Escape Dunes

Reservation Fee: There is a $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee per permit.

All permit holders are responsible for following all the rules and regulations, as well as informing their guests of the rules and regulations. The following rules and regulations apply: • No on-site permits will be available. • Changes to vehicle description can be made by the permit holder by writing in new vehicle description information on the printed permit (i.e. rental vehicles). • Overnight parking portion of permit(s) MUST be displayed in a visible location inside your vehicle at trailhead. If you do not have the ability to print your permit, you may bring a digital copy of your ISSUED permit with full itinerary (not confirmation receipt) to the visitor center between 9 am and 4:30 pm for a paper overnight parking permit. • Limit of 6 people, 2 vehicles per permit. • Dunes Backcountry non-designated sites: You must camp beyond the highest ridgeline in any part of the dunefield. If you see any structures, or roads, you have not gone far enough. Set up camp in a low, flat area away from vegetation. Plan a minimum of one-hour hiking/climbing to reach the top of the first ridge, where you will see the entire 30-square-mile dunefield. Plan a longer time hiking if you plan to camp beyond the ridgeline above/near Sand Pit or Castle Creek picnic areas. • Sand Ramp Trail designated sites: Camp in designated locations, within 50 feet of the metal arrowhead post. • No trenching around tents. • No pets, hammocks, or glass containers. • Gas stoves, only. No campfires allowed (except in the metal fire ring at the Sand Creek designated site). • Pack out trash including food items such as orange peels and shells. • Use a bearproof container or hang food/scented items in a food storage bag made from Kevlar in a tree (with rope) at least 10 feet (3m) up and 5 feet (2m) out from the trunk. Campers must use the bear box at the Sand Creek campsite. Bear hangs not required in Dunes Backcountry but storing food and other scented items in a bag made from Kevlar will reduce rodents getting into your items. • Bury human waste 6 inches deep, 200 feet from water and trails. Pack out toilet paper. • Use privy at Indian Grove or Sand Creek. Pack out toilet paper. • Pack animals (horses, mules, burros, donkeys, asses, llamas, alpacas) are allowed in the following areas overnight - Dunes Backcountry, Little Medano, Aspen, Cold Creek and Sand Creek. Livestock must be picketed at least 100 feet away from the campsite marker post. Leave-no- Trace principles must be followed at all locations where stock is kept overnight to prevent damage to natural or cultural resources. • Check the park website for current conditions, and trip planning tips. • Water sources are seasonal. Be prepared to bring water, 1 gallon/person/night is recommended. • Boil or treat all stream water before drinking. Water fill up stations are available in the park. • Sand temperatures may reach 150° F on summer afternoons. Wear closed-toe shoes. • Secure tents with sand stakes or sandbags. Strong winds may occur. • Afternoon thunderstorms are common in warmer months. If lightning threatens, leave the dunes. Crouch low on top of your backpack if you are in immediate danger.

14 nights per trip