THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
East Portal Road, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will reopen on Saturday, September 19, 2026, by 8:00 a.m. The road was closed on September 14 following forecasts of significant rainfall in the region, which increased the risk of mudslides.
Official NPS sourceEast Portal Road, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will reopen on Saturday, September 19, 2026, by 8:00 a.m. The road was closed on September 14 following forecasts of significant rainfall in the region, which increased the risk of mudslides.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service has selected Tobin Roop as superintendent of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area. Roop brings 24 years of National Park Service experience in leadership, resource management, park operations, partnerships and major project management.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service has selected Tobin Roop as superintendent of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area. Roop brings 24 years of National Park Service experience in leadership, resource management, park operations, partnerships and major project management.
Official NPS sourceThanks to recent significant rainfall, the Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area will be lifted effective Friday, September 18, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.
Official NPS sourceThanks to recent significant rainfall, the Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area will be lifted effective Friday, September 18, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.
Official NPS sourceFlorissant Fossil Beds will return to Stage 1 fire restrictions at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026.
Official NPS sourceDue to ongoing adverse weather conditions, East Portal Road in Curecanti National Recreation Area is temporarily closed for public safety.
Official NPS sourceDue to ongoing adverse weather conditions, East Portal Road in Curecanti National Recreation Area is temporarily closed for public safety.
Official NPS source
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area welcome visitors to experience the Hispanic culture of the San Luis Valley through a series of music and dance performances Friday, Sept. 18, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Great Sand Dunes Piñon Flats Amphitheater.
Official NPS source
Beginning Monday, Sept. 28 through Thursday, Oct. 1, and then again Monday, Oct. 5 through Thursday, Oct. 8, the Glacier Gorge Parking area and Glacier Gorge Trailhead will be closed to all uses including vehicle and shuttle bus access.
Official NPS sourceEast Portal Road, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will open tomorrow September 4, 2026, by 8:00 am. It closed on July 16, 2026, after a significant mudslide. Crews have been working to clear roadways, culverts, drainages, and visitor use areas.
Official NPS sourceEast Portal Road, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will open tomorrow September 4, 2026, by 8:00 am. It closed on July 16, 2026, after a significant mudslide. Crews have been working to clear roadways, culverts, drainages, and visitor use areas.
Official NPS source
Due to lower temperatures accompanied by higher humidity, fire danger has moderated across southeastern Utah. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 4, Arches and Canyonlands national parks, along with Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments, will rescind fire restrictions.
Official NPS sourceMONTROSE, Colo. – The National Park Service invites you to discover your local day and night skies at the 2026 Black Canyon Curecanti AstroFest. Minimal light pollution and expansive public lands result in wonderful clear days and dark night skies at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area and. Come celebrate the skies above at the annual astronomy festival.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service invites you to discover your local day and night skies at the 2026 Black Canyon Curecanti AstroFest. Minimal light pollution and expansive public lands result in wonderful clear days and dark night skies at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area and. Come celebrate the skies above at the annual astronomy festival.
Official NPS source
The Southeast Utah Group of parks will accept applications for the 2027 Community Artist in the Parks (CAIP) program September 1 to September 30, 2026.
Official NPS sourceBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will return to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 12:01 AM on Friday, August 28, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region. Curecanti National Recreation Area returned to Stage 1 fire restrictions at 12:01 AM on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Official NPS sourceDue to continued declining water levels at Blue Mesa Reservoir, located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, the Elk Creek boat ramp is no longer safe for launching or retrieving trailered watercraft. Effective immediately, all developed boat ramps at Blue Mesa Reservoir are limited to the hand-launching of non-trailered watercraft.
Official NPS sourceCurecanti will return to Stage 1 fire restrictions at 12:01 AM on Friday, August 21, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will remain at Stage 2 Fire Restrictions until further notice.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service invites the public to review and comment on four early concepts for the condition and future of the reconstructed fort at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site. The concepts and supporting information are available at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ beolalternatives, and comments will be accepted through October 23.
Official NPS sourceThroughout the summer, National Park Service staff sample and analyze the Blue Mesa Reservoir water for the presence of blue-green algae containing cyanotoxins. At this time, toxic algae have been detected at low levels in the Iola Basin. These levels are under the State of Colorado toxicity threshold. The Iola Basin has been posted with yellow caution signs—consistent with State of Colorado and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidance.
Official NPS source
Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing another phase of the Poudre Headwaters Project during the week of August 24-30, 2026.
Official NPS source
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will temporarily close the area within 20 yards of Sand Creek between the Music Pass Trail and Sand Ramp Trail from July 26 through August 2 while crews conduct a native trout restoration project.
Official NPS sourceAround 5 p.m. on July 16, 2026, a thunderstorm dropped significant rainfall at Curecanti National Recreation Area, triggering at least three major mudslides on the East Portal Road. Extensive debris washed down from drainages above the roadway, covering significant lengths of the roadway with up to six feet of boulders, rocks, and mud. Debris also covered the entire East Portal campground and much of the East Portal picnic area.
