Colorado has directed state funds to Rocky Mountain National Park to reopen two visitor centers after federal funding lapsed amid the ongoing government shutdown, state officials announced Thursday.
The state’s Department of Natural Resources and the Colorado Tourism Office, a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, are splitting the bill of $3,200 per day to run the visitor centers, according to a news release from the agencies.
The agreement will keep Rocky Mountain’s Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche visitor centers open starting Friday for seven days, Colorado officials said in the news release.
State officials will have the option to continue funding operations after the first week if the federal government shutdown continues. If the shutdown ends before the week finishes, the extra funds would be reimbursed to the state, officials said.
“Rocky Mountain National Park visitor centers are very important to helping all visitors stay informed, stay safe and enjoy nature,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “By taking this action, we are helping our local communities, and allowing visitors continued access into the park to enjoy the breathtaking vistas and activities Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer.”
Several states, including Utah and Tennessee, have already taken similar steps to keep their national parks open during the shutdown, which began on Oct. 1.
Polis issued an executive order in 2023 that directed state officials to develop a plan to keep Colorado’s national parks open in the event of a government shutdown, making this funding possible, according to the news release. He’s said previously that keeping the parks open is one of his top priorities.
Providing the funding also safeguards the revenue and economic benefit that sustains rural communities around the park, state officials said.
In 2023, Rocky Mountain National Park hosted more than 4.1 million visitors, supported 7,833 jobs and generated roughly $888.7 million, according to data from the National Park Service.
“The tourism industry contributes $28.5 billion to Colorado’s economy and supports over 188,000 jobs across the state,” Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade Executive Director Eve Lieberman said in a statement. “Keeping Rocky Mountain National Park and these visitor centers open … helps protect our state’s incredible public lands and supports a critical sector of our economy.”
All national parks in Colorado remain open, though some have limited or unavailable services.
At Mesa Verde, visitors are unable to access cultural sites, including the cliff dwellings, according to the National Park Service. The main park road and trails leaving the Morefield Campground remain open, but the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, Mesa Verde Museum, Mesa Top Loop, Cliff Palace Loop and all other trails were closed in early October.
As of Oct. 12, the visitor center at Great Sand Dunes National Park was being sustained by donations, according to the park service.
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