Mesa Verde National Park

With visitor centers and roads closed at Mesa Verde and other National Parks due to the federal government shutdown, KSJD’s Outdoor Report highlights ways to make the most of your time in the Four Corners — from local music and dining to art, museums, and community events.

Cool, sunny weather continues across the Four Corners with chilly nights and a gradual warm-up midweek before weekend rain chances return.

The federal government shutdown has reduced local tourism by about 20%, according to Mesa Verde Country CEO Brian Bartlett, though some visitors are still exploring the region’s fall colors and outdoor recreation. Mesa Verde National Park and nearby Utah monuments remain open in a limited capacity, while the Ute Mountain Tribal Park continues to offer select tours. Despite fewer visitors overall, Bartlett notes that visitor spending in 2025 is up compared to last year.

The good news is, you can now get into Mesa Verde National Park for free. The bad news is, not much of the park is open.

Visitation at Mesa Verde has been down by a little less than 4 percent this year.

Drought lingers in the Four Corners as NASA data shows 28 million acre-feet of groundwater lost across the Colorado River Basin since 2002.

As wildfires continue to rampage throughout the West, local areas are adopting tougher fire restrictions.

While Colorado’s Front Range is experiencing abundant rainfall, the state’s Western Slope continues to bake and even burn

The Boggy Draw Trail Report for May 2 highlights favorable trail conditions for hiking and biking, with a focus on spring weather, upcoming events, and recent trail updates. Keep an eye on the forecast for your weekend adventures!

Local residents turned out Friday morning in different locations around Montezuma County to show support for public lands.