The federal government shutdown so far has been disappointing but not disastrous for local tourism.
The CEO of Mesa Verde Country, Brian Bartlett, tells KSJD that a shutdown generally reduces tourism by 20 percent. Some folks cancel planned visits, but others who may be off work because of the shutdown come in from surrounding areas such as Denver, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City to view fall foliage and enjoy outdoor recreational opportunities.
Mesa Verde is currently open in a very limited capacity, with loops road, the visitor center, and the museum closed, but Bartlett said some people say they enjoyed driving through the park without the usual large crowds present.
Most of Utah’s national parks and monuments, including Hovenweep on the Utah-Colorado border, are also open in a reduced capacity.
Bartlett said the Four Corners Monument remains open and the Ute Mountain Tribal Park is still offering some tours, though people will have to check with the tribe for details.
Bartlett suggested people who are disappointed because they can’t visit Mesa Verde’s visitor center or museum should check out the Ute Mountain Pottery Shop on the east side of Cortez.
Tourism in Mesa Verde Country from January through July of this year was already down 2.4 percent from 2024, and that is part of a state and national trend. However, Bartlett said visitor spending is up this year.
Gail Binkly is a career journalist who has worked for the Colorado Springs Gazette and Cortez Journal, and was the editor of the Four Corners Free Press, based in Cortez.