News Release

Colorado National Monument Visitor Center Closure

Date: March 17, 2020
Contact: Arlene Jackson, 970-858-2833

Fruita, CO – Colorado National Monument is 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, Saddlehorn Visitor Center is closed until further notice. Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, Rim Rock Drive, the campground, both picnic areas, restrooms and hiking trails will remain open to provide healthy options for the public.

For those who would like to visit the monument, please consider paying your entrance fee online at www.recreation.gov. 

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Colorado National Monument is 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. For site-specific information please visit www.nps.gov/colm or call 970-858-3617, ext. 360.

-www.nps.gov-

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.