News Release

Black Canyon and Curecanti Accessible During Government Shutdown

Date: December 22, 2018
Contact: Sandra Snell-Dobert, 970-641-2337, ext. 227

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area Accessible to Public During Government Shutdown

Gunnison, CO:  During the shutdown of the federal government due to the lapse of appropriations, national parks will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures. The South Rim Drive to the Visitor Center and the ski/snowshoe trail at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, will remain accessible to visitors. At Curecanti, access to the reservoir that is normally open in winter, will remain so. Plowing will be limited. Please exercise due caution. Emergency and rescue services will be limited at both Black Canyon and Curecanti. Visitor centers are closed.

There will be no NPS-provided visitor services at either Black Canyon or Curecanti, including public information, restrooms, trash collection, and facilities and road maintenance. All administrative offices, including park headquarters at Elk Creek, will be closed.

Because of the federal government shutdown, NPS social media and websites are not being monitored or updated and may not reflect current conditions. 

The NPS will not be providing services for NPS-operated campgrounds, including maintenance, and janitorial services. However, visitors in NPS-operated campgrounds will not be asked to leave unless safety concerns require such action. 


For updates on the shutdown, please visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.