A trout restoration project is set to close an area near a popular trail at Great Sand Dunes National Park with visitors warned not to drink nearby water.

According to the park, the closure will be part of the Lower Sand Creek corridor Rio Grande cutthroat restoration project, with the area within 20 yards of Sand Creek between Music Pass Trail and Sand Ramp Trail off-limits from July 26 through August 2. The closure area is on both sides of the creek, starting where the creek intersects Music Pass trail continuing downstream to where Music Pass trail meets Sand Ramp trail.

Music Pass Trail will remain open for thru-travel, though hikers and pets must stay on the trail and should not enter or drink water from Sand Creek. During this period, the water will not be safe for people or pets to consume.

The reason the water won’t be safe is that it’s being treated to remove existing fish as part of a long-term effort to restore the Rio Grande cutthroat trout to native water. Pending a successful treatment and removal of other fish species, restocking of the cutthroat trout is slated to start in fall of 2027.

“We look forward to our ongoing partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to restore this important species in the lower Sand Creek area,” said Park Superintendent Andrea Compton. “The park has had success in restoring the native Rio Grande cutthroat trout habitat in Medano Creek and upper Sand Creek watersheds, and it looks forward to improving the last section of creek for native habitat restoration and for anglers to enjoy once the populations are established.”

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)