Mesa Verde National Park will partially reopen Sunday after being closed for two months because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The park will increase visitor access with a phased approach, and services will be limited, according to a park Facebook post.
The first phase on Sunday includes reopening the Morefield Campground and Far View Lodge.
Outdoor spaces, including overlooks and trails, will be accessible to the public in accordance with the latest health guidance, including social distancing.
Visitors will be able to experience the Mesa Top and Cliff Palace driving loops, as well as the Far View sites and Park Point.
The Visitor and Research Center, along with the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum will remain closed.
The partial reopening follows the closure March 25.
“We are so thrilled. Mesa Verde reopening is something this area really needs to help with tourism,” said Susan Lisak, director of the Dolores Chamber of Commerce.
All of Southwest Colorado benefits from park visitation.
“After visiting Mesa Verde, people love to explore our area, go shopping, ride local bike trails, visit McPhee Reservoir and go hiking,” Lisak said.
Tourism officials have been getting lots of calls about whether the park has reopened.
National Park Service officials encourage people who choose to visit the park during the pandemic to adhere to guidance from local, state and federal public health officials to protect visitors, employees and vulnerable populations. People should avoid crowding and practice Leave No Trace principles.
“Visitors traveling from outside the state of Colorado should be aware that they may be traveling through the Navajo Nation on their journey,” according to the Mesa Verde National Park Facebook post. “Due to the significant impact the pandemic has had on residents, there are curfews in place and services may be limited; especially for those traveling at night. Please be respectful of these residents and plan accordingly prior to passing through Navajo Nation lands.”
jmimiaga@the-journal.com