Official NPS source
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is celebrating the annual Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Official NPS sourceAround 5 p.m. on July 16, 2026, a thunderstorm dropped significant rainfall at Curecanti National Recreation Area, triggering at least three major mudslides on the East Portal Road. Extensive debris washed down from drainages above the roadway, covering significant lengths of the roadway with up to six feet of boulders, rocks, and mud. Debris also covered the entire East Portal campground and much of the East Portal picnic area.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service is asking boaters at Blue Mesa Reservoir to prepare for changes to marina operations and boat ramp access at Elk Creek and Lake Fork as reservoir levels continue to decrease.
Official NPS sourceFirefighters Responding to Long Canyon Fire in Mesa Verde National Park.
Official NPS sourceStage 2 Fire Restrictions at Mesa Verde National Park and Yucca House National Monument
Official NPS sourceFlorissant Fossil Beds will move to Stage 2 fire restrictions at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners to reduce the risk of fire in the region.
Official NPS sourceBlack Canyon and Curecanti will move to Stage 2 fire restrictions at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region.
Official NPS sourceBlack Canyon and Curecanti will move to Stage 2 fire restrictions at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region.
Official NPS source
Amache National Historic Site is hosting the Amache Community Archeology Project’s Public Open House on Saturday, July 4th, 2026.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service is asking boaters at Blue Mesa Reservoir to prepare for upcoming changes to marina operations and boat ramp access at Elk Creek and Lake Fork as reservoir levels continue to decline. To maintain safe and operational marina facilities, the NPS will move marina infrastructure to deeper water. As reservoir elevations decrease, trailered watercraft will no longer be able to use existing boat ramps. Hand-launching of non-trailered watercraft will remain available.
Official NPS source
Fire danger is increasing in southeastern Utah due to prolonged drought and rising temperatures. On Friday June 26, 2026, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument will increase fire restrictions.
Official NPS source
Superintendent Phil Akers announced today that restrictions on open fires will go into effect on Friday June 26, 2026, at 12:01 am.
Official NPS sourceBlack Canyon and Curecanti will move to Stage 1 fire restrictions at 12:01 AM on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region.
Official NPS sourceBlack Canyon and Curecanti will move to Stage 1 fire restrictions at 12:01 AM on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region.
Official NPS source
Colorado National Monument, along with surrounding public lands, is experiencing hazardous fire conditions with dry fuels, low humidity, and minimal precipitation.
Official NPS sourceLow winter snowpack and limited spring precipitation have resulted in low water levels on the Blue Mesa Reservoir. As the water level continues to drop, boat ramps and marinas Elk Creek, Lake Fork, and Iola will be impacted.
Official NPS source
Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is open for the season
Official NPS source
The National Park Service and the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society are excited to offer a series of night sky events at Florissant Fossil Beds this year. An International Dark Sky Park since 2021, Florissant Fossil Beds provides an excellent setting for viewing night sky wonders including the Milky Way, galaxies, planets, comets, satellites, and much more!
Official NPS sourceCurecanti Prepares for Summer Boating Season and Reminds Visitors to Plan Ahead
Official NPS source
Beginning Monday, May 11 through Thursday, May 14, and then again Monday, May 18 through Thursday, May 21, trail access will be closed above Nymph Lake to the Dream Lake/Lake Haiyaha junction for a bridge replacement project.
Official NPS source
Rocky Mountain National Park, in partnership with Rocky Mountain Conservancy, is pleased to announce that the 2026 Artists-in-Residence have been selected.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service broke ground today on an approximately $14 million project to rehabilitate employee housing at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Partners, including the National Park Foundation, joined NPS leadership and elected officials for a ceremonial event marking the start of long-needed improvements.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service seeks public input on a proposed project to replace the water and wastewater systems within Curecanti National Recreation Area.
Official NPS sourceRocky Mountain National Park will implement its 2026 timed-entry reservation system, beginning May 22, 2026.
Official NPS source
Each year to protect nesting raptors like Golden eagles and Peregrine falcons, Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures.
Official NPS sourceBent’s Old Fort National Historic Site announces a special presentation for Friday, February 27th, 2026, as part of its “Stories from the Borderlands” program series. This presentation will be offered at 2:00 p.m. in the Ed Stafford Theater at Otero College, in La Junta, Colorado.
Official NPS sourceTo take advantage of favorable weather conditions, fire managers are planning to conduct a pile burn in Mesa Verde National Park on February 17 – February 19, 2026.
Official NPS source
Park rangers from Rocky Mountain National Park were contacted late Friday night, February 6, by two male climbers on Kiener’s Route in the Longs Peak area requesting assistance.
Official NPS sourceBent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is excited to announce our program schedule for 2026! There will be something for everyone and a wide variety of programming and topics. Programs will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, the 150th anniversary of Colorado Statehood, and the 180th Anniversary of the US-Mexican War.
