Four Corners Free Press

05/11/2026

Chimney Rock National Monument near Pagosa Springs, Colo., is going to open soon. Here is the release:

Chimney Rock National Monument opens May 15

(Pagosa Springs, CO, May 11, 2026) — Chimney Rock National Monument is pleased to announce the opening of its 2026 season on Friday, May 15. The monument is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the season with access to the upper mesa closing at 3:15 p.m. daily. Please check in with the outdoor information booth to register your vehicle.

Entrance Fees:

$20 per vehicle
$10 per motorcycle
Free entry for visitors with a valid America the Beautiful Pass, which can be purchased online or at National Parks and Monuments, including Chimney Rock National Monument. Passes are no longer sold at San Juan National Forest offices.

Visitors are invited to explore one of the most inspiring cultural and natural landscapes in the Southwest. Chimney Rock offers a unique opportunity to learn about the ancestral Puebloan people who once called this dramatic mesa home, while experiencing the unforgettable views, geology and history that define this special place. The monument encompasses 4,726 acres of the San Juan National Forest between Durango and Pagosa Springs, Colorado and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association. Together, we provide educational programs, tours and visitor services that help protect and celebrate the site’s archaeological and cultural heritage.

In December 2025, Chimney Rock was designated as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International, becoming the 19th certified park in Colorado. The monument’s remote location offers some of the darkest night skies in the region, allowing staff to host astronomy-focused activities and events throughout the season.

Note: The weather in this region can fluctuate quickly throughout the day so visitors are encouraged to bring sun protection, sturdy footwear, rain gear, snacks, and plenty of water; there is no potable water available at the site. Dogs are not allowed on the upper mesa (service dogs exempted) but the visitor center offers free, secure and shaded kennels to visitors traveling with pets.

For more information about planning your visit, tours, or educational programs, please contact the Pagosa Ranger District at 970-264-2268 or visit the San Juan National Forest website.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

04/29/2026

A missing person is being sought in Grand Canyon National Park as of April 29. Here's the release:
For Immediate Release

April 29, 2026

Contact: Grand Canyon Office of Communications, [email protected]
Grand Canyon National Park Seeks Public Assistance in Locating Missing Person

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing individual last known to be in the park.

On April 28, 2026, Grand Canyon dispatch was notified of a missing person identified as 26-year-old Sandarsh Krishna. The last possible known location was along the Rim Trail along Hermit Road between Bright Angel Lodge and Mohave Point between 4 p.m. on April 27 and 12 a.m. on April 28. There is no known vehicle associated with the individual, who may have been using a rideshare or taxi service.

Krishna is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall with a thin build, approximately 160 pounds, black hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing athletic clothing.

Anyone with information regarding this individual’s whereabouts is urged to contact the ISB Tip Line at 888-653-0009.

12/06/2025

Partial closures are coming to Red Mountain Pass on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Tuesday, Dec. 9, Here is the release:

Southwest Colorado — US Highway 550 Red Mountain Pass between Silverton and Ouray will close to travel on Saturday, Dec. 6 and Tuesday, Dec. 9 while the Colorado Department of Transportation performs safety-critical winter maintenance operations. Saturday morning's operations are anticipated to have minor traffic impacts with delays beginning at 8 a.m. between Mile Points 80 and 81. Tuesday's favorable weather forecast will allow for maintenance crews to perform more extensive operations along the southern summit of Red Mountain Pass (MP 75 to 79). On Dec. 9 at 10 a.m., US 550 will fully close in both directions and motorists will be stopped for approximately four hours. Motorists should plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, or arrive and drive through the closure points before the designated closure times.

Parking and recreating is prohibited between the closure points during winter maintenance operations. Backcountry users must move their vehicles and vacate the area before the scheduled closure times.

Travelers should also be aware that during the winter season, snow conditions may require additional maintenance work and safety closures at any time on many southwest Colorado highways. Visit www.COtrip.org for the most current closure times and traffic impacts.

Closure Schedule | Saturday, Dec. 6 at 8 a.m.
Lengthy delays on US 550 Red Mountain Pass will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Northbound travelers will encounter a closure approximately 10 miles north of Silverton (Mile Point 80.9)
Southbound travelers will encounter a closure approximately 12 miles south of Ouray (Mile Point 81.5)
Motorists will encounter lengthy delays up to 40 minutes for much of the morning

Closure Schedule | Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m.
US 550 Red Mountain Pass closure begins Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. and is estimated to open by 2 p.m., depending on successful operations.

