When Will Colorado’s National Parks Reopen?

As Colorado reopens its economy and people venture out once again, the state’s national parks and monuments are in the process of following suit. All of them are reopening at different rates, and not all services will be immediately available to visitors. 

Here’s where the parks and monuments stand on reopening:

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

On May 15, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park reopened with some amenities closed. For the Red Rock Canyon and Inner Canyon Routes, permits are required. On June 1, the South Rim Campground Loops A and B reopened, along with the North Rim Campground, East Portal Campground and East Portal Road. Permits for overnight use in the park’s inner canyon will also be available from June 1 and beyond.

Colorado National Monument

Colorado National Monument reopened on May 21, with certain portions of the monument closed. The Saddlehorn Visitor Center reopened for informational and gift shop use, but its theater and exhibits remain closed. In addition, the Saddlehorn Campground, Saddlehorn Picnic Area and Devil’s Kitchen Picnic Area are closed.

Dinosaur National Monument

All of Dinosaur National Monument’s roads and trails are open. However, the following remain closed:

· Visitor centers

· Quarry Exhibit Hall

· Campgrounds

· Backcountry camping

· River trips

On June 7 the developed campgrounds at Split Mountain, Green River, Echo Park, Deerlodge Park and Gates of Lodore reopened, along with backcountry camping. Backcountry camping will require permits and river trips will reopen.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument’s Visitor Center and the associated parking lot are closed. However, the hiking trails are open and accessible from the Hornbek Homestead and Barksdale Picnic Area parking spots.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve began a phased reopening with limited access on June 3. However, when the park reopens, these areas will remain closed:

· The Visitor Center

· The Mosca Creek Picnic Area’s South Ramada group picnic site

· Pinon Flats Campground

· Overnight backcountry access

Park information will be available outside the visitor center. If officials determine the first reopening phase goes well, they plan to continue on to the second phase, which includes reopening the Pinon Flats Campground and backcountry camping.

Hovenweep National Monument

Roads, trails and restrooms in the Hovenweep National Monument reopened on May 14. However, the Visitor Center, bookstore and campgrounds remain closed.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park began reopening on May 24. However, some parts of the park are closed. Those areas include:

· Mesa Verde Research & Visitor Center

· Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum

· All cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace

· Wetherill Mesa

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park began a phased reopening May 27. Until June 4, areas of the park open for recreational use were limited. The number of people allowed into the park at any given time is limited, and beginning June 4, a reservation for a specific time slot will be required for entry. Camping reservations can also function in place of a timed entry pass. More information is available here.

Yucca House National Monument

Yucca House National Monument is fully operational, with normal operating hours in place.

Photo by Nationalparks.