Official NPS sourceFire managers are planning to conduct a pile burn in Mesa Verde National Park in February or March. The timing is dependent on the area receiving adequate snowfall prior to ignition.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service is seeking a vendor to provide sales of vended beverages, firewood and ice at the Pinon Flats Campground within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. These services will be conducted under a Commercial Use Authorization and the agreement period will cover the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Official NPS source
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) invites you to explore research, monitoring, and management during the Biennial Research Conference “Park Stewardship: From Discovery to Decision” on March 4-5 at The Holiday Inn in Estes Park.
Official NPS source
Timber Creek Campground, located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, will close at noon on Aug.10, 2026, and remain closed through the end of the 2026 summer season, for a sewer system rehabilitation project.
Official NPS source
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will be hosting a Scientists in Parks paid summer internship program, and a Southwest Conservation Corps paid internship position for the 2026 summer season.
Official NPS source
For many, winter is their favorite time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). The park is less crowded and for those who are prepared, winter is an enchanting time to explore the scenic beauty of the southern Rocky Mountains. Weather and snow conditions permitting, RMNP will be offering a variety of ranger-led walks, talks and activities this winter. Winter ranger-led programs are available on both the east and west sides of the park through mid-March.
Official NPS source
Recent parking lot construction work in Dinosaur National Monument revealed previously uncovered dinosaur fossils near the Quarry Exhibit Hall, marking the first fossil excavations at this location since 1924.
Official NPS source
Fire managers at Rocky Mountain National Park plan to take advantage of favorable winter weather and conditions to conduct pile burning operations in a variety of locations including Deer Mountain, near Lily Lake, near Moraine and Glacier Basin Campgrounds, off Highway 7 in the Wild Basin area and near Allenspark.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service Southeast Utah Group is pleased to announce the selection of Chrissy Noel Kinslow as the 2026 Community Artist in the Parks
Official NPS source
Rocky Mountain National Park and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy are pleased to announce that the summer 2026 Artist-In-Residence and Scholar-in-Residence Programs will begin accepting applications beginning on Monday, December 15, 2025.
Official NPS source
Rocky Mountain National Park staff are beginning a new planning effort to address the decline of wetlands and the growing impact of moose populations on these sensitive ecosystems.
Official NPS source
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site announces special presentations—"Separating Legend from Fact: Mountain Men and Bent’s Old Fort," for Saturday, December 6th, 2025, as part of its “Stories from the Borderlands” program series. This presentation will be offered at 10:00 a.m. in the corral at the rear of the Fort, and 2:00 p.m. at Woodruff Memorial Library in La Junta, Colorado.
Official NPS sourceThe Oak Flat and Uplands Trails are now open to the public at the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park after being closed since July 10, 2025.
Official NPS source
Based upon the potential for favorable weather and conditions, fire managers at Rocky Mountain National Park are planning to conduct a prescribed burn on Wednesday, November 19.
Official NPS source
Today, Friday, November 14, 2025, Trail Ridge Road (U.S. Highway 34) inside Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) officially closed to through travel for the winter season. Trail Ridge Road is closed on the east side of the park at Many Parks Curve and on the west side of the park at Colorado River Trailhead.
Official NPS sourceCurecanti National Recreation Area is transitioning to winter operations. Check the park websites for park hours, closures, and current conditions before your trip.
Official NPS source
A new National Park Service report shows that nearly 2.4M visitors to parks of the Southeast Utah Group in 2024 spent $421.9M in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $447 million.
Official NPS sourceAs summer comes to an end, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will transition to winter operations. Check the park websites for operational hours, closures, and current conditions before your trip.
Official NPS source
Beginning Monday, September 29 through Thursday, October 2, and then again Monday, October 6 through Thursday, October 9, trail access to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake will be closed to all uses for an outlet bridge replacement project.
Official NPS source
The Southeast Utah Group of parks will accept applications for the 2026 Community Artist in the Parks (CAIP) program September 15 to October 15, 2025.
Official NPS sourceBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective September 5 at 12:01 am.
Official NPS sourceBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective September 5 at 12:01 am.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service invites you to discover your local day and night skies at the 2025 Black Canyon AstroFest. Come celebrate the heavens above at the annual astronomy festival.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service invites you to discover your local day and night skies at the 2025 Black Canyon AstroFest. Minimal light pollution and expansive public lands result in wonderful clear days and dark night skies at Curecanti National Recreation Area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Official NPS source
Beginning on Monday, September 1, annual meadow closures will go into effect in Rocky Mountain National Park to prevent the disturbance and harassment of elk during their fall mating season.
Official NPS sourceOn Friday, August 29, 2025, the South Rim Road in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will open to the public. Visitors will be able to drive the entire South Rim Road, access all the park overlooks, and experience the visitor center and park store.
Official NPS sourceRocky Mountain National Park will be releasing additional campsite reservations at Moraine Park Campground beginning on Thursday, August 28 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time, for reservations for September 10 through September 27. Reservations will be available through www.recreation.gov.
