Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park News
Showing the last 10 news releases. Click here to visit nps.gov's Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park - News section for more.
Mudslides force closure of East Portal Road, campground and picnic area
July 17, 2026 | 2:42 pm
Around 5 p.m. on July 16, 2026, a thunderstorm dropped significant rainfall at Curecanti National Recreation Area, triggering at least three major mudslides on the East Portal Road. Extensive debris washed down from drainages above the roadway, covering significant lengths of the roadway with up to six feet of boulders, rocks, and mud. Debris also covered the entire East Portal campground and much of the East Portal picnic area.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
June 30, 2026 | 3:39 pm
Black Canyon and Curecanti will move to Stage 2 fire restrictions at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
June 17, 2026 | 5:05 pm
Black Canyon and Curecanti will move to Stage 1 fire restrictions at 12:01 AM on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The restrictions are in alignment with multiple state and federal partners in order to reduce the risk of fire in the region.
Trails opening at Black Canyon
November 20, 2025 | 3:24 pm
The Oak Flat and Uplands Trails are now open to the public at the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park after being closed since July 10, 2025.
Black Canyon Winter Operations 2025/2026
September 18, 2025 | 12:00 am
As summer comes to an end, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will transition to winter operations. Check the park websites for operational hours, closures, and current conditions before your trip.
Black Canyon and Curecanti move to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
September 4, 2025 | 2:08 pm
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective September 5 at 12:01 am.
Black Canyon AstroFest 2025
September 3, 2025 | 2:15 pm
The National Park Service invites you to discover your local day and night skies at the 2025 Black Canyon AstroFest. Minimal light pollution and expansive public lands result in wonderful clear days and dark night skies at Curecanti National Recreation Area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
South Rim of Black Canyon to open South Rim Road
August 28, 2025 | 8:12 am
On Friday, August 29, 2025, the South Rim Road in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will open to the public. Visitors will be able to drive the entire South Rim Road, access all the park overlooks, and experience the visitor center and park store.
South Rim of Black Canyon to open
August 14, 2025 | 11:39 am
On August 18th, 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.
Black Canyon and Curecanti move to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
August 13, 2025 | 3:39 pm
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area are in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective August 14 at 12:01 am.