Heavy afternoon storms on July 16 set off at least three sizable mudslides that buried sections of East Portal Road and inundated the East Portal campground and picnic area within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area. Park officials say the debris ranged up to 6 feet deep in places and left the facilities unusable pending safety evaluations and repairs.
What happened and who responded
According to a news release from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a thunderstorm moved through the Curecanti area at about 5 p.m. on July 16, producing intense rainfall. Runoff from drainages above East Portal Road swept boulders, rocks and mud onto the roadway and recreation sites.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date and time | July 16, ≈5 p.m. |
| Road and sites closed | East Portal Road, East Portal campground, East Portal picnic area |
| Maximum debris depth reported | Up to 6 feet |
| Visitors affected | 21 stranded initially; 18 evacuated by midnight; remaining 3 left by morning |
National Park Service law enforcement and facility crews, joined by Bureau of Reclamation staff, secured the scene and began debris removal and damage assessments. Park officials say the road is closed to all traffic, including pedestrians and bicyclists, until crews deem it safe.
Visitor impact and evacuations
Park personnel report that 21 day-trippers, campers and anglers were temporarily stranded at the lower end of East Portal Road when the slides occurred. First responders reached the site within about 45 minutes and began evacuations that night. Eighteen people had been moved out by midnight. Two people with vehicle problems and one motorcyclist waited for drier conditions and were evacuated by 9 a.m. the following morning.
- Area remains closed while engineers and crews assess hazards and plan repairs.
- Travelers should not attempt to bypass closures; the road is closed to all modes, per park guidance.
- Updates will be posted on the park websites for Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Curecanti NRA.
“Soil with little vegetation cover can become saturated and trigger landslides,”
The park noted that parts of East Portal pass through terrain scorched by the 2025 South Rim Fire. Burned slopes have reduced vegetation and looser soils that can be especially prone to slipping when hit by heavy rain, officials said.
What visitors should know
Officials have not released a timetable for reopening. Assessments and repairs are ongoing; timelines will depend on the extent of road damage and debris removal needs. For now, visitors planning trips to Black Canyon or Curecanti should check the official park websites before traveling and be prepared to alter plans.
Local residents and visitors are reminded that downhill runout from burned or scarred slopes can be sudden. Until crews complete inspections and stabilizing work, the park advises keeping well clear of closed areas and following instructions from NPS staff and other responders.
News Block will monitor updates from the National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation and provide further details as they become available.