Official NPS sourceThe hours of operations for the boat ramps and aquatic invasive species (AIS) stations on the Blue Mesa Reservoir at Curecanti National Recreation Area will be reduced as fall begins and daylight hours decrease. Staffing levels also drop in the fall.
Official NPS source
Rocky Mountain National Park fire crews responded this morning to visitor reports of smoke in an area above Mills and Jewel Lakes close to treeline.
Official NPS sourceThis morning, park rangers were notified that a 26-year-old male climber had taken a roped fall on the South Face of Petit Grepon in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), resulting in lower leg injuries.
Official NPS source
Early this afternoon, Rocky Mountain National Park fire crews responded to the Lumpy Ridge area of the park for a small fire.
Official NPS sourceOn Wednesday, August 13, a body believed to be that of Blake Kieckhafer, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, was recovered above Emerald Lake.
Official NPS sourceOn August 18th, 2025, Park staff will re-open the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the public. Visitors will be able to drive the South Rim Road to the visitor center, access Tomichi and Gunnison Point overlooks, and visit the park store. Visitors can see for themselves the forces of nature and the mosaic of burned and unburned vegetation. The hours of operation on the South Rim will be 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. The entrance gate will lock at 6:00 pm.
Official NPS sourceBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area are in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective August 14 at 12:01 am.
Official NPS sourceBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area are in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective August 14 at 12:01 am.
Official NPS source
Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing the Poudre Headwaters Project during the week of August 25-31, 2025. This project involves the removal of all non-native fish from the Grand Ditch and upstream and downstream tributaries inside RMNP.
Official NPS source
Rocky Mountain National Park rangers began search efforts for Blake Kieckhafer, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska.
Official NPS sourceThroughout the summer, National Park Service staff sample and analyze the Blue Mesa Reservoir water for the presence of blue-green algae containing cyanotoxins. The latest testing revealed that concentrations of the harmful algae within the Iola Basin exceed public health safe exposure levels.
Official NPS sourceOn August 8, 2025, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Begin at Mesa Verde National Park and Yucca House National Monument
Official NPS sourceBent’s Old Fort National Historic Site announces special presentations for Saturday, August 9th, 2025, as part of its “Stories from the Borderlands” program series. This presentation will be offered at 10:00 a.m. in the corral at the rear of the Fort, and 2:00 p.m. at Woodruff Memorial Library in La Junta, Colorado.
Official NPS source
Southeast Utah continues to experience hazardous fire conditions. On Friday, August 1, 2025, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument will increase fire restrictions by banning all open fires (wood and charcoal).
Official NPS sourcePark staff will open the North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the public on July 30, 2025. Visitors will be able to access trails, overlooks, and the North Rim Campground.
Official NPS source
At approximately 6 p.m. yesterday, Wednesday, July 23, Rocky Mountain National Park received a report of a potential lightning strike fire seen from Rainbow Curve on the east side of the park.
Official NPS sourceThe South Rim Wildfire, which was ignited by lightning strikes on July 10, 2025, remains active within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The park is coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to manage fire activity and to assess potential post-fire impacts. The park remains closed to visitors until further notice.
Official NPS sourceRocky Mountain National Park will be releasing additional campsite reservations at Moraine Park Campground beginning on Tuesday, July 22 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time, for reservations for July 23 through September 9. Reservations will be available through www.recreation.gov.
Official NPS sourceEffective at 3:00 pm, all areas of Blue Mesa Reservoir will be open to all water activities on the surface. The closure issued on July 18, 2025, is released and rescinded.
Official NPS sourceEffective immediately, the Blue Mesa Reservoir West of Middle Bridge will be closed to all boating activities on the surface, from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm daily. This closure will remain in effect from until further notice.
Official NPS sourceOn the morning of July 10, 2025, lightning strikes ignited wildfires on both the North Rim and South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Visitors and staff were safely evacuated, and the park is closed until further notice.
Official NPS sourceGreat Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is offering two free programs to the public the first weekend August. On Friday, Aug. 1, Buffalo Soldier reenactor Terrance Beasley will present a living history program at the visitor center from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 2, the park’s education team will host Junior Ranger Day with kid-friendly activities at the main dunes parking area between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Official NPS sourceOn the morning of July 10, 2025, lightning strikes ignited wildfires on both the North Rim and South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Visitors and staff have been evacuated and the park is closed until further notice.
Official NPS source
Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park will be reopening with an initial limited release of dates over a two-week period.
Official NPS sourceRecovery efforts took place yesterday for a 66-year-old female from Fort Collins, Colorado who suffered an apparent fall near Chasm Lake.
Official NPS source
At approximately 6 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday, July 2, 2025 park rangers in Rocky Mountain National Park received reports from visitors that smoke was visible from Timber Creek Campground and the Baker Gulch areas of the park.
Official NPS sourceStarting July 7, 2025, roadwork will occur at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The project will involve chip sealing, patching, and micro-sealing roadways at several locations in the park. This important project will improve and preserve roadways which benefit the visitor experience.
