By designating these routes for this specific use the NPS is
providing access to*

*otherwise inaccessible lands contiguous to the national park where
other means of access are*

*otherwise impracticable or impossible. Additionally, the described Rio
Grande National*

*Forest areas are similarly inaccessible without crossing park lands.
Because lower Sand Creek*

*is situated between Cold Creek and RGNF drainages to the north, it is
included in this order*

*even though otherwise accessible from upper Sand Creek. The route from
the Liberty Gate is*

*included at the request of the Colorado Division of Wildlife to provide
access to those lands*

*commonly known as the Baca Mountain Tract portion of the Rio Grande
National Forest.*

**36 CFR § 1.6 --PERMITS**

(f) **The following is a compilation of those activities for which a
    permit from the superintendent is required:**

§ 2.4 Weapons, Traps, and Nets

-   \(d\) Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net

> § 2.5 Research Specimens

-   \(a\) Collect or take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals

> § 2.10 Camping

-   \(a\) Camp in the Pinyon Flats Campground or backcountry camping in
    wilderness and non-wilderness portions of the park

> § 2.12 Audio Disturbances

-   (a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device
    powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas

-   (a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a
    public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued
    pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51

§ 2.17 Aircraft and Air Delivery

-   (a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute,
    helicopter, or other airborne means

-   (c)(1) Removal of downed aircraft

> § 2.23 Recreation Fees

-   \(b\) Special recreation activities

> § 2.37 Noncommercial Soliciting

-   Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods, or services

> § 2.38 Explosives

-   \(a\) Use, possess, store, or transport explosives or blasting
    agents

-   \(b\) Use or possess fireworks

> § 2.50 Special Events

-   \(a\) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public sector
    attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events

> § 2.51 Public Assemblies, Meetings

-   \(a\) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations,
    parades, and other public expressions of views

> § 2.52 Sale or Distribution of Printed Matter

-   \(c\) Sale or distribute printed matter provided it is not solely
    commercial advertising

> § 2.60 Livestock Use and Agriculture

-   \(b\) Livestock use

> § 2.61 Residing on Federal Lands

-   \(a\) Residing on park lands

> § 2.62 Memorialization

-   \(b\) Scattering human ashes

> § 4.11 Load, Weight, and Size Limits

-   \(a\) Exceeding established vehicle load, weight, and size limits

> § 5.1 Advertisements

-   Display, posting, or distribution

> § 5.3 Business Operations

-   Engaging in or soliciting any business (requires permit, contract or
    other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant
    to special regulations)

> § 5.5 Commercial Photography

-   \(a\) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving
    the use of professional casts, settings, or crews, other than bona
    fide newsreel or news television

-   \(b\) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce
    or models for the purpose of commercial advertising

> § 5.7 Construction of Buildings or Other Facilities

-   Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, paths,
    structures, etc.

§6.9 Permits

-   \(a\) Operation of a solid waste disposal site

**36 CFR § 2.1 -- PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL
RESOURCES**

(a)(4) Dead wood on the ground that is less than four (4) inches in
diameter may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park
in the following areas:

-   Within ¼ mile of the Sawmill Canyon and Sand Creek backcountry
    campsites that have fire grates provided.

> *Determination: Adequate quantities of dead and down wood exist to
> provide fuel for campfires in these areas without causing significant
> negative resource impacts. Wood that is less than four inches in
> diameter can be easily sawn or broken into manageable pieces and help
> ensure that firewood is burned completely. This requirement also
> reduces smoldering and subsequent fire hazards associated with larger
> pieces.*

**(c)(1) The following fruits, berries, or nuts may be gathered by hand
for personal use or consumption:**

-   Pinyon nuts

-   Edible Mushrooms

-   Currants

-   Gooseberries

-   Raspberries

-   Strawberries

(**c)(2)(i) Quantities of designated fruits, berries, or nuts that may
be gathered by one person during a calendar year is as follows:**

-   Pinyon nuts -- 1 gallon

-   Currants, gooseberries, raspberries, and strawberries -- 1 quart
    each

-   Mushrooms -- 2 pounds

Determination: Adequate quantities of the named fruits exist to allow
for personal use in the designated quantities without causing undue
competition with wildlife for their food needs.

