The National Park Service (NPS) has announced that the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will remain closed indefinitely due to wildfires triggered by lightning strikes on July 10, 2025. This decision comes alongside the closure of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim after a historic lodge was destroyed by flames earlier in the season. Park officials stated that large areas of the Black Canyon are still burning, and safety assessments are ongoing.
Evacuations were conducted swiftly for staff and visitors once the fires ignited, and all campground reservations have been canceled without a projected reopening date. Reports from the official South Rim Fire Facebook page indicate that the fires, known as the Dragon Bravo Fire and the White Sage Fire, have severely impacted the park’s landscape.
As of mid-July, the wildfires remain largely uncontained, with significant damage already done. The NPS provided updates on containment efforts; as of July 18, only 14% containment was achieved, with the burned acreage extending to over 4,200 acres. Currently, firefighting efforts involve 457 personnel, 22 engines, and multiple aircraft, including five helicopters.
Montrose County officials reported that the situation remains dire across the region due to three major fires, including the Deer Creek Fire from Utah, which has spread into Colorado, and the Sowbelly Fire in the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area. Visibility and air quality have been affected, prompting health advisories for the surrounding counties due to smoke from the blazes.
At a public forum on July 15, NPS officials shared that approximately 85% of the Black Canyon’s South Rim has burned, transforming the park’s landscape dramatically. Fortunately, certain facilities, including the South Rim Visitor Center and administrative buildings, have survived, but many critical resources, such as campgrounds and utility structures, have been heavily damaged or destroyed.
Damage estimates are still being assessed, as the fire remains active. The NPS stated that formal assessments will take place once the fires are fully contained, delaying any definitive estimates of loss until those evaluations can occur. Until then, the park will be closed to ensure visitor safety.
In light of the closures, the NPS is recommending alternatives for those looking to explore the outdoors. The nearby Curecanti National Recreation Area remains open to the public, featuring activities such as hiking, boating, and stargazing. While visitors can still enjoy the area, a temporary boating ban has been established on the Blue Mesa Reservoir to facilitate firefighting operations.
Displaced park rangers from Black Canyon will also provide free astronomy programming at Curecanti. Additionally, visitors can obtain the Black Canyon passport stamp at this location despite the closure of the national park. Meanwhile, some staff members from the Black Canyon Visitor Center are temporarily situated at the Public Lands Center in Montrose, CO, offering limited visitor services.
In summary, as the wildfires continue to ravage the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and surrounding areas, officials prioritize containment and safety assessments. The indefinite closure of the park underscores the serious impact of these natural disasters. However, nearby alternatives like the Curecanti National Recreation Area provide welcome respite for outdoor enthusiasts in the region.
image source from：thetravel
