Hazardous air quality due to wildfires. A severe storm caused landslides. Flash floods through inevitable slot valleys.
The Great Outdoors often requires us to consider the threat of natural disasters — but this summer has been exceptionally frightening for those who want to spend time in nature. Extreme weather has caused dangerous conditions for many national parks, leading to warnings to visitors, or closure of affected areas.
If you’re planning a vacation to a national park in the near future, here are the closures you need to know about. And no matter which public land trip you plan, it’s a good idea to check the conditions. The examples below are just a portion of the many parks and wilderness areas with extreme weather.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Located in western Colorado, the park suffered significant damage from wildfires in 2025, which grew in size to more than 4,000 acres, and will continue to face weather-related disruptions in 2026.
According to the National Park Service (NPS), a severe storm on July 16 produced heavy rainfall, causing three large landslides on East Portal Road. Press release. The road provides access to numerous recreational opportunities in the park and nearby Currecanti National Recreation Area.
21 tourists were trapped under the road due to landslide. Responders were able to get everyone to safety, and no injuries were reported. Roads, campgrounds and picnic areas remain closed until further notice.
Zion National Park
Flash flooding is a perennial problem at this iconic Utah park.
“Flash flooding can occur at any time in Zion National Park and the desert southwest. All narrow valleys are potentially dangerous. Flash flooding, often caused by storms miles away, poses real hazards and can be life threatening,” the NPS said. park website.
The park’s slot canyon, where visitors pass through narrow gaps in sandstone formed by erosion and flash flooding, closes whenever the Virgin River’s flow rate exceeds 150 cubic feet per second and when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a flash flood warning. This includes the extremely popular Narrows Slot Canyon, which has been in such demand that the NPS has established it. lottery system.
On Sunday, July 19, the park announced that the criteria had been met that required the closure of Slot Canyon. Till 20th July, nws The possibility of flash flooding in the park is still listed as “possible”, the second highest level after “expected”.
North Cascades National Park
This remote park in Washington is another park that was taken over by nature in 2025. Major flooding closed many services and structures in the Stehekin Valley, a major part of the park. It still does not have a functioning waste water system. Now the park is facing several wildfires. As of July 17, three wildfires are actively burning in the park, according to a NPS Press Release.
The most serious, the Luna fire, has since grown from 7 to 22 acres. 8th July. This resulted in the closure of the Luna Cross-Country Zone and a portion of the McMillan Creek drainage area, from the east and southeast aspect of Lunatic Peak to an elevation of approximately 2,000 feet.
This closure comes at the top current closure Previous wildfires that have left the landscape unstable and dangerous for visitors include the Chilliwack and Little Beaver areas and the Stettel Creek Trail.
Other affected parks
Many other national park sites – including wilderness, lakeshore and wilderness areas – are also warning visitors or issuing closures. Here’s a quick list of other affected parks:
- Isle Royale National Park: “Ash is falling from the sky,” this Michigan national park reported this week. Many campgrounds are closed, but day hiking may also not be a good idea. Air quality measurements were virtually off the charts last week, and still remain “unhealthy” US government air monitor.
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: Nearly 20 wildfires burning in the Superior National Forest have forced the Forest Service to close the entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota. No reopening date has been set.
- Voyageurs National Park: Voyageurs, one of Michigan’s most popular parks, continues to experience “dangerous weather conditions,” according to the park website. “Dry conditions and very strong westerly winds will cause critical fire conditions today,” park officials said Monday.
Do you want to check a destination before getting in the car? you can use AirNowA searchable database managed by the US government to check air quality anywhere in the country. If you’re planning to visit a park – state or national – check the park’s website ahead of time for any possible warnings or closures.