**36 CFR § 2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION**

\(d\) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is
permitted under the following conditions and procedures:

-   For transporting on foot or horseback: Upon condition that a Special
    Use Permit, which describes how and where game carcasses may be
    transported, is first obtained from the Superintendent. Weapons
    transport permits obtained in accordance with §1.5(a)(2) above also
    provide for transporting lawfully taken wildlife and shall be used
    to meet the requirements of this paragraph.

-   For transporting in a vehicle: Upon condition that the game carcass
    is not readily visible.

> *Determination: Adjacent to the park are lands on which it is lawful
> to hunt but the only reasonable way to access these areas is by
> traveling through the park, either on foot or horseback. Requiring a
> permit is a mechanism by which hunters may be informed of applicable
> state and federal wildlife laws and requirements and procedures to
> minimize conflicts with other users plus assist managers in monitoring
> and quantifying this particular activity. A permit is not required to
> transport game carcasses in a vehicle but requiring that it not be
> readily visible is intended to prevent causing alarm in other
> visitors.*

\(e\) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the
use of an artificial light:

-   All areas within the park.

> *Determination: This closure is intended to prevent frightening or
> disturbing wildlife engaged in their normal activities and maintain
> natural lighting conditions for wildlife to the extent possible. It is
> also intended to prevent using light as an aid in the unlawful taking
> of wildlife and to maintain natural darkness for the enjoyment of
> other visitors.*
>
> **36 CFR § 2.10 - CAMPING**

(a) The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping. A
    permit system has been established for camping areas and camping
    activities, and conditions for camping and camping activities are in
    effect as noted:

> **Pinyon Flats Campground:**

-   A permit, available on a self-registration basis at the kiosk at the
    entrance to the campground, is required to camp. The permit must be
    obtained, paid for, and posted at the campsite within 30 minutes of
    arrival.

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-   Tents must be pitched within tent pads provided or, where no tent
    pad has been constructed, within the rock walls.

-   No more than two motor vehicles may be parked at an individual
    campsite. Each vehicle must be parked entirely on the paved driveway
    or parking space and clear of the traffic loop. Extra vehicles may
    be parked at the amphitheater parking lot provided a note is left on
    the dashboard indicating which site the vehicle is associated with.

-   Generators must be turned off during the period between 8:00 P.M.
    and 7:00 A.M.

-   Portable showers are allowed provided all used water is captured and
    disposed of properly at a comfort station wastewater disposal sink.

> *Determination: These requirements are intended to provide for the
> equitable use and allocation of campsites and campground facilities,
> prevent undue impacts or wear and tear to campsites, prevent undue
> intrusions on other visitors, and help manage and maintain campground
> facilities.*
>
> **Wilderness areas:**

-   A backcountry use permit, available at the Visitor Center, is
    required to camp in the wilderness portion of the park.

-   Camping along the Sand Ramp Trail is allowed only at designated
    backcountry campsites, namely:

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-   Little Medano Campsite

-   Aspen Campsite

-   Cold Creek Campsite

-   Sand Creek Campsite

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-   Camping is prohibited within:

    -   ¼ mile of the Sand Ramp Trail (except at designated campsites),
        or any park roads. Campsites beyond ¼ mile must also be out of
        sight from trails and roads.

    -   The designated *NO CAMPING ZONE* as described in Section 1.5
        above.

> **Non-wilderness areas:**

-   A backcountry use permit, available at the Visitor Center, is
    required to camp in the non-wilderness portion of the park.

-   Camping along the Sand Ramp Trail is allowed only at designated
    backcountry campsites, namely:

    -   Sawmill Canyon Handicapped Accessible Campsite

    -   Buck Creek Campsite

    -   Escaped Dunes Campsite

    -   Indian Grove Campsite

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-   Tents or sleeping areas must be within fifty (50) feet of the brown
    arrowhead post at these campsites.

> *Determination: These requirements in wilderness and non-wilderness
> areas are intended to provide for the equitable use and allocation of
> backcountry campsites, inform visitors of regulations or
> leave-no-trace principles, and prevent unnecessary visual intrusion on
> other visitors hiking along the Sand Ramp or other trails. Designated
> campsites are established to concentrate campsite impacts to areas
> where such impacts can be managed and minimized.*

(d) Except while being consumed or being prepared for consumption, food
    and lawfully taken fish, plus toiletries, garbage, and equipment
    used to cook or store food, must be kept sealed in a vehicle, or in
    a camping unit that is constructed of solid, non-pliable material,
    or suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet
    horizontally from a post, tree trunk, or other object, or in
    provided bear-proof storage lockers in the following areas:

-   All areas within the park.

