01/20/2026
PLEASE Provide Input! This is our opportunity to let these folks know we need more access to motorized recreation!
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) wants to hear from you regarding the potential establishment and future management of the North Sand Hills Recreation Area.
CPW is working with the BLM to consider changes to the management at North Sand Hills. They are looking for feedback regarding your hopes and priorities, as well as any current challenges, to ensure that management of the area aligns with visitor values.
The public scoping period is open now through March 1, 2026 and there is a public meeting tomorrow night (Wed 1/21/26). Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to CPW and BLM staff on future management. Feedback from these meetings will help guide CPW and the BLM to determine potential future management strategies for the North Sand Hills Recreation Area.
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
• Public Meeting: January 21, 2026 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. You can attend in-person at the Wattenberg Center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Walden, CO 80480 or register to participate virtually here: https://cpw-state-co.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fTkhlGpqQZCrCQVlgEOdbA #/registration
• Feedback is being collected now through March 1st, 2026. Thank you for providing input! Feedback can be shared here: https://engagecpw.org/north-sand-hills-management-plan?tool=survey_tool
NORTH SAND HILLS DESCRIPTION
Colorado's only open sand dune area for OHV recreation is situated at the eastern edge of North Park at the toe of the Medicine Bow Mountain Range. It is currently managed by the BLM Kremmling Field Office and provides unique riding opportunities for dirt bike, ATV, side- by-side and sand rail riders.
The area also features connecting trails that lead into the State Forest State Park and is adjacent to USFS lands, all while providing a scenic backdrop of the Park and the Medicine Bow Mountain Ranges.
PLANNING AND ENGAGEMENT GOALS
Future planning will:
• Serve as a guide and point of reference for future CPW staff, other partnering agencies, elected officials, and interested members of the public.
• Help inform future use and development and visitor recreation experiences.
• Guide management of existing natural and cultural resources.
• Provide a framework for monitoring and maintaining natural and cultural resources.
• Identify enhancement opportunities, including possible facility upgrades, new facilities, restoration and rehabilitation projects, and other important management initiatives.
• Help inform future budget allocations and annual funding requests.
What CPW hopes to achieve through this engagement:
• Understand current opportunities and challenges for recreation management at NSHRA.
• Develop a long-term vision for NSHRA as a future amenity in the CPW system.
• Build community support for CPW management of NSHRA.
