Great Sand Dunes National Park - Medano Pass Road Closed

[Crowdog]

http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=75&story_id=10634

Winter closure for Medano Pass Road
Posted: Friday, Dec 5th, 2008


SAND DUNES — The Medano Pass Primitive Road is closed to vehicles just past the Castle Creek Picnic Area, three miles from the western entrance to the road, announced Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Superintendent Art Hutchinson. “Soft granular snow has mixed with dry sand to make conditions risky even for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles,” he said. “Additionally, the road’s creek crossings are icing over to the point where tires may punch through and trap a vehicle. Visitor safety is our primary concern in making this closure.”

Rangers gate the road at various locations as snow and ice conditions change during winter months. If conditions improve, the road may be opened again as far as the fourth creek crossing on the west side of the range, but the pass summit will remain closed to vehicles until spring.

However, Hutchinson noted that “This is a wonderful time to enjoy the Medano Pass area on skis or snowshoes. Winter visitors often see bighorn sheep, wild turkeys and other animals that also take advantage of this quiet time.”

For more information and the latest conditions, call the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Visitor Center at 378-6399.