ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colo. — Officials at Rocky Mountain National Park announced Monday that some basic visitor service to the park had been restored even as the record-breaking shutdown saga continues in Washington.
With revenue generated by recreation fees, park staff snowplowed US 36 past the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and US 34 past the Fall River Entrance. And Monday morning, US Highways 36 and 34 were cleared to Deer Ridge Junction.
Also opened is US Highway 34 on the west side to the Colorado River Trailhead. Snowplows are working on Bear Lake Road, and it is anticipated that it will reopen Tuesday, the release read.
Park officials also announced that a limited number of custodians began cleaning toilet facilities and trash receptacles. Some basic visitor services, including entrance stations and two out of five loops at the Moraine Park Campground, will also reopen later this week. Entrance stations will be open to provide safety and basic information to visitors, but entrance fees will not be collected.
Officials said while basic visitor services have been restored, other services will be limited or unavailable during the lapse in appropriations, including visitor centers, ranger talks and programs.