Northbound travelers will encounter a closure approximately five miles north of Silverton near Ophir Pass Road (Mile Point 75.2)
Southbound travelers will encounter a closure approximately fourteen miles south of Ouray between Ironton and Chattanooga Mine (Mile Point 79.2)
Do not attempt to bypass the closure gates

Motorists may consider an alternate route via CO 145 through Lizard Head Pass. This westerly route will add approximately one hour of additional driving time, taking approximately three hours to travel between Durango and Ridgway (approximately 150 miles).

US 160 Durango to Mancos
CO 184 Mancos to Dolores
CO 145 Dolores to Placerville
CO 62 Placerville to Ridgway

12/06/2025

There is a new case of measles in Montezuma County, evidently in someone who has not traveled outside the state. People who went to Coldstone Creamery in Cortez on Wednesday, Nov. 26, between 3:30 and 6 p.m. may have been exposed. Symptoms may develop any time through Dec. 17. Read the release below:

This is a very busy season in Montezuma County! People will be out shopping, visiting craft fairs, attending the Parade of Lights, and taking pictures with Santa in various locations. But with these large gatherings also comes a serious responsibility: protecting infants and unvaccinated children from exposure to measles.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes—and it can linger for up to two hours in the air or on surfaces. Because early symptoms can look like a cold, someone may not even know they’re contagious. That means a single sick attendee at a parade or holiday market could unintentionally expose dozens of infants and unvaccinated children.
Please help us protect our most vulnerable. If you or your child is feeling sick, skip the event and rest at home. Make sure everyone in your family who is eligible is up-to-date on the MMR vaccine. It’s safe, effective, and the best tool we have to prevent outbreaks. If you need an MMR vaccine, please feel free to contact MCPHD at 970-565-3056 Monday through Thursday, and we will be glad to help you!
During this busy season, let’s look out for the newest and smallest members of our community. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping holiday traditions safe for everyone.

Please read the press release below from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.

Public health officials release information on potential measles exposures

Denver (Dec. 5, 2025) — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Montezuma County Public Health Agency have confirmed a case of measles in a Montezuma County resident. The child, who had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, has no known connection to recent exposures reported in Colorado, including another recent case in Montezuma County, and has not traveled outside the state. The lack of a clear source of infection suggests that unidentified measles cases may be occurring in or traveling through the Cortez area. Montezuma County Public Health is investigating the case.

Measles is a highly contagious, but preventable disease. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Symptoms and prevention:
Measles symptoms begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads. If you have not had the MMR vaccine, you can still get it within 72 hours of exposure to help prevent illness. In some exposure cases, immunoglobulin given within six days may also help prevent or lessen illness.

Known exposure locations:
Based on available information, anyone who was in the locations below at the listed dates and times may have been exposed. If you were there, watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. If symptoms develop, call your health care provider, urgent care, or emergency department before going in, and tell them you may have been exposed to measles. This helps prevent further spread. Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, particularly infants under one year of age who are not routinely recommended for the vaccine.

Cold Stone Creamery
215 S. Sligo St.
Cortez, CO 81321
Wednesday, Nov. 26
3:30 - 6 p.m.
If you were in this location at this time, you should monitor for symptoms through Dec. 17

More info:
Please visit the CDPHE measles webpage, which includes information about symptoms, transmission, and vaccine recommendations, 2025 Colorado measles case information, and a current list of exposure locations.

10/29/2025

https://www.ksjd.org/podcast/ksjd-local-newscasts/2025-10-28/nearly-5-000-montezuma-county-residents-may-see-snap-benefits-cut-off

Nearly 5,000 people in Montezuma County may be facing hunger at the beginning of November.

10/09/2025

Watch out, locals! A flood watch remains in effect from this evening, Thursday, Oct. 9, through Saturday afternoon for much of southwest Colorado and southeastern Utah, including:

Animas River Basin, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, San Juan River Basin, Southwest San Juan Mountains and Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide and Utah, including the following areas, Arches/Grand Flat, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains, Southeast Utah and Tavaputs Plateau.

Excessive rainfall may result in flooding of slot canyons, normally dry washes, slickrock areas, recent burn scars, urban areas, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Rockslides and mudslides are possible in the mountains.

