News Release

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

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

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. Park roads, lookouts, and trails at both Black Canyon and Curecanti will remain accessible to visitors, but emergency and rescue services will be limited. At Curecanti, the Lake Fork boat ramp will be closed due to lack of staffing for boat inspections for aquatic invasive species. Fishing from shore, ice fishing, ice skating, and other recreational use of Blue Mesa Reservoir is permitted. Vault toilet facilities may be open.

There will be no NPS-provided visitor services at Black Canyon and Curecanti, including public information, trash collection, and facilities and roads maintenance. Visitor centers 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. All park programs have been canceled, including snowshoe walks and education programs.

The NPS will not be providing services for NPS-operated campgrounds, including maintenance, janitorial, restrooms, or check-in/check-out. 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.