Western Colorado Faces Multiple Wildfires: What You Need to Know

July of 2025 is reminding me a lot of July 2024. Western Colorado is once again fighting several dangerous wildfires at the same time. With fires burning in Mesa, Delta, and Montrose counties, keeping track of important information can feel overwhelming.

Keep scrolling to see three major wildfires that are concerning Western Slope residents the most, and important information about traffic restrictions and road closures related to the fires as of July 14th.

Major Wildfires at a Glance

Three large fires are burning in Western Colorado, with smaller fires tracked at fireweatheravalanche.org. Here’s the latest:

• South Rim Fire: The South Rim Fire is active in Montrose County and has burned over 3,000 acres on the North and South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park since July 10. The National Park Service is managing the response, with costs reaching $1.1 million so far.
• Sowbelly Fire: Burning in Mesa, Delta, and Montrose counties, this fire has scorched 2,191 acres about 20 miles south of Whitewater, near Escalante Canyon Camp and Potholes Recreation Site. Winds are pushing the fire through the brush. Since July 10, the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office has spent about $375,000 fighting it.
• Turner Gulch Fire: Located in Mesa County, this fire is producing large smoke plumes about 7 miles northeast of Gateway near Highway 141. Reports say this fire has burned around 1,000 acres of brush and grass since July 10. The BLM Grand Junction Field Office is managing this fire, with costs at $237,000 so far.
• Wright Draw Fire: This smaller fire (about 300 acres) in Mesa County is near the Turner Gulch Fire, and is also near Colorado 141, about 5 miles northeast of Gateway. It is burning west of the highway, while Turner Gulch is burning south of it. The BLM Grand Junction Field Office is overseeing these fires.
• Indian Fire & Spring Camp Fire: Two small fires have been reported on the Grand Mesa. The Spring Camp Fire is fully contained as of July 11. The Indian Fire, 9 miles east of Whitewater, has burned six acres and continues to smoke, according to the US Forest Service, after water drops and helicopter flights.
• Deer Creek Fire: This active wildfire has crossed from San Juan County, Utah, into Montrose County, Colorado, about 12 miles west of Paradox. Since July 11, it has grown to over 7,000 acres. As of July 13, the Division of Forestry Fire & State Lands — Southeast Area is managing the fire, with costs reaching $700,000.

Read More: Western Colorado Wildfire: Sowbelly Fire Grows, Evacuations Set

Road Closures & Evacuations

South Rim Fire Closures: Montrose County, Colorado

• The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park remains closed. Both the South and North Rims, scenic drives, and overlooks are all closed to the public.
• East Portal Road along the Gunnison River is inaccessible, and Hwy 347 in Montrose remains closed.

Sowbelly Fire Closures: Mesa, Delta & Montrose Counties

• Escalante Canyon Road (Delta County): The road is closed at Escalante Canyon Rim Road. No access West of this point. Residents are advised to avoid the area, including roads near the ‘Pot Holes.’ Firefighting operations are ongoing in this area.
• ZS Road and 36 4/10 Road: Closed (Rim Road Intersection)
• YS Road and 31 55/100 Road: Closed (Rim Road Intersection)
• 650 Road is closed.

Turner Gulch & Other Lightning‑Fires: Mesa County

• Temporary Closures: Stay Alert along Highway 141 to evolving restrictions. Closures may occur as needed between mile markers 120 to 124.
• Highway 141 Evacuations have been ongoing between mile markers 120 and 124. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office says an Evacuation Center has been opened in Clifton at 3270 D 1/2 Road.

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Safety Tips & Resources

Check the following resources in the days ahead for the latest travel advisories, restrictions, and closures.

• Updated travel conditions and road closures: https://www.cotrip.org/home
• Updates from Mesa County Sheriff
• Updates from the Delta County Sheriff
• Updates from the Montrose County Sheriff

Highway 50 Corridor: The highway is open, but this could change. Expect delays, heavy smoke, and fire traffic between Grand Junction, Olathe, Gateway, and Montrose. As crews continue to fight the fires, be sure to respect closure signs, avoid areas marked restricted, and give emergency crews space.