Black Canyon Winter Operations 2025/2026

As summer comes to an end, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will transition to winter operations. Check the park websites for operational hours, closures, and current conditions before your trip.

Starting October 1, 2025, the South Rim Visitor Center hours will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily with a closure for lunch from 12:00 to 12:30 pm. The visitor center will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

The South Rim Road will remain open until the first significant snowfall, then close. In winter, South Rim Road is open to vehicles only to the visitor center. When the South Rim Road is in winter road status, pedestrians, leashed pets, and bicycles are permitted until the road is put into winter trail status. Once in winter trail status, the road is groomed for skiing and it will be closed to pets and bicycles, allowing for winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Water at Black Canyon is trucked to the park during the summertime. Water is not available from October to April on either the North or South Rim. In winter, visitors are responsible for bringing their own water.

North Rim Road will remain open to vehicles until the first significant snowfall.

The South Rim Campground, the East Portal Road, and several trails and wilderness routes remain closed until further notice due to the South Rim Fire.

When snowfall is abundant, usually in January, staff will offer free guided snowshoe walks, and the South Rim Road will be groomed for skiing.

Winter is a peaceful time to visit Black Canyon. Visitors can enjoy hiking, stargazing, and snow sports when conditions allow. Your safety is your responsibility. Check weather and terrain conditions before recreating. Check the National Weather Service forecast at www.weather.gov and Colorado Department of Transportation road cameras and conditions at www.cotrip.org. Learn more about Black Canyon at www.nps.gov/blca.



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Reminder: popular trail closures in Rocky Mountain National Park

As a reminder, Rocky Mountain National Park posted this notice on their social media a few weeks ago:

Beginning Monday, September 29 through Thursday, October 2, and then again Monday, October 6 through Thursday, October 9, trail access to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake will be closed to all uses for an outlet bridge replacement project.

Dream Lake and Emerald Lake will not be accessible during these days. This popular trail section will reopen Friday through Sunday (October 3 through October 5) and close again on Monday, October 6.

All other trails in the Bear Lake area will remain open including the trail to Lake Haiyaha from Nymph Lake.

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From Montana to New Mexico, the American Rockies stretch for more than a thousand miles. Within this spectacular mountain range are thousands of miles of hiking trails. With such an overwhelming number of options, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Rocky Mountains takes all the guesswork out by focusing on some of the most amazing hikes across this range, and provides you with a handpicked list of options that will allow you to make the most of your trips in the Rockies:

Volunteers Across the Country Take Part in National Public Lands Day

This Saturday, September 27, an estimated tens of thousands of volunteers across the country will join together for the 32nd annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD), which supports and celebrates America's public lands through activities like trail maintenance, tree planting, beach clean-ups, and more. NPLD is a fee-free day that not only supports conservation efforts but invites participants to experience and appreciate the beauty of America's public lands.

“For over three decades, National Public Lands Day has been integral to our goal of promoting the many benefits of America’s public lands,” said Sara Espinoza, president and CEO of NEEF. “This year’s theme for NPLD, ‘Our Home Outdoors,’ reminds us that public lands are not just physical spaces, but where we come together, feel rooted, and develop a sense of place.”

National Public Lands Day is more than a clean-up—it connects communities, provides meaningful outdoor experiences for attendees, and showcases the educational, recreational, and health benefits of public lands. The excitement surrounding NPLD also provides a boost in volunteer recruitment for federal, state, and local public land managers. Last year, over 52,000 volunteers participated in more than 750 events across the US, representing $10.5 million in volunteer service.

To find interesting NPLD events happening near you, please visit https://www.neefusa.org/npld-event-search.



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Trail project volunteers needed in Rocky Mountain on National Public Lands Day

Rocky Mountain National Park posted this on their social media this past weekend:

To celebrate National Public Lands Day, Rocky Mountain National Park will be partnering with the Headwaters Trails Alliance to host a volunteer event on the west side of the park.

By volunteering, you’re helping preserve the park for the enjoyment of future generations!

On Saturday, September 27, RMNP and the Headwaters Trails Alliance will celebrate National Public Lands Day with a trail project on the Green Mountain Trail, located on the west side of the park. This volunteer project will take place from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Project participants must be 18 or older. This project is considered strenuous and advanced registration is required. It will involve a hike to the project site and the use of hand tools. All tools will be provided.

To register, and for details on this and other projects in the area, click here.

Winter conditions in higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park

Winter conditions have arrived in Rocky Mountain National Park, with snow and ice already reported in the higher elevations of the park. In fact, the park just announced on Twitter that Trail Ridge Road has temporarily closed tonight on the east side at Rainbow Curve and on the west side at Milner Pass. The park also announced dangerous conditions on Longs Peak (and likely other high elevation areas of the park) in a Facebook posting today:

Fall has arrived on Longs Peak and the environment is transitioning to winter conditions. Recent storms have blanketed the Keyhole route with a dangerous layer of snow and ice. Slick patches of ice can often be difficult to identify at first glance, as they may be very thin and/or obscured by shadows.

