State of Colorado and Pagosa Springs COVID-19 Updates

For more information regarding COVID-19 and Pagosa Springs visit:

Travel Resources | Commitment to Safety | COVID-19 TOOLBOX

Public Health Update: 8/23/21:

There are currently no COVID restrictions in Archuleta County. Masks are strongly encouraged in indoor spaces, especially with larger capacity. Local businesses may require masks for entry.

For more information visit San Juan Basin Public Health.

Public Health Update: 4/15/21:

On April 15th, SJBPH issued a local public health order putting both La Plata and Archuleta counties in a simplified version of “Level Blue,” maintaining the most effective protocols and trimming others (like percentage capacity limits) from the State’s outgoing dial system.

Summary of SJBPH’s 30-Day “Level Blue” Public Health Order includes guidelines on:

• Face Coverings
• Physical Distancing
• Transmission Control
• Self-certification

For complete details and to read the full press release, click here.

Public Health Update: 4/5/21:
Governor Jared Polis Extends Statewide Mask Mandate until May 2, 2021

Read the Fact Sheet here and the full Executive Order here.

Public Health Update: 3/9/21:
Governor Jared Polis Extends Statewide Mask Mandate until April 4, 2021

Click Here to Read the Full Executive Order

Public Health Update: 2/8/21: 

Archuleta County is currently in Safer at Home Level Blue: Caution. Less restrictive than Level Yellow, this level is for counties with low virus transmission.

For more information on Level Blue Reopening Phase, please visit the San Juan Basin Public Heatlh website.

Public Health Update: 1/4/21: 

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has announced that he is directing CDPHE to move all counties that are currently in the Red level on Colorado's COVID-19 Dial to the Orange level. He is making this move in response to a 13 day downward trend in state cases.

For more information on local impacts for Archuleta County and Pagosa Springs, visit San Juan Basin Public Health's website.

For Immediate Release, 12/10/20:

State health officials release tips for safer winter holidays
Enjoy the holidays safely by celebrating at home or virtually

The top three most important things to remember during the holidays are:

1. Only interact in-person with people from your household (defined as those who normally live and sleep under the same roof).
2. Refrain from traveling. Celebrate virtually with the people who don’t live with you.
3. Avoid crowded stores. Shop for gifts online and have them delivered or pick them up curbside. Find local Colorado businesses to support via the #ShopLocalColorado campaign. Wear a mask and keep your distance whenever you do leave your home. 

Click here for more winter holiday tips from the State of Colorado.

UPDATE - 12/7/20: Wolf Creek Ski Area has expanded some services.

DAILY NOTES:       

• Wolf Creek Ski Area is NOW OPEN 7-days a week for the 2020-2021 ski season!
• At this time, the services offered to skiers and boarders are the lifts, restrooms, private lessons, rentals, Treasure and Noel Sports.
• The Upper Lodge is now open with a limited menu.  All seating will be outdoors from 8:30 AM to 4 PM daily!
• Lynx, Nova, Raven, Bonanza, Treasure Stoke, Elma, Charity Jane & Alberta lifts will be operating from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. giving access to 98% of the mountain.
• Lift tickets are now at the full price. Monday, December 7th thru Wednesday, December 9th, Lift Tickets will be at Local Appreciation Rates. Everyone is a Local!  Please visit the eStore at WolfCreekSki.com to view prices and pre-purchase lift tickets.
• Pre-purchased lift tickets for Sunday, December 6th will be picked up at the Ticket Office.  Please have your driver’s license available; the tickets will be under the purchasers last name.
• Colorado State Guideline require wearing face masks and social distancing in all indoor and outdoor public places.This includes buildings, in the base area, and riding a lift. Masks are required outdoors while in the base area and while in ticket and lift lines. Tickets will not be sold to anyone without a mask or face covering. Any guests refusing to follow Colorado State Guidelines guidelines will be asked to leave. Other guidelines can be found at WolfCreekSki.com
• The Meadow Loop, Lake Spur and Fun Loop Nordic Trails were groomed on December 4th.
• Check WolfCreekSki.com or 1-800-SKI-WOLF for the most up-to-date information.

UPDATE - 12/3/20: For Immediate Release - Archuleta County Moving to LEVEL RED: Severe Risk on Sunday, December 6, at 5:00 PM.

"As of Wednesday, 188 cases of COVID-19 had been reported among full-time Archuleta County residents since Nov. 1, making for a cumulative total of 257 cases since late March and pushing Archuleta County into Level Red: Severe Risk." - Randi Pierce, Staff Writer, Pagosa Springs Sun

Click here for the full article.

UPDATE - 11/23/20: Current Conditions in Archuleta and La Plata Counties

Click here, or click the image above, for more information on the current reopening pahse via San Juan Basin Public Health.

UPDATE - 11/20/20: Current Conditions in Archuleta and La Plata Counties

Click here, or click the image above, for more information on the current reopening pahse via San Juan Basin Public Health.

UPDATE - 11/16/20: Current Conditions in Archuleta and La Plata Counties

Click here, or click the image below, for the current San Juan Basin Public Health COVID-19 Data Dashboard to get the latest local case counts.

Please visit San Juan Basin Public Health for more COVID-19 updates for Archuleta (Pagosa Springs) and La Plata (Durango) Counties. We've highlighted a few important links below.

San Juan Basin Public Health Protect Your Neighbors Dashboard

San Juan Basin Public Health Advisories Page

San Juan Basin Public Health News Updates

UPDATE - 11/09/20: For Immediate Release. Governor Jared Polis is extending the statewide mask order for an additional 30 days.