> Park rangers may inspect all unattended items that have the appearance
> of being used for food storage, food preparation, or food waste.

*Determination: Bears and many other species of wildlife are found
throughout the park.*

> *These requirements are intended to provide for the personal safety of
> visitors, prevent property damage, maintain cleanliness and
> sanitation, and prevent habituation of wildlife to human food sources
> thereby maintaining natural conditions.*

**36 CFR § 2.11 - PICNICKING**

**Conditions for picnicking:**

The maximum time limit for parking or using a picnic table in the picnic
area or at pullouts along the Medano Pass Primitive Road that have
picnic tables provided is three hours, excluding persons who have
reserved the South Ramada area of the picnic area.

Determination: This limitation provides for the fair and equitable use
and allocation of limited picnic area facilities.

**36 CFR § 2.13 - FIRES**

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited,
except as provided for in the following designated areas or receptacles,
and under the conditions noted:

[Designated Areas:]{.underline}

-   Campfires are allowed only in provided fire grates in the Pinyon
    Flats

Campground or at the Sawmill Canyon and Sand Creek backcountry

campsites.

[Established Conditions:]{.underline}

-   Only charcoal fires are allowed in the picnic area fire grates.

> *Determination: These designations and conditions are intended to
> prevent wildfires by restricting campfires to provided fire grates and
> prevent proliferation of fire pits. The picnic area has only pedestal
> grates which are intended only for charcoal fires to grill food.*

# 

# 

# 36 CFR § 2.14 - SANITATION AND REFUSE

**(a)(5) Designated fixtures for washing food, clothing, dishes, or
other property:**

-   Outside sinks located at the comfort stations in the Pinyon Flats

> Campground.

(b) Conditions for the disposal, containerization, or carryout of human
    body waste:

-   Toilet paper must be carried out of backcountry and wilderness areas
    except where toilet facilities are provided.

-   Human body waste shall be disposed of in the following manner:

    -   Within the dune field -- buried in one (1) inch of sand.

    -   Within all other backcountry areas -- buried in six (6) inches
        of soil at least 200 feet from any water source.

*Determination: These designations and requirements are intended to
maintain sanitary conditions for both humans and wildlife.*

**36 CFR § 2.15 - PETS**

**(a)(1) The following areas are *[closed]{.underline}* to the
possession of pets:**

-   All areas within the following zones as described in the [2007
    General Management Plan]{.underline} (GMP) and shown on the GMP
    Preferred Alternative map:

    -   Guided Learning

    -   Backcountry Adventure (excluding the Sand Ramp Trail from Loop 2
        in the Campground to Point of No Return, the Dunes Overlook
        Trail, and the Point of No Return to Sand Pit Trail).

    -   Natural/Wild

Stated conversely, pets *[are allowed]{.underline}* in the following
zones as described in the GMP plus

the Sand Ramp Trail from Loop 2 in the Campground to Point of No Return,
the Dunes

Overlook Trail and Point of No Return to Sand Pit Trail:

-   Frontcountry

-   Dunes Play

-   Backcountry Access

-   Liberty Road Administrative Zone

*Determination: This restriction is in accordance with a management
action prescribed by the [2007 General Management Plan
(GMP)]{.underline}. The issue of dogs was raised in scoping prior to
preparation of the GMP. After considerable discussion of visitor
comments and environmental consequences, the planning team decided on a
"middle ground" policy restricting dogs (leashes required) to the
described zone. The action was approved by the Great Sand Dunes National
Park Advisory Council.*

> **(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed in accordance with the
> following conditions:**

-   Persons possessing pets in areas that are open to pets must remove
    pet

excrement and deposit it in toilet facilities or dumpsters only.

**(e) Pets may be kept by park residents under the following
conditions:**

-   Park residents must adhere to the pet policy as established by the

Superintendent.