Any storms moving over the mountain will now consist of hail, sleet, and snow. The combination of wet and cold can quickly induce hypothermia, a life-threatening condition that can progress rapidly.

Freeze/thaw cycles are in full effect and will create a number of hazards including ice formation and rockfall. In addition, afternoon thunderstorms remain a real threat and a return to treeline by noon is recommended to help mitigate exposure to lightning storms.

Traction devices or crampons and an ice axe may be prudent for travel on the upper mountain depending on the route chosen. Extra warm clothes, waterproof layers, extra food and water, a headlamp, personal first aid kit, and a cell phone are all strongly recommended.

If you are traveling alone, please tell a friend or family member your plans and take extra care with decision making. Even a minor accident while traveling alone on the mountain can quickly turn into a serious situation. As always, please be prepared to turn around when conditions exceed your abilities.

Remember, your safety is in your hands.

The Keyhole Route is not a hike. This is a challenging climb that crosses vertical rock faces and requires scrambling. Advanced planning and preparation are critical.

🧭 Know your route
🌦 Know the weather forecast
🥾 Know your limits and the limits of everyone in your group
📱 Share your plans with a friend or family member - tell them when you plan to start your trip, what route you are taking, and when you plan to return.

For more details and photos of current conditions on Longs Peak, visit https://go.nps.gov/romo/longspeakconditions

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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Upcoming trail closures in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park posted this notice on their social media earlier today:

Beginning Monday, September 29 through Thursday, October 2, and then again Monday, October 6 through Thursday, October 9, trail access to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake will be closed to all uses for an outlet bridge replacement project.

Dream Lake and Emerald Lake will not be accessible during these days. This popular trail section will reopen Friday through Sunday (October 3 through October 5) and close again on Monday, October 6.

All other trails in the Bear Lake area will remain open including the trail to Lake Haiyaha from Nymph Lake.

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From Montana to New Mexico, the American Rockies stretch for more than a thousand miles. Within this spectacular mountain range are thousands of miles of hiking trails. With such an overwhelming number of options, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Rocky Mountains takes all the guesswork out by focusing on some of the most amazing hikes across this range, and provides you with a handpicked list of options that will allow you to make the most of your trips in the Rockies:

Upcoming Events in Rocky Mountain National Park

In case you're in the area over the next few days or weeks, Rocky Mountain National Park has posted some information on their social media with regards to a few events that you might be interested in:

Looking for something fun to do tomorrow night? On the evening of Thursday, September 11, join a park naturalist for an Owl Prowl at Lily Lake!

From 7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m., enjoy a short twilight hike around Lily Lake as we look and listen for owls. This program is great for visitors of all ages and abilities. The Lily Lake Loop Trail is 0.8 miles.

Program participants will meet their naturalist guide at Lily Lake Parking Area. To get to Lily Lake, drive on CO Highway 7 approximately 6 miles south of the Town of Estes Park. Binoculars will be provided. No prior birding experience is needed.

It is recommended to bring water, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, and a flashlight with a red light or red filter.

This program is free. It is recommended to check the weather, as this program will take place outside. A park entrance fee or annual/lifetime park entrance pass is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park.

The park also posted this:

Interested in getting outside and helping with a volunteer project in Rocky? Come join the Kawuneeche Valley Restoration Collaborative (KVRC) and RMNP vegetation crews for a day of ecosystem restoration!

Project participants 18 and older are invited to work alongside NPS staff and fellow volunteers to help plant willow and alder saplings into wet meadow habitat. Join us for one (or both!) of our upcoming volunteer project days:

𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟔:

- Meet at Timber Lake Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park
- 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟐:

- Meet at Timber Lake Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park
- 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To register and for further details, visit https://www.kvcollab.org/calendar

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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Public Input Requested on Improving Visitor Services in National Parks

The National Park Service is seeking public input to help identify ways to improve visitor services in national parks, including more efficient methods for delivering and managing those services.

This request for information supports Executive Order 14314, Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks, which directs the Secretary of the Interior to take steps to enhance services for United States residents visiting national parks.

"We’re inviting those who know our parks best, the visitors, to share their experiences,” said the Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly. “Your perspective serves a vital role in improving visitor services and helping us enhance operations across the National Park System.”

Comments and suggestions will be accepted from September 9 until October 9, 2025. For more details, including how to submit input, please visit 2025-17293.pdf. Respondents are encouraged to provide specific examples from their park experiences to assist NPS in evaluating and implementing improvements.

IMHO, we need more trails to disperse visitors across greater areas of the most popular parks.



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Black Canyon AstroFest 2025

The National Park Service invites you to discover your local day and night skies at the 2025 Black Canyon AstroFest. Minimal light pollution and expansive public lands result in wonderful clear days and dark night skies at Curecanti National Recreation Area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Come celebrate the heavens above at the annual astronomy festival.

