The National Park Service (NPS) staff has reopened the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the public, as of August 18. This news follows an extended wildfire-related closure, with the South Rim Fire scorching about 4,232 acres in the area after getting sparked by lightning on July 10.

The visitor center and park store are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests have access to the Tomichi and Gunnison Point overlooks, Rim Rock Trail from the visitor center to Tomichi Point, and the Red Rock Canyon wilderness route.

The following areas will remain closed until further notice:

• East Portal Campground and the East Portal Road
• The South Rim Drive beyond the visitor center to all traffic including pedestrian and bicycle
• The South Rim Campground
• All trail and wilderness routes accessed from the South Rim and East Portal
• All burned areas in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The NPS said that these closures are necessary for visitor safety and to allow park staff to repair damage from the South Rim Fire. Failing to comply with the closures is a violation and can result in citations.

The South Rim Drive will reopen in stages as repairs are completed. Other closures will be reopened as the areas are determined safe, and burned land areas will remain closed.

Park operations on the North Rim have returned to normal. The area’s campground, trails, overlooks, and all North Rim wilderness routes are open.

Learn more about the South Rim Fire here.

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