The Colorado River flow downstream of Fruita in western Colorado has been closed to public access and recreation due to fire danger. According to a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the emergency closure was implemented in collaboration with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office on June 29, 2026.
**Closure Details**
The restricted area includes all public access and downstream recreation on the Colorado River from James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park in Fruita to the Utah state line. Boating and floating are prohibited within this area, including jet boats, rafts, kayaks, canoes, tubes, and paddleboards.
**Background**
The closure is intended to ensure public safety and support firefighting efforts on the Snyder Fire amid anticipated high fire-weather conditions and potential rapid fire spread. The river upstream of Fruita remains open for recreation. CPW urges the public to respect the closure and allow firefighters and emergency responders to work unimpeded.
**Additional Closures**
Separately, the Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office has issued an emergency public closure of all BLM-managed public lands in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area due to fire danger. Horsethief State Wildlife Area and Loma Boat Launch State Wildlife Area are also closed to the public.
**Duration**
The closure is expected to remain in effect through the Fourth of July weekend, with boaters and floaters encouraged to take out in Grand Junction at the Blue Heron boat launch or upstream.