For the first time in 24 days, since the start of the federal government shut down, the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center at rocky Mountain National Park was open because the state of Colorado is providing funding. Credit: Patti Brown / Estes Valley Voice

Acknowledging the economic importance of Rocky Mountain National Park, Gov. Jared Polis announced Thursday that the State of Colorado will fund operations to keep the two visitor centers – Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche – open for the next seven days during the federal government shutdown.

The shutdown began Oct. 1 and is in its 24th day today.

Some visitors to the Beaver Meadows Visitors Center on Friday morning met with rangers who had returned to work today to provide maps and information to people interested in venturing into RMNP. More than a dozen visitors milled about in the gift store.

Visitors to the gift shop in the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center browsed the merchandise for the first time in more than three weeks since the federal government shutdown. Credit: Patti Brown / Estes Valley Voice

One National Park Service ranger, who did not wish to be identified, stated that the administrative staff was not present in the building and that most administrators were on furlough. The ranger did not know how many employees were on furlough in RMNP, and when she called the administrative offices, she got voicemail.

Over the past three weeks, when the Estes Valley Voice has called the administrative phone numbers for RMNP, the phone has been answered by voicemail, and no messages have been returned.

In 2023, 4.1 million visitors came to RMNP, generating $888.6 million in economic output. Visitor spending totaled $568.5 million, supporting 7,833 jobs. In 2024, the number of visitors increased to 4.15 million.

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources and the Colorado Tourism Office will split the $3,200 daily cost to keep the visitor centers open starting today for the next seven days.

If the shutdown continues, the state can extend funding. If the shutdown ends early, unspent funds will be refunded.

Overall, the tourism industry contributes $28.5 billion to Colorado’s economy and supports 188,000 jobs, according to Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director. “Keeping RMNP open supports our public lands and economy.”

Erik Stensland and Crossroads partner to create Federal Workers Relief Fund

Nature photographer and author Erik Stensland is leveraging his network — 25,000 followers on Facebook — to partner with Crossroads Ministries of Estes Park in creating a Federal Workers Relief Fund to support Estes Valley neighbors affected by the federal government shutdown.

The funds raised will be used to provide grocery gift cards and rent support to affected workers. To donate, please click here and check Federal Employee Needs.