Friday, September 19, 2025
Drop-in Solar Telescope Viewing, 2:00–4:00 pm
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, South Rim Visitor Center

Evening Ranger Program, 7:00–8:00 pm
Montrose Public Safety Complex Community Room
434 South First Street, Montrose, CO

Saturday, September 20, 2025
Junior Ranger Activities, 6:00–7:00 pm
Evening Ranger Program, 7:00–8:00 pm
Telescope Viewing, 8:30–10:00 pm
Curecanti National Recreation Area, Elk Creek Campground Amphitheater

If you wish to camp overnight at Elk Creek Campground during Curecanti's Astro Fest events, campsites are available by reservation at www.recreation.gov.

Events are free of charge; park entrance fees apply. All events are subject to change or cancellation due to the weather. Location changes or cancellations will be listed in the Alerts section of the park website and posted to the Black Canyon or Curecanti Facebook pages. Dress warmly for outdoor evening events and please bring a red flashlight or headlamp, not white, to preserve night vision. Park only in designated areas, never on vegetation.

Learn more about this year’s event at https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/astrofest.htm



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Speed runner found guilty of cutting a switchback in Grand Teton National Park

Under the file, "excessive punishment," a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Wyoming found a speed runner guilty of cutting a switchback in Grand Teton National Park on Tuesday. The runner, Michelino Sunseri, could be fined up to $5,000 or serve six months in jail.

According to the Pacific Legal Foundation, a group that fights government overreach and is currently representing the defendant:

On September 2, 2024, Michelino Sunseri made history, ascending and descending Grand Teton in 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 50 seconds, beating the previous record by almost 3 minutes.

Less than a week after completing the run, he learned that the National Park Service was pursuing criminal charges against him for running on a “restricted” trail.

Michelino chose to take a “social trail,” a commonly used path that is not formally designated as a trail. This decision was not uncommon. Many of the previous FKT record holders used this same trail, but no action was taken against them. Nevertheless, local national park employees chose to pursue criminal charges against Michelino, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Wyoming agreed to bring the case.

The federal judge presiding over criminal cases in Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick, published her decision late Tuesday, stating that "The Defendant is adjudged GUILTY ... for leaving the Garnet Canyon Trail to use the shortcut of the Old Climber’s Trail"

Cutting a switchback is a misdemeanor that comes with a fine of up to $5,000 or six months in jail.

Without a doubt, cutting switchbacks is a no-no anywhere, but the potential punishment for this "crime" is quite excessive.

According to Sunseri's page on change.org

Michelino Sunseri is a professional mountain runner, Teton Valley resident and bartender at Grand Targhee’s Trap Bar. Multiple offers by Michelino for a reasonable resolution, proposing community service in Grand Teton National Park to improve signage, til the soil and revegitate have been rebuffed. The federal prosecutor's best offer is a misdemeanor plea, and multi-year ban effectively forcing him out of town.

The same website also notes that:

Meanwhile, within a mile of the old climber’s trail, tens of thousands of tourists venture off-trail to Delta Lake every summer, legally causing 100 times the impact of 100 runners on the old climber’s trail. The NPS explicitly condones off-trail travel to Delta Lake, having installed a sign five-times larger than the old climber’s trail signs.

That particular inconsistency—combined with off-trail travel being broadly allowed throughout Grand Teton National Park (GTNP)—makes it difficult to understand the impact caused by Michelino's use of the old climber’s trail and the motivation for criminal charges.

For more details on Sunseri's ascent and descent into the history books, please click here.



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Keep Colorado Wild Pass raises $41M for Colorado state parks, search and rescue volunteers, and avalanche safety

More than 1.5 million Coloradans opted to buy a Keep Colorado Wild Pass during its second year of being on sale, which generated $41 million to support Colorado state parks, local search and rescue volunteers and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) set a goal to raise $36 million annually from pass sales. The first $32.5 million goes toward state park maintenance and development; the next $2.5 million goes toward search and rescue teams, and $1 million to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). Any revenue beyond that will go to wildlife projects and outdoor educational programs.

“We’re proud to see so many Coloradans saving money by taking advantage of the low-cost Keep Colorado Wild pass, and we expect these numbers to continue growing as the popularity of our iconic state parks only increases. With these passes, Coloradans are investing back into the lands they love while exploring all our great state has to offer,” said Governor Jared Polis.

CPW and the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) launched the new $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass in Jan. 2023. The first fiscal year of Keep Colorado Wild Pass sales ended on June 30, 2024, with revenue reaching $39.7 million.

“We’re excited to report on the Keep Colorado Wild Pass’s success during its second year of operations,” said CPW Chief Financial Officer Justin Rutter. “This is a meaningful increase in revenue for our agency compared to previous years, which is an important source for our state parks, wildlife, search and rescue volunteers, and avalanche forecasters.”

The Keep Colorado Wild Pass offers a 60 percent savings compared to a traditional $80 annual state park pass and provides car, bike, and foot entry into all Colorado state parks.

Coloradans can opt in or opt out of the pass annually when registering a passenger vehicle, light truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle with the DMV. When a resident buys a Keep Colorado Wild Pass, the park pass is a Colorado Parks and Wildlife logo printed on the DMV-issued vehicle registration card.



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com