National Historic Site

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is a National Historic Site in Colorado. The NPS currently lists 2 active alerts, 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center, and no entrance fee.

Colorado National Historic Site No entrance fee

Updated · NPS Data API

Four white Indian lodges on a grassy plain.
Cheyenne Lodges at Dawn · Photo: NPS Photo/Shawn G. Gillette (via nps.gov)

About the park

“On November 29th, 1864, Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, Left Hand and others were encamped with around 750 Arapaho and Cheyenne people in a valley by the Big Sandy Creek. A hope for peace, brought forth by Black Kettle was in the balance.”

Active alerts

2

Closures

0

Campgrounds

0

Visitor centers

1

Current alerts and closures

2 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 1 caution and 1 information.

Caution

8 Miles of Unpaved Road to Reach Park

In order to reach the Sand Creek Massacre Site, visitors must travel on at least 8 miles of unpaved roads. We are not able to guarantee road conditions of county roads 54 or W after spring storms.

Posted or updated Nov 23, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov

Information

Visitor Services Available Only at the Site

All visitor Services are available at the Historic Site, 23 miles northeast of Eads, Colorado. The Center for Sand Creek Massacre Studies located in Eads, Colorado is available for appointment only research requests.

Posted or updated Nov 23, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.

Things to do

Two humans walk two B.A.R.K. Rangers on leashes on a trail
Photo: NPS photo

Be a Sand Creek B.A.R.K. Ranger

Bring your furry friend to the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site and take the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge!

5-15 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Hands-On

A trail leads to an overlook through a prairie landscape
Photo: NPS/Teri Jobe

Hike the Monument Hill Trail

The Monument Hill Trail runs from the orientation area to the hill where the overlook is located. Exhibits and benches along the trail introduce the events which led to the massacre.

Year-round Pets allowed

Front-Country Hiking

A ranger stands in an open area speaking to a group of about 20 seated people.
Photo: NPS Photo

Sand Creek Ranger Talk

The Sand Creek ranger talk discusses the events of the mid 1800's and describes some of the social, economic, and political factors that contributed to the Sand Creek Massacre. Please note that this is a stationary talk, not a walking tour.

30-40 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Guided Tours

See all 4 things to do in Sand Creek Massacre →

Activities the NPS lists for Sand Creek Massacre.

Guided ToursHikingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Operating hours

The park is located 23 miles outside of the town of Eads, Colorado and is open five days a week. Please view the directions tab for more information.

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
DayHours
Monday9:00AM - 4:00PM
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday9:00AM - 4:00PM
Friday9:00AM - 4:00PM
Saturday9:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday9:00AM - 4:00PM

Weather: Weather conditions at the park vary considerably. Temperatures range from over 100°F in summer to under 20°F in winter. Visitors can expect blowing dust and sand year-round, especially during infrequent storms.

Contact and directions

Phone
7194385916
Email
[email protected]
Address
55411 County Rd W, Chivington, CO 81036
Coordinates
38.5641, -102.5170· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Information CenterMon 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Tue Closed · Wed Closed · Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM719-438-5916Yes

Campgrounds

No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.

On Amazon

Popular trail picks

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More parks in Colorado

Amache National Historic SiteBent's Old Fort National Historic SiteBlack Canyon Of The Gunnison National ParkCalifornia National Historic TrailColorado National MonumentCurecanti National Recreation AreaDinosaur National MonumentFlorissant Fossil Beds National MonumentGreat Sand Dunes National Park & PreserveHovenweep National MonumentMesa Verde National ParkOld Spanish National Historic TrailAll in Colorado

Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/sand/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.