News Release

South Rim of Black Canyon to open

News Release Date: August 14, 2025

MONTROSE, Colo. – On August 18^th, 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.

The following areas will be open:

• The visitor center and park store will open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Tomichi and Gunnison Points.
• Rim Rock Trail from the visitor center to Tomichi Point (0.25 miles (0.4 km) one-way).
• Red Rock Canyon wilderness route will also re-open for reservation-holders.

The following will remain closed until further notice:

• East Portal Campground and the East Portal Road.
• The South Rim Drive beyond the visitor center to all traffic including pedestrian and bicycle.
• The South Rim Campground.
• All trails and wilderness routes accessed from the South Rim and East Portal.
• All burned areas in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Closures are required to ensure visitor safety and to allow park staff to repair damage after the South Rim Fire. Failure to comply with closures is a violation and can result in citations. The South Rim Drive will open in stages as park employees complete repairs, and closures will be rescinded as developed areas are determined safe, by Superintendent’s authority. Burned land areas will remain closed.

Park operations have returned to normal on the North Rim. The ranger station is open when staff are available. The campground, trails, and overlooks remain open and accessible, and all North Rim wilderness routes are open. The temporary closure of the North Rim during the South Rim Fire was rescinded by Superintendent’s authority.

Hiking, camping, and other recreational opportunities are available at Curecanti National Recreation Area, located to the east of Black Canyon. Curecanti is co-managed with Black Canyon and shares similar geology, ecology, and recreational opportunities.                                                                  

You can learn more about the South Rim Fire at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park (U.S. National Park Service).

-end-

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