**36 CFR § 2.16 - HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS**

(a) **The following are designated as pack animals:**

-   Horses

-   Mules

-   Burros, donkeys, asses

-   Llamas

> *Determination: The listed animals are traditional pack animals, have
> historically been used in the area, or do not pose a threat as a
> disease vector to wildlife.*
>
> \(b\) The use of horses or pack animals is permitted on the following
> trails, routes, or areas:

-   All trails and areas within the park [except]{.underline} for the
    following:

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-   The No Public Horse Use Zone as described below and shown on the
    attached map:

> The ***No Public Horse Use Zone*** is defined as the visitor center
> area; the main dune use area (that area within the no camping zone
> from the southern shore of Mosca Creek Island north to the
> 'Campground-to-Dunes' trail); Picnic Area, Dunes Parking Lot; and the
> Pinyon Flats Campground. A map depicting this area is attached.
> *Exception: For those riders who want to ride south from the horse
> trailer parking lot, horses may be ridden southerly between the park
> road and Medano Creek, then across Mosca Creek, and continuing
> southerly between the visitor center and Medano Creek until out of the
> No Public Horse Use Zone.*

-   Visitor Center to Montville Parking Lot Trail

-   Montville Nature Trail (excluding that portion of the trail which
    coincides with the Mosca Pass trail)

-   Visitor Center to Picnic Area Trail

-   Sand Sheet Loop Trail

-   Wellington Ditch Trail

-   Pinyon Flats Trail

-   The portion of the Sand Ramp Trail between the Dunes Overlook
    trailhead (Loop 2 in the campground) and Point of No Return
    trailhead, including the Buck Creek Campsite access trail.

-   Dunes Overlook Trail

-   Any paved road, except when crossing

-   Deadman Creek riparian corridor

*Determination: Horse and pack animal use in the park is a long-standing
and appropriate recreational activity. The exceptions listed above are
to prevent conflicts with other users, primarily pedestrians, in
concentrated use areas and trails in the developed area. The Deadman
Creek riparian corridor is closed at least until potential resource
impacts can be evaluated.* *Lower Deadman Creek has a riparian community
different from the upper part of the creek, and includes a combination
of juniper and cottonwood that is the largest of only ten occurrences of
such a community in the state of Colorado. Deadman Creek also has fish
and bat species which are rare, including the Rio Grande cutthroat
trout, and the pale-nosed bat*.

\(g\) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:

-   Horses may be unloaded year-round only at the Horse Trailer or
    Montville parking lots. Riders offloading at Montville must move
    their horse trailers to the Horse Trailer or Amphitheater parking
    lot prior to conducting their ride. Horse trailers may be left
    overnight only at the Horse Trailer and Amphitheater lots provided
    an overnight parking pass has been obtained.

-   Horses may also be unloaded at large turnouts south of the visitor
    center during the period of October 15 -- April 30^th^. Trailers and
    towing vehicles may be left unattended at these turnouts during
    daylight hours only and may not be left overnight.

-   Owners must shovel any manure into trailers at the parking area
    before and after riding.

-   Horses, burros, mules, and llamas may cross the northern boundary
    between the park and the Baca-Grande subdivision [only]{.underline}
    at the Liberty Gate trailhead.

-   Horses and pack animals may be kept overnight only at the Little
    Medano, Aspen, Cold Creek, and Sand Creek backcountry campsites.
    Livestock must be picketed at least 100 feet away from the campsite
    marker post.

-   Livestock must be picketed or corralled in a manner as to prevent
    damage to trees and pawing around tree trunks, grazing to an extent
    that plants are eaten to ground level or individual plants pulled up
    by the roots, denuding the area of vegetation by grazing or
    trampling, or causing other damage to natural or cultural resources.

-   Livestock may also be kept overnight in wilderness portions of the
    park. Leave-no-Trace principles must be followed at all locations
    where stock is kept overnight.

-   Stock must be fed weed-free hay at least 24 hours before entering
    the park. Only certified weed-free hay, grain, or processed pellets
    may be packed into the park's backcountry.

> *Determination: These conditions are intended to provide for the fair
> and equitable use and allocation of park facilities and areas, prevent
> conflicts with other users, help maintain park facilities, prevent
> damage to campsites, prevent damage to or degradation of natural
> resources, and prevent introduction or proliferation of invasive plant
> species.*

**36 CFR § 2.20 - SKATING AND SKATEBOARDS**

The use of skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or
similar devices is allowed only in the following areas:

-   NPS residential area.