Official NPS source
To promote a safe and enjoyable visit for all, Rocky Mountain National Park rangers will increase law enforcement patrols and conduct a safety checkpoint beginning on Saturday, July 5, within the park.
Official NPS source
Beginning Tuesday, July 15, through Friday, July 18, the Wild Basin Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to all uses, including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians for road maintenance.
Official NPS source
Summer is in full swing in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are planning to visit the park this Fourth of July weekend, plan ahead and pack your patience. Plan Like A Park Ranger.
Official NPS source
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site announces special presentations for Saturday, July 5th, 2025, as part of its Stories of the Borderlands program series. This presentation will be offered at 10:00 a.m. in the corral at the rear of the Fort, and 2:00 p.m. at Woodruff Memorial Library in La Junta, Colorado.
Official NPS sourceSpring opening operations for Old Fall River Road continue. On Tuesday, July 1, the road will be closed to all uses (including pedestrians, people walking dogs on leash, and cyclists) between the hours of 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2 through Thursday, July 3, the road will be closed to all uses for dust abatement.
Official NPS sourceOn July 1, 2025, at 12:01am, Mesa Verde National Park and Yucca House National Monument will enter Stage I Fire restrictions.
Official NPS source
It’s summer in Rocky Mountain National Park and all rivers, creeks, and streams are flowing high and fast this time of year. Moving water is beautiful, it can also be very dangerous.
Official NPS sourcePark staff have confirmed the presence of white-nose syndrome (WNS) in three bats at Rocky Mountain National Park; two bats on the west side and one bat on the east side of the park.
Official NPS sourceLate Wednesday afternoon, human remains were found in an area near the Alpine Ridge Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. This area is near the Alpine Visitor Center, which is located along Trail Ridge Road.
Official NPS source
Hunter Goan is Rocky Mountain National Park’s current Artists-in-Residence. Goan is a Diné (Navajo) landscape painter and arborist with a background in environmental research.
Official NPS source
On Friday, June 20th, Great Sand Dunes welcomes Shawn Price and the Dineh Tah’ Navajo Dancers for two special presentations at 1:30 pm and 6:00 pm.
Official NPS source
The following temporary closures have been lifted in the Lumpy Ridge area of RMNP: The Book, Bookmark, Bookmark Pinnacle, Left Book, Thunder Buttress, The Needle, and The Parish.
Official NPS source
Spring snowplowing operations and road maintenance is now underway on Old Fall River Road, located on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The road is closed to all uses (including pedestrians, people walking dogs on leash, and cyclists) Tuesdays through Fridays between the hours of 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Official NPS source
Children and their families are invited to join the staff of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center on June 6th to learn about how archeology has led to a deeper understanding of the Fort’s story. Enjoy a guided tour of the Fort and learn how the buildings were made by making your own adobe bricks!
Official NPS source
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site announces a special program hosted from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. These programs will commemorate the 250th Birthday of the United States Army, which is also Flag Day.
Official NPS source
Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is open for the season. Due to melting snow on the road and the potential for freezing temperatures visitors should be prepared for icy conditions. At this time, nightly closures will not be implemented. However, because weather conditions may change rapidly at higher elevations, park visitors should be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly at any time and are encouraged to call the park’s Trail Ridge Road recorded status phone line at (970) 586-1222.
Official NPS sourceAmache National Historic Site will host ranger-led interpretive programs on site twice a month, beginning June 6th and running through August 15, 2025. These programs are free and open to the public.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input on the Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (GrMP/EA) for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input on the Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (GrMP/EA) for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Official NPS sourceRocky Mountain National Park staff announces the prospectus release for a business opportunity to provide six concession contracts in instruction and guided services in technical rock climbing and ice climbing within the park.
Official NPS sourceRocky Mountain National Park staff has announced a business opportunity to provide seasonal firewood sales to eastside campgrounds within the park.
Official NPS source
Guided, park ranger-led tours of the reconstructed fort will begin on Saturday, May 24, 2025. For the summer of 2025, guided tours of the fort will occur at 9 and 11 a.m. on Saturdays and at 11 am on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Each tour will last approximately 75 minutes and begin at the visitor parking orientation shelter. Tours are limited to twenty-five participants.
Official NPS source
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is excited to announce a special program in the park from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, on Saturday, May 10, 2025. This free program will be the official launch of our brand-new bilingual Junior Ranger book!
Official NPS source
Rocky Mountain National Park and Rocky Mountain Conservancy are pleased to announce that the 2025 Artists-in-Residence have been selected.
Official NPS sourceOn April 13, 2025, US Park Rangers conducted an operation to recover the human remains that were located in a remote and highly technical area within the wilderness area at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The remains were recently confirmed to be those of Jordan Marsters.
Official NPS sourceEffective immediately, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will transition to a fully cashless fee system and only accept mobile or electronic payments for entrance, camping, and permit fees. Transition to electronic payment is safer, reduces transaction times, allows for reservations and prepayment, and improves accountability.
