News Release

Black Canyon and Curecanti are Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance

Date: March 17, 2020
Contact: Sandra Snell-Dobert, 9709229216

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area are announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of March 17, 2020, the South Rim Visitor Center at Black Canyon and Elk Creek Visitor Center at Curecanti are closed until further notice. Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, the park and the recreation area will remain open to provide healthy options for the public such as ice fishing, hiking, sightseeing, and snowshoeing/Nordic skiing.   

Please visit our webpages at nps.gov/blca and nps.gov/cure to learn more about the many recreational and educational opportunities available. Follow us on Facebook too! As conditions change and recreational opportunities move to the spring season, we will update information on the websites and Facebook.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Black Canyon and Curecanti are our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.  

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.   

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.   

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.