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Drone Rules for Ramble at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Mosca, Colorado (CO) • United States
246 Rd N 112, Mosca, CO 81146, USA
Lat: 37.5788 • Lng: -105.822
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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Great Sand Dunes National Park prohibits all drone operations under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park encompasses the tallest sand dunes in North America (750+ ft) and critical habitat for the Great Sand Dunes tiger beetle, found nowhere else on Earth.

Drone Rules - Great Sand Dunes NP

All UAS operations are prohibited under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The world's only species of Great Sand Dunes tiger beetle is an ESA concern in this unique ecosystem.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Alamosa Airport (KALS) Class D lies ~25 miles south
  • Park elevation 7,519-13,604 ft MSL; San Luis Valley floor to Sangre de Cristo peaks
  • Dune field covers 30 square miles; Medano Creek creates unique wet-sand environment
  • San Luis Valley is a key raptor migration corridor along the Rocky Mountain flyway

Key Rules

  • No drone operations within park boundary
  • Great Sand Dunes tiger beetle endemic; any drone disturbance of dune surface potentially harms ESA species
  • Whooping crane has been recorded in San Luis Valley during migration
  • Surrounding Great Sand Dunes National Preserve (NPS) and Rio Grande National Forest also restrict drones

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