Official NPS source
Based upon the potential for favorable weather and conditions, fire managers at Rocky Mountain National Park are planning to conduct a prescribed burn on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Official NPS source
Beginning this Sunday, April 13, voluntary automated gate transponders will again be available for purchase on Sundays at Rocky Mountain National Park’s Beaver Meadows Visitor Center between the hours of 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Official NPS source
Celebrate National Park Week, National Volunteer Week, Earth Day, and National Junior Ranger Day at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Official NPS source
Laboratory tests conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have confirmed that the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) has been positively detected in bats found in the Holzwarth Historic Site area located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Official NPS sourceDuring activities within Rocky Mountain National Park on February 17 and March 1, park rangers received reports of a vehicle driving recklessly with disregard for the safety of others.
Official NPS source
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site announces a special program hosted at Boggsville Historic Site from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, on Saturday, April 5th, 2025. This program will focus on historic forms of entertainment enjoyed and influenced by the different cultures of the Southwestern Borderlands. Gambling and competitions were often among the first interactions between different peoples, and participation was often a path to learn about each other’s cultures. They often learned each other’s games before they were able to learn their languages.
Official NPS sourcePark Rangers and a member of the Black Canyon Search and Rescue Team located human remains within a remote and highly technical area to access within the wilderness area at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Official NPS source
Based upon the potential for favorable weather and fuels conditions, fire managers at Rocky Mountain National Park are planning to conduct a prescribed burn beginning on Monday, March 10, 2025.
Official NPS sourceOn Friday, February 28th, 2025, National Park Service Rangers located the remains of Thomas Irwin of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Official NPS source
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park staff and the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office staff are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing person. Jordan Marsters is a 31-year-old male who resides in Denver, Colorado. Marsters was traveling through Grand Junction on February 11 and in Montrose on February 12. His last known locations were in Montrose on February 12 and 13 and at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on the morning of February 13 at approximately 7:20 am.
Official NPS source
Rocky Mountain National Park and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy are accepting applications for the 2025 Bailey Research Fellowship.
Official NPS source
Fire managers at Rocky Mountain National Park plan to take advantage of favorable winter weather and conditions to conduct pile burning operations in a variety of locations including Deer Mountain, near Lily Lake, off Highway 7 in the Wild Basin area, near Allenspark and on the west side of the park along US Highway 34.
Official NPS sourceThe Elk Creek Visitor Center at Curecanti National Recreation Area will be open five days per week from Monday through Friday starting January 20, 2025. The building will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with a lunch closure from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. Hours and days of operations are subject to change, due to staffing levels. The visitor center will be closed on federal holidays, including January 20 and February 17.
Official NPS sourceOn January 10, 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin a 30-day public comment period for an amphitheater rehabilitation project. The amphitheater is located on the south rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (BLCA), immediately east of the South Rim Campground.
Official NPS source
For many, winter is their favorite time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. A great way to explore the wonders of the park in winter is to participate in one of Rocky’s ranger-led winter activities.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) is preparing a fire management plan (FMP) and its associated environmental assessment (EA) for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (BLCA) and Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE). The NPS is seeking public input on the plan’s EA from January 7, 2025, through February 6, 2025.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) is preparing a fire management plan (FMP) and its associated environmental assessment (EA) for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (BLCA) and Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE). The NPS is seeking public input on the plan’s EA from January 7, 2025, through February 6, 2025.
Official NPS sourceGunnison, Colo. – The Elk Creek Visitor Center at Curecanti National Recreation Area will be open five days per week from Thursday through Monday starting January 2, 2025. The building will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with a lunch closure from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. Hours and days of operations are subject to change, due to staffing levels. The visitor center will be closed on federal holidays.
Official NPS source
Interested in experiencing the wonders of the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park with a park ranger?
Official NPS source
The reconstructed fort at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is temporarily closed to the public in response to safety concerns that stem from structural deficiencies that were exacerbated by a recent heavy snow event. Stabilization work is underway so the fort can be reopened. The park's trails and grounds are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m., except for holiday closures. All entrance fees are waived while the reconstructed fort is temporarily closed.
Official NPS source
This year, the annual Christmas Bird Count will be held at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve on Tuesday, December 31, starting at 7:45 a.m. Volunteers of all skill levels and ages are welcome and encouraged to take part in this exciting event.
Official NPS source
Based upon the potential for favorable weather and fuels conditions early next week, fire managers at Rocky Mountain National Park are planning to burn either a 60-acre section of the Headquarters Prescribed Fire Unit or conduct a pile burning operation near Wild Basin which will be visible from Highway 7 beginning on Monday, December 9, 2024.
Official NPS source
Get ready to explore a vital part of American history at the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. We invite everyone, especially those who may not have considered a visit, to plan and prepare for a 2025 trip early. Preparing for a trip in advance will help ensure a safe and meaningful visit, filled with reflections and experiences you can take home with you.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service Southeast Utah Group is pleased to announce the selection of Charlotte Quigley as the 2025 Community Artist in the Parks (CAIP).