-   Employee's parking lot at the Visitor Center except during hours
    when the Visitor center is open to the public.

-   The north Dunes Parking Lot during the period of November 1^st^
    through March 15^th^.

> *Determination: These designations provide for safe areas and times
> during which such activities can be enjoyed without danger to the
> participant or others and other visitor activities will not be
> disrupted.*

**36 CFR § 2.21 - SMOKING**

**(a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of
buildings, structures, or facilities are closed to smoking:**

-   All buildings and facilities, excluding residences

Determination: This restriction is intended to reduce the risk of fire
in government facilities and provide for the comfort and health of
employees and visitors.

**36 CFR § 2.23 - RECREATION FEES**

(b) Recreation fees, in accordance with 36 CFR Part 71, are established
    for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use of the
    following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or
    for participation in the following group activity, recreation
    events, or specialized recreations uses:

[Entrance Fee Areas:]{.underline} All persons age 16 years and older
entering Great Sand Dunes National Park are subject to paying the \$3.00
entrance fee except in the following cases:

-   They are in possession of (or riding in the same private family
    vehicle as a person who possesses) a valid Interagency Annual Pass,
    Interagency Senior Pass or Interagency Access Pass.

-   They obtain upon entering an Interagency Annual Pass, Interagency
    Senior Pass or Interagency Access Pass.

-   They obtain a Great Sand Dunes Annual Pass, the price of which is
    \$15. This pass has two signature lines for the purchaser and spouse
    or, if no spouse, one other person. The pass is non-transferable and
    is valid for one year until the last day of the same month in which
    it was purchased. The pass may be used for entrance only and admits
    person/s as signed on the pass and accompanying passengers in a
    single, non-commercial vehicle. For per-person entrance fees in
    other circumstances, it admits person/s as signed, spouse, children,
    and parents.

Entrance permits issued upon receipt of the entrance fee amount are
valid for seven (7) days from the date of purchase.

####### Commercial Vehicles

-   Commercial passenger carrying vehicles are charged a flat rate
    according to vehicle capacity. Great Sand Dunes has been designated
    a Tier IV area. Interagency Annual Passes, Interagency Senior Passes
    or Interagency Access Passes possessed by passengers in a commercial
    vehicle do not qualify for entrance or reduced fees.

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-   Motor coach (26+ passenger capacity) = \$100

-   Mini-bus (16-25 passenger capacity) = \$ 40

-   Van (7-25 passenger capacity) = \$ 40

-   Van (1-6 passenger capacity) = \$ 25 + \$3 per passenger

[Daily Site Use Fee Areas:]{.underline}

Pinyon Flats Campground:

-   Individual sites on loops 1 and 2 (campsites 1-88) are available on
    a first come -- first serve basis at \$14.00 per night per site,
    limit of six (6) persons or one family per site.

-   Loop 3, sites A, B, & C, are available on a reservation basis for
    larger groups. Rates are as follows:

> Sites A & B: \$45.00 minimum fee plus \$3.00 per night for each person
> over 15 people.
>
> Site C: \$30.00 minimum fee plus \$3.00 per night for each person over
> 10 people.

**36 CFR § 2.35 - ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES**

(a)(3)(i) The following public use areas, portions of public use areas,
and/or public facilities within the park are closed to the consumption
of alcoholic beverages and the possession 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:

-   Any parking lot, pullout, or roadside area,
    **[excluding]{.underline}** the picnic area , Pinyon Flats
    Campground, or parking areas along the Medano Pass primitive road
    which have picnic tables provided.

### Determination: The consumption of alcoholic beverages or possession of an open container is inappropriate considering other uses of these locations and the purposes for which they are maintained or were established, namely for short term use to view or visit the dunes and other park locations. They are not intended for picnicking and are frequented by other visitors, many with small children. This restriction is intended to prevent violation of other regulations regarding open containers in motor vehicles; prevent driving while impaired or under the influence of alcohol, prevent littering, and prevent those who would park in these areas for the express purpose of consuming alcoholic beverages, thus ensuring that traffic moves regularly through pullouts and short term parking areas.

