Reopening of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park's South Rim Road After Wildfire

The South Rim Road at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado is set to reopen to the public on Friday, following its closure due to the South Rim Fire, which was ignited by a lightning strike on July 10. The fire burned approximately 4,200 acres before being contained, prompting the park's closure in mid-July for visitor safety and firefighting operations. With the reopening, visitors will have access to the entire South Rim Road, which spans 7.3 miles (11.7 km) one-way, as well as all park overlooks, the visitor center, and the park store. The park will operate 24 hours a day, with no nighttime closures.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park's South Rim Road To Open FridayNewsweekUPDATE | Internal National Park Service Data Show How Parks Are Struggling To Get ByNational Parks Conservation AssociationThe 7 Least Visited National Parks in the U.S.

While the South Rim Road and several trails, including Rim Rock Trail and Warner Point Trail, will reopen, certain areas will remain closed until further notice. These include the East Portal Campground, East Portal Road, and all trails and wilderness routes accessed from the South Rim and East Portal that are not listed as open. The closures are in place primarily due to safety risks associated with burned areas, which pose hazards from dead trees, rock falls, and unstable footing.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park's South Rim Road To Open FridayNewsweekNational Parks Conservation AssociationThe 7 Least Visited National Parks in the U.S.UPDATE | Internal National Park Service Data Show How Parks Are Struggling To Get By

The reopening of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park occurs against a backdrop of significant staffing challenges faced by the National Park Service (NPS). Reports indicate that the NPS has lost approximately 24% of its permanent workforce since January 2025, largely due to budget cuts and hiring freezes implemented during the Trump administration. This reduction in staff has led to operational difficulties across many national parks, including reduced visitor services, longer wait times, and challenges in emergency response.

National Parks Conservation Association

Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), criticized the administration's staffing policies, stating, “This crisis was both predictable and preventable. Gutting staff, freezing seasonal hiring, and pushing out experienced rangers was a recipe for disaster.” Pierno emphasized that the consequences of these actions are manifesting in the form of reduced park services and increased risks to visitor safety. The NPCA has called on Congress to take immediate action to reverse these staffing cuts and ensure the safety and accessibility of national parks.

National Parks Conservation AssociationUPDATE | Internal National Park Service Data Show How Parks Are Struggling To Get ByRaw Story

In response to the NPCA's concerns, Interior Department officials have refuted claims regarding the negative impacts of staffing cuts, asserting that park operations are on par with previous years. Aubrie Spady, deputy press secretary for the Interior Department, stated, “The doom-and-gloom spin is not only misleading, but it is also to the detriment of the tremendous Park Service employees on the ground.”

UPDATE | Internal National Park Service Data Show How Parks Are Struggling To Get By

As the South Rim Road reopens, the situation at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park highlights broader issues within the National Park Service, including staffing shortages and operational challenges. The ongoing debate over the management and funding of national parks continues to evolve, with implications for visitor safety and park accessibility.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park's South Rim Road To Open Friday