Tropical moisture will stream northward into the region on Thursday, bringing widespread heavy rain and increasing the threat of flash flooding across portions of southeastern Utah and southwest Colorado. Showers and isolated thunderstorms push into southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado today. An increased risk of flash flooding will continue through at least Saturday evening across the watch area.

08/06/2025

Firefighters respond to Stoner Mesa Fire, burning northeast of Dolores, CO

Evacuations have been ordered for Stoner and Taylor Mesas on the San Juan National Forest



DOLORES, Colo., Aug. 5, 2025 —Firefighters responded this afternoon to the Stoner Mesa Fire, burning roughly 20 miles northeast of Dolores and west of Rico, CO. The fire, currently estimated at 250-300 acres, is exhibiting extreme fire behavior, and is growing to the east. The fire has not reached Stoner Creek at this time.



Dolores County has issued an evacuation order for San Juan National Forest lands on Stoner and Taylor Mesa. This includes Stoner Mesa Road (FS Road 686), Taylor Mesa Road (FS Road 545) as well as all roads branching off, Mavreeso Campground, and West Dolores Campground. Dolores and Montezuma County Sheriffs Offices are coordinating this evacuation.



Resources on scene include multiple airtankers, an air attack aerial supervision plane, and two helicopters. Helicopters are flying roadways to assist in evacuating recreators. The fire is very remote and inaccessibility on foot or road due to heavy dead and down trees. As of Tuesday evening, the fire is still actively burning and demonstrating extreme fire behavior in mixed conifer and aspen forest.

07/27/2025

The fire on Grand Canyon's North Rim is still going - now over 44,000 acres. Press release:

Morning Update for July 27, 2025

Location: Grand Canyon North Rim Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 1,048
Fuels: Mixed conifer, aspen regeneration and ponderosa pine
Containment: 26%
Latest Update: Saturday marked the third consecutive day of critical fire weather on the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Fire growth occurred on several flanks, including Saddle Mountain Wilderness and Milk Drainage, with spot fires identified north of Forest Service 610. Today’s operation will focus on protecting values at risk and assessment of new contingency lines and preparing for changes in fire behavior.
Ongoing & Planned Operations: The Dragon Bravo Fire continues back into previous fire scars near the Walhalla Plateau’s edge, southeast of the fire. Fire spread into Milk Drainage, west of the Dragon Drainage, is expected to continue under gusty southwest winds. The northeastern section of the fire was the most active area, with continued spread toward Forest Road 610 and flanking fire growth in the Saddle Mountain Wilderness. Cloud cover moderated late afternoon activity, but growth continued into the Wildcat Fire scar. Crews maintain presence around the Kaibab Lodge and other infrastructure near the North Park Entrance, ensuring rapid response if needed. Crews completed structure and wildlife assessment and preparations in the House Rock area, northeast of the fire.
Weather & Smoke: Another dry, breezy day is expected today, with relative humidity reaching 10%. Incident meteorologists anticipate windspeeds to reach 15-24 mph with poor recoveries. Monsoonal moisture may return midweek, with increasing humidity and slight chances of precipitation around Wednesday or Thursday. Smoke will remain visible from surrounding areas, including the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Residents and visitors impacted by the smoke are encouraged to monitor local air quality conditions at outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net.
Evacuations & Closures: Information about current closures on Grand Canyon National Park can be found on the National Park Service website at https://www.nps.gov/grca/northrimstatus.htm. The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will remain closed for the duration of the 2025 season. U.S. Route 89A has reopened, though Grand Canyon Highway (state Route 67) remains closed. For information about the forest closure on the North Kaibab Ranger District, visit the Kaibab National Forest website at fs.usda.gov/r03/kaibab. Kaibab Camper Village and Jacob Lake Inn and gas station are now accessible. The rest of the forest, including the Jacob Lake Campground, remains closed.
More Information: The Temporary Flight Restriction in place over the area of the Dragon Bravo Fire has expanded and may expand further. Visit The Federal Aviation Administration’s website at https://tfr.faa.gov/ for the latest TFR.
Dragon Bravo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/azgcp-dragon-bravo-fire
Southwest Area

The is located in the state of . It is part of incident unit(s): Grand Canyon National Park PO Box 129 Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023 Agency Name: National Park Service Agency Abbreviation NPS . The latitude and longitude is:36.37.63113°,112.12.4196°

07/19/2025

From the July 17 Good Trouble rally in Cortez.

07/19/2025

Photos from the Good Trouble rally in Cortez on Thursday, July 17.