**36 CFR § 2.51 -- PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, MEETINGS**

(e) **The locations available for public assemblies are designated as:**

-   Those areas shown on the attached map entitled "Public Assemblies
    Areas". These areas are described as:

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-   At the visitor center parking lot the first three parking spaces
    immediately west of the handicapped space.

-   At the dunes parking lot, the first three parking spaces immediately
    east of the North Boardwalk.

-   At the amphitheater parking lot, the paved area within 50 feet of
    the tire air station.

*Determination: These areas provide for First Amendment activities that
are visible to the public while allowing for other visitor activities to
proceed without disruption.*

**36 CFR § 4.21 SPEED LIMITS**

**(b) The following special speed limits are established**:

-   30 mph in both directions along that portion of the Park Road known
    as the 'S-curves'.

-   30 mph along the northbound portion of the Park Road beginning ¼
    mile south of the entrance station to the beginning of the posted 10
    mph zone.

-   30 mph along the southbound portion of the park road beginning 300
    feet south of the entrance station to the beginning of the posted 45
    mph zone.

-   30 mph in both directions along that portion of the Park Road north
    of the entrance station to the intersection with the Medano Pass
    Primitive Road.

-   30 mph in both directions along the Dunes Lot Access Road.

-   10 mph in both directions along that portion of the Park Road within
    300 feet of the entrance station.

Determination: The reduced speed limit along the 'S-curves' portion of
the park road is intended to prevent recurrence of auto accidents,
including roll-overs with injuries, that had occurred when the speed
limit was set at 45.

*The 35 mph zone for northbound traffic nearing the entrance station is
intended to slow traffic prior to reaching the 10 mph zone.*

*The 30 mph zone north of the entrance station to the Medano Pass
Primitive Road intersection is in an area with concentrated pedestrian
and motor vehicle traffic with autos frequently pulling into and out of
pullouts and parking lots along curves and hills with limited sight
distance.*

*The Dunes Lot Access Road is relatively short with limited sight
distance and autos frequently park along the roadway shoulders when the
parking lot is full.*

Visitors must stop at the entrance station when entering and leaving.
Additionally, the northbound lane is constricted. This zone is
established to slow traffic down in preparation for stopping.

**36 CFR § 4.31 HITCHHIKING**

**Hitchhiking is allowed in the following areas:**

-   Along all roadways.

Determination: The park is remote from the nearest city served by public
transportation and so other transportation options are not available to
some visitors. Up to now hitchhiking has been an infrequent occurrence
that has not presented any problems related to criminal activity,
traffic obstruction, or other safety hazards.

January 22, 2008

Memorandum

To: Superintendent

From: Chief Ranger

Subject: 2008 Compendiums

Attached are updated park and preserve compendiums for your review and
signature. The following updates were made:

Park Compendium:

1.  § 2.2 (d), Wildlife Protection: Clarified that permits to carry
    weapons across park lands also provide for legally harvested game
    transport.

2.  § 2.10 (a), Camping: Added provision allowing for portable showers
    (we're seeing a lot of these) provided all waste water is captured
    and disposed of properly at the comfort station waste water sink.

3.  § 2.10 (a) Camping: Listed the four campsites along the Sand Ramp
    Trail in the wilderness that are designated campsites. (Previously,
    only the designated campsites outside the wilderness were listed.

4.  § 2.11 Picnicking: Clarified that the parking time limit in the
    picnic area is also 3 hours. Previously it only stated that using a
    picnic table is limited to 3 hours. We'll only enforce this on busy
    weekends if we can show someone was told about the time limit but
    used the picnic area as a parking spot while they were off playing
    on the dunes. Most of the time it's not a problem.

5.  § 2.15(a)(1) Pets: Per the GMP listed the zones where pets are not
    allowed and included a converse statement listing zones where pets
    are allowed.

6.  § 2.16 (g) Horses: Added statements regarding the new horse trailer
    parking area. Also added a bullet providing that horses may be off
    loaded at pullouts south of the VC during the off season if people
    want to ride in the southern part of the park.

Preserve Compendium:

1.  No significant changes, just minor wording changes to better define
    that camping is not allowed in the krumholtz tree zone (to be
    consistent with park compendium wording).

If we decide to allow dogs on the Sand Ramp Trail from the Campground to
Point of No Return and on the Dunes Overlook Trail I'll simply add a
sentence to 2.15 and re-print that page for inclusion in the file copy.