Mesa Verde National Park announced it will modify operations during the coronavirus outbreak, but it will remain open.
As of March 17, partial closures within the park were implemented to reduce the threat of spreading the disease.
The Chapin Mesa Museum, Visitor and Research Center, Spruce Tree Terrace, and Mesa Verde Museum Association stores are closed until further notice.
Tours of Cliff Palace were scheduled to begin April 12 but have been canceled until May 1. There is no dining, lodging or camping facilities available in the park.
Cliff Palace driving loop, Mesa Top driving loop and the Far View Sites will remain open for visitors. Entrance fees have been waived.
The hiking trails out of Morefield campground remain open, including Prater Ridge, Knife Edge and Point Lookout trails. The Spruce Tree and Petroglyph trails off Chapin Mesa are closed. Restrooms and water are available at the park.
Refunds for Cliff Palace tours will take place automatically, but those who had reservations should confirm this by checking recreation.gov.
The Spruce Tree Terrace cafe closed Tuesday; it is typically open year-round. Park Superintendent Cliff Spencer said there have been no layoffs as a result of the changes.
The facility closures and tour cancellations are in response to the latest guidance from the White House, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and local and state authorities to promote social distancing, according to a Mesa Verde press release.
“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Mesa Verde is our number one priority,” the release states.
The National Park Service is working with the federal, state and local authorities to closely monitor the coronavirus situation, park officials said.
The public will be notified when full operations resume, and provide updates on the park website and Facebook page.
The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.
