NPS - National Park Service
09/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/14/2026 17:59
Temporary Closure of East Portal Road Due to Weather and Mudslide Risks
News Release Date: September 14, 2026
MONTROSE, Colo. - Due to ongoing adverse weather conditions, East Portal Road in Curecanti National Recreation Area is temporarily closed for public safety . This closure is effective immediately and will remain in place until the area is safe for public access. The closure applies to all forms of traffic including vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.
Previously, on July 16, 2026, the East Portal Road closed after a significant mudslide. Crews from the Bureau of Reclamation and the National Park Service worked to clear roadways, culverts, drainages, and visitor use areas and reopened the road on Sept. 4.
East Portal Road is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and provides access to the Crystal Dam and Gunnison Tunnel. It also accesses the East Portal Campground and recreational opportunities in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area. The six-mile road has a steep grade of 16%. The road passes through forested areas burned by the South Rim Fire in 2025.
The park advises visitors to continue to use caution while traveling in areas with fire scars during times of rain. Soil with little vegetation cover can become saturated and trigger landslides. Updates on road and campground status can be found on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison website and Curecanti website.
-NPS-
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