Medano Pass Primitive Road Campsites
Open for the 2026 season as of May 15. The road typically opens mid-to-late May and closes late November depending on snow and conditions. All 21 sites fill on summer holiday weekends. No reservations; first-come, first-served only.
Red Flag Warning issued June 30 at 12:54AM MDT until June 30 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 10 AM to 10 PM MDT Wednesday. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds and low relative humidity is in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening. The Fire Weather Watch for Wednesday is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229 and 230. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Locally higher gusts will be possible this afternoon near high based showers or thunderstorms. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent on Tuesday and 4 percent Wednesday and Thursday. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution and avoid any outdoor burning. Fire behavior may become dangerous and erratic if impacted by gusty thunderstorm outflows.
Red Flag Warning issued June 30 at 12:54AM MDT until July 1 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 10 AM to 10 PM MDT Wednesday. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds and low relative humidity is in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening. The Fire Weather Watch for Wednesday is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229 and 230. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Locally higher gusts will be possible this afternoon near high based showers or thunderstorms. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent on Tuesday and 4 percent Wednesday and Thursday. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution and avoid any outdoor burning. Fire behavior may become dangerous and erratic if impacted by gusty thunderstorm outflows.
Fire Weather Watch issued June 30 at 12:54AM MDT until July 2 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 10 AM to 10 PM MDT Wednesday. A Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds and low relative humidity is in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening. The Fire Weather Watch for Wednesday is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229 and 230. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Locally higher gusts will be possible this afternoon near high based showers or thunderstorms. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent on Tuesday and 4 percent Wednesday and Thursday. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution and avoid any outdoor burning. Fire behavior may become dangerous and erratic if impacted by gusty thunderstorm outflows.
About
Medano Pass Primitive Road Campsites offer backcountry vehicle camping in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve along a rugged 22-mile 4WD route connecting the park to the Wet Mountain Valley. The 21 numbered sites are free and first-come, first-served with no reservations. Each site features a fire ring and most include bear-proof food storage boxes. This is true primitive camping with no toilets, no trash service, and seasonal potable water availability only. Accessing the campsites requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle with low-range transfer case. All-wheel drive crossovers, mini-SUVs, and ATVs are prohibited. The road traverses deep sand sections, rocky terrain, and nine crossings of Medano Creek, taking 2.5-3 hours to drive. Heavy-duty off-road tires with 10-ply sidewall rating are strongly recommended. There is no cell signal along the entire route. The road typically opens in mid-to-late May and closes in late November depending on snow and conditions. Sites fill on summer holiday weekends and often on regular summer weekends. Campers must pack out all trash and bury human waste 6 inches deep. The area passes through excellent bighorn sheep habitat and the 2010 Medano Fire burn area.
Directions
The south entrance to Medano Pass Road begins just below Pinon Flats Campground, one mile north of the visitor center. The road's north access is in the Wet Mountain Valley on Highway 69 south of Westcliffe.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| grsa_interpretation@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (719) 378-6395 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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