Official NPS sourceMONTROSE, Colo. – The National Park Service (NPS) proposed this summer to charge fees for wilderness permits on the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and increase group campsite fees for Curecanti National Recreation Area. Park managers sought public comment on the fee changes in July. Comments were reviewed and the fee increase was approved in November. The proposed fee changes will take effect in January 2025.
Official NPS sourceMONTROSE, Colo. – The National Park Service (NPS) proposed this summer to charge fees for wilderness permits on the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and increase group campsite fees for Curecanti National Recreation Area. Park managers sought public comment on the fee changes in July. Comments were reviewed and the fee increase was approved in November. The proposed fee changes will take effect in January 2025.
Official NPS source
Hours of operation for visitor centers at Arches National Park and Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park are changing for the season. The visitor centers at The Needles district of Canyonlands and Hovenweep National Monument will close entirely for a portion of this winter.
Official NPS source
Rocky Mountain National Park and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy are pleased to announce that the park’s Artist-In-Residence program will begin accepting applications for the summer 2025 season on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Official NPS source
Starting on January 1, 2025, Dinosaur National Monument will increase camping fees for visitors to fund important maintenance and improvement projects within the monument. Camping fees at Dinosaur National Monument were last increased in 2016.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Patrick Malone as program manager of Region 6, 7 and 8 National Trails Office. In this role, Malone will administer the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail, California National Historic Trail, El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail, Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Old Spanish National Historic Trail, Oregon National Historic Trail, Pony Express National Historic Trail, Santa Fe National Historic Trail, Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, and the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program.
Official NPS sourceRocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) will implement its 2025 timed-entry reservation system, beginning May 23, 2025.
Official NPS source
Based upon the potential for favorable weather and fuels conditions, fire managers at Rocky Mountain National Park are planning to conduct a prescribed burn beginning on Friday, November 1, 2024. Firefighters plan to burn approximately 100 acres of the 334-acre Headquarters Unit on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2.
Official NPS source
Today, Friday, October 25, Trail Ridge Road (U.S. Highway 34) inside Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) officially closed for the season to through travel.
Official NPS sourceGunnison, Colo. – Curecanti National Recreation Area will have changes to operations as winter approaches. Winter is a time to enjoy quiet hiking trails, ice fishing, and winter scenery. Visitors should be prepared for chilly weather at Curecanti.
Official NPS sourceAs winter approaches, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will see changes to operations. Winter is a peaceful time to visit the park with less noise and traffic. Visitors should be prepared for changes in operations.
Official NPS source
Based upon the arrival of cool weather and the amount of precipitation in the extended weather forecast, fire managers at Rocky Mountain National Park are preparing to conduct a prescribed burn if favorable weather and fuel conditions allow.
Official NPS source
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site will begin off-season hours of operation on Monday, October 28, 2024. During the slower off-season the fort will be open weekly Friday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During the winter season, park trails and grounds will still be accessible 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., excepting holiday closures. This winter schedule will be in effect through March 9, 2025.
Official NPS sourceBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park celebrates 25 years as a national park this year. While first proclaimed as a national monument on March 2, 1933, by President Herbert Hoover, it was redesignated as a national park on October 21, 1999, by Congress and signed into law by President William Clinton.
Official NPS source
Beginning on Monday, October 7, 2024, the Bierstadt Lake parking area, located on Bear Lake Road on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be closed for a vault toilet replacement project.
Official NPS sourceContractors will be re-paving entrance gate lanes and repairing damaged concrete curbing at the Beaver Meadows Entrance beginning Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3 then again starting Monday, October 7 through Thursday, October 10. Contractors completing the Fall River Entrance project will be paving beginning Monday, October 7 through Thursday October 10.
Official NPS source
Old Fall River Road will be closing for the season to vehicles beginning Tuesday, October 8.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service welcomes the newest Chief of Visitor and Resource Protection Zachary Parkes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The selection was made earlier this year by Superintendent Andrea Compton.
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service report shows that 505,194 visitors to Mesa Verde National Park in 2023 spent $59.5 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 776 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $75.6 million.
Official NPS source
A new National Park Service report shows that 326,529 visitors to Dinosaur National Monument in 2023 spent $24,120,000 in communities near the park. That spending supported 336 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $28,403,000.
Official NPS sourceThe subject was apprehended in the High Drive area outside Rocky Mountain National Park at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Official NPS sourceLate this afternoon a 23 year-old-male, sped through the Grand Lake entrance on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Official NPS source
The complete fire ban that was put in place in Rocky Mountain National Park on August 1, 2024, has been lifted due to current conditions. Rocky Mountain National Park always has Stage 1 fire restrictions in place where campfires are prohibited throughout RMNP except within designated campfire rings in picnic areas and frontcountry campgrounds.
