Records from Curecanti National Recreation Area indicate that low winter snowpack and limited spring precipitation have resulted in lower water levels on Blue Mesa Reservoir. As these levels continue to drop, boat ramps and marinas at Elk Creek, Lake Fork, and Iola will be impacted.
Concurrently, Black Canyon and Curecanti are implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026. These measures align with multiple state and federal partners to reduce the risk of fire in the region.
At Rocky Mountain National Park, seasonal access along Trail Ridge Road is now open but requires timed entry reservations between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Meanwhile, Colorado National Monument and Rocky Mountain National Park are scheduling a series of ranger-led programs. At Colorado National Monument, offerings include accessible bird walks on the Alcove Nature Trail and short geology-focused hikes along level trails near the Visitor Center.
¹ https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/curecanti-low-reservoir-levels-and-operational-changes.htm
² https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/stage-1-fire-restrictions.htm
³ https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm
⁴ https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/events.htm
⁵ https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/events.htm