NPS - National Park Service
09/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/03/2026 17:10
East Portal Road re-opens
News Release Date: September 3, 2026
. - East Portal Road, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will open tomorrow September 4, 2026, by 8:00 am. It closed on July 16, 2026, after a significant mudslide. Crews have been working to clear roadways, culverts, drainages, and visitor use areas.
The upper loop of the first-come, first-served East Portal Campground will open Saturday September 5. The lower walk-in section of the East Portal Campground will remain closed as crews continue to clear debris. The picnic area will open on Friday September 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 2025 South Rim Fire. Vehicles over 22 feet (6.7 m) in length, trailer included, are prohibited.
The NPS 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 park websites at www.nps.gov/blca and www.nps.gov/cure.
-NPS-
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