Official NPS source
A new National Park Service report shows that 2.4 million visitors to national parks of the Southeast Utah Group in 2023 spent $397.6 million in communities near the parks. That spending supported 5,122 jobs in this region and had a cumulative benefit to local economies of $486.1 million.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) invites public input in the development of a fire management plan (FMP) and its environmental assessment (EA) for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Curecanti National Recreation Area.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) invites public input in the development of a fire management plan (FMP) and its environmental assessment (EA) for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Curecanti National Recreation Area.
Official NPS source
A new National Parks Service report shows that visitor spending among the four parks within the High Plains Group contributed to 60 jobs and a cumulative economic benefit of $5.3 million.
Official NPS sourceThe Southeast Utah Group of parks will accept applications for the 2025 Community Artist in the Parks (CAIP) program September 1-30, 2024.
Official NPS source
Beginning on Saturday, September 1, annual meadow closures will go into effect in Rocky Mountain National Park to prevent the disturbance and harassment of elk during their fall mating season.
Official NPS source
On August 25, at about 8 p.m., Colorado National Monument staff received a report that a passenger vehicle had departed from Rim Rock Drive. National Park Service (NPS) rangers and other first responders immediately dispatched to the scene, where it was discovered that the vehicle failed to navigate a curve and rolled down an approximately 30-foot drop.
Official NPS sourceCome celebrate the starry night skies of Black Canyon at Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Curecanti National Recreation Area. The region’s annual astronomy festival, known as AstroFest, will take place Thursday in Montrose, Friday at Black Canyon, and Saturday at Curecanti. This event connects us to the dark skies of the region and provides the opportunity to look through telescopes, learn about wildlife, and appreciate dark skies.
Official NPS sourceCome celebrate the starry night skies of Black Canyon at Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Curecanti National Recreation Area. The region’s annual astronomy festival, known as AstroFest, will take place Thursday in Montrose, Friday at Black Canyon, and Saturday at Curecanti. This event connects us to the dark skies of the region and provides the opportunity to look through telescopes, learn about wildlife, and appreciate dark skies.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) invites public input in the development of a Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) invites public input in the development of a Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Official NPS source
Shortly before noon on Friday, August 16, park rangers were notified by a park visitor that a 70-year-old male had taken a 15 to 20-foot fall near Estes Cone.
Official NPS source
Beginning on Monday, August 12, a section along the south shore of Bear Lake Loop Trail will be closed between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for park forestry crews to conduct hazardous tree work.
Official NPS sourceDue to extreme fire danger, the extended weather forecast, and current fire activity in the State of Colorado, a ban is now in effect on all fires within Rocky Mountain National Park. This ban is effective beginning today, Thursday, August 1, and will remain in effect until further notice.
Official NPS sourceMesa Verde National Park hosts four, free, beginner Astrophotography workshops in August. Join astrophotographer Don Riddle to learn how to take photos of the Milky Way.
Official NPS source
Interagency firefighters work to contain the North Face Fire, which was discovered in Mesa Verde National Park on the afternoon of Friday, July 26. Firefighters determined that the fire was started by a lightning strike on Wednesday that smoldered until conditions became right for the fire to grow on Friday. On Saturday it was 22 acres in size, which includes NPS and BLM-Tres Rios Field Office lands.
Official NPS sourceStaff from Rocky Mountain National Park and the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forests have responded to two small fires in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Official NPS source
Smoke is at 'Moderate' level, affecting visibility with potential affects to health of sensitive individuals.
Official NPS sourceThis morning, Monday, July 15, park rangers were notified via a satellite communication device that an 80-year-old female hiker was found unresponsive on the Lawn Lake Trail by other hikers, roughly 5 miles from the trailhead.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to demolish and replace the condemned Yampa District Multi-Operations Building.
Official NPS source
The victim of a rafting accident during a private permitted trip on the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument has been identified as Michael Harp, 54, from Sandy, UT.
Official NPS sourceThe body of a 50-year-old man from Sandy, UT has been recovered after a rafting accident during a private permitted trip on the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument.
Official NPS source
Dinosaur National Monument is beginning a 14-day public scoping period to update the park’s Fire Management Plan (FMP) starting today, May 13.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Phil Akers as superintendent of Dinosaur National Monument. Akers will begin his new assignment on June 16.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input on proposed increases to camping fees at Dinosaur National Monument.
Official NPS source
Beginning in 2024, Hovenweep National Monument and Natural Bridges National Monument will transition to a fully cashless fee system and accept only mobile or electronic payments for entrance and camping fees. Camping at both parks will transition to being managed through Recreation.gov.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Lena Pace as superintendent of Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Pace will officially begin her new assignment on April 7. The position also supervises the superintendent at Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments.
Official NPS source
A variety of National Park Service (NPS) employees, volunteers and partners were honored at a ceremony to Celebrate America’s National Parks and the Dedication of Those Who Serve.
Official NPS sourceScientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service partnered on a first-of-its-kind, nationwide harmful algal bloom, or HAB, field study that began this summer and will continue over the next two years.
Official NPS source