News Release

Mesa Verde National Park Moving to Extreme Fire Danger Level

Date: June 19, 2020
Contact: Cristy Brown, 970-529-4608

Due to continued hot and dry weather conditions, Mesa Verde will be moving into Extreme Fire Danger on Monday, June 22, 2020. An Extreme Fire Danger rating means that fires have a high potential to escape initial attack. There are currently no fires in the park. Due to the increased fire danger level, the park will close the following trails on Monday, June 22, 2020:
 
Spruce Canyon Trail
Point Lookout Trail
Prater Ridge Trail
Lower Petroglyph Trail
Wetherill Mesa Road, sites, and trails will remain closed
 
The previous fire ban remains in effect: No wood or charcoal fires are permitted throughout Mesa Verde National Park.  This includes all the residences inside the park, Morefield Campground, and the Chapin Mesa picnic area.  Pressurized gas stoves, lanterns and other equipment are permitted at Morefield Campground and the Chapin picnic area. No wood or charcoal burning fires are allowed in the campground fire rings or anywhere else in the park.  Smoking and e-cigarettes are only permitted in vehicles, parking lots or developed areas clear of vegetation. Cigarette butts must be disposed of in an ash tray or other approved container. Fireworks are prohibited in Mesa Verde National Park.  
 
These restrictions and closures will remain in effect until such time as the fire danger in the park becomes less severe. Due to the lack of forecasted precipitation in the near future, these restrictions may be in place for an extended period of time. Your cooperation in decreasing the potential for a catastrophic fire within Mesa Verde National Park is appreciated.
 
This prohibition is based on 16 United States Code, Section 3 and 36 Code of Federal Regulations subsections 1.5 Closures and public use limits. (a)(1).; 2.13 Fires. (a)(5)(c); 2.21 Smoking. (a); and 2.38 Explosives. (b)(c). 
 

-NPS-