News Release

Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments beginning to increase recreational access to park trails and roads

Date: May 8, 2020
Contact: Marin Karraker, 435-692-1234

BLANDING, UT – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments are increasing recreational access. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning May 14, 2020, Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments will reopen access to:  

• Roads, trails, and restrooms

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

• Visitor centers, bookstores, and campgrounds 

Acting Superintendent Marin Karraker said, “We are pleased to begin reopening the monuments to our communities and visitors. We are very appreciative of the coordination with San Juan county representatives, the state of Utah, and the staff at Arches and Canyonlands national parks in developing a phased approach to re-opening. We look forward to once again inviting you to discover these lesser known, but no less spectacular, sites in southeastern Utah.” 

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.  

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.   

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our websites www.nps.gov/hove and www.nps.gov/nabr, and on our social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.