“Colorado is issuing a requirement to wear a mask indoors for the next 30 days, and as hospitalizations increase everyone needs to do better by socializing only with those who you live with, wearing a mask and staying six-feet apart, so we can get our numbers under control. Early in the pandemic you heard me talk about using a scalpel instead of a sledgehammer -- and that’s exactly what we’re doing now,” said Governor Polis.

Click here for the press release.

UPDATE - 09/14/20: Colorado's statewide fire ban has been extened until October 7, 2020.

Click here for more information.

UPDATE - 09/14/20: The Statewide Mask Mandate has been extended 30 days from September 12, by Governor Jared Polis.

Click here to read the executive order.

UPDATE - 08/19/20: Archuleta County and San Juan National Forest reinstate Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.

As reported by The Pagosa Springs Sun, Archuleta County has reinstated Stage 1 Fire Restrictions as of today, Wednesday, August 19. The San Juan National Forest will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Thursday, August 20, 2020.

UPDATE - 08/19/20: For Immediate Release: The Governor's Office has issued a 30-day, statewide fire ban for the state of Colorado.

The ban prohibits campfire, fireworks, and other open sources of ignition. Home barbecues, grills, public grills, and camp stoves are allowed for use.

The order comes as four major fires are burning more than 130,000 acres in western Colorado. Governor Polis said three of the blazes — the Grizzly Creek fire, the Cameron Peak fire and the Williams Forks fire — are believed to be human-caused. 

Click here to view the full press conference.

UPDATE - 08/17/20: For Immediate Release: The Governor's Office has extended the mandatory mask requirement until September 13, 2020.

Click here to view the full executive order.

UPDATE - 07/16/20: For Immediate Release: Effective tonight at midnight, face coverings will be mandatory in all indoor public spaces in the State of Colorado by order of the Governor's Office.

To read more about the executive order, click here.

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the mask mandate, click here.

Click the banner above for the very latest Public Health and Information Updates regarding COVID-19 and the State of Colorado

Click the banner above for ideas on ways to help locally.

BUSINESS / RESTAURANT / FOOD PANTRY HOURS

In this rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19, we will do our best to keep this list of local dining hours and operational procedures up-to-date. Note that things can change at any time.

Click here for the latest hours of operation

UPDATE - 06/30/20: For Immediate Release - The Archuleta County Fair has been canceled.

Pagosa Springs, CO - The Archuleta County Fair Board approved the cancellation of the 2020 Archuleta County Fair at a special online board meeting on June 25, 2020. The Fair Board action results from the difficulty operating a traditional county fair with public health order restrictions in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some county fair operations focused on the 4-H youth program will continue during the traditional fair period but no members of the general public will be allowed to attend those events and instead the fair will focus on streaming 4-H events.

Click here to view the full press release.

UPDATE - 06/03/20:

UPDATE - 06/02/20: Safer At Home Transitions to "Safer At Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors," through July 1, 2020

Colorado is on a statewide Safer-at-Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors as designated by Governor Polis in Executive Order D2020 091

“Our state has some of the most beautiful natural open spaces in the world and we want Coloradans to enjoy our vast, great outdoors. While we are all still safer at home, we are also able to practice greater social distancing in our great outdoors than in confined indoor spaces,” said Governor Jared Polis.

For more details including the full executive order, press release and list of critical businesses go to the Colorado State Web Portal.

UPDATE - 06/01/20:

Chimney Rock National Monument Soft Open, June 1-15, 2020

• The site is entirely self-guided at your own risk from 9am-3pm. Guests will need to be heading down the mesa parking area at 4pm; gates close at 4:30.
• Audio tours can only be accessed by downloading the San Juan National Forest App to their mobile device BEFORE they come to the site. (no wifi) There is an audio tour of the Kiva Trail (paved) and there will be an audio of the upper Pueblo trail at some point this season. It is in production. https://www.chimneyrockco.org/visit-chimney-rock-colorado/
  • Download app: Google Play Store or Apple App Store
  • Go to explore icon
  • Choose Chimney Rock National Monument
  • Choose trail descriptions
  • Access audio with pin provided at the site after paying.
• They will need to pay for the self-guided tour at the visitors cabin and then be given a pin to access the audio tour.
• Alternative to audio tour : “take with you” interpretive printed field guides of BOTH trails.  (based on the audio tour; maps, pictures, and stops with describing points of interest.)
• Shuttles: due to COVID-19 there will be no shuttle service this season. There are 20 parking spots at the upper mesa and that will be the max number of vehicles allowed up at any given time. First come first serve.
• Waiting list: visitors can choose to be put on a waiting list (after paying) if capacity limits have been met. When a spot becomes available we will call them on their cell phone to go up.
• Hiking up from the Visitors Cabin: visitors can choose to leave their vehicle in the visitors cabin parking lot and hike the road up free of charge. No interpretive materials or audio tours will be available to them. (same as in years past)
• Masks: no masks are required by visitors. Our staff and volunteers will be wearing masks.  

UPDATE - 05/20/20 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

San Juan National Forest Officials Begin Opening Specific Developed Recreation Sites,

Fire Restrictions Remain

Durango, Colo., May 20, 2020 – San Juan National Forest officials will begin opening some developed recreation sites after May 20. The Columbine, Dolores and Pagosa Ranger districts will begin opening specific sites on May 22. Chimney Rock National Monument will open with limited services on June 1. Certain developed recreation sites on the Columbine Ranger District will remain closed through May 31, including all group use campground areas due to group size limits. Trails, trailheads and general forest areas will remain accessible for public use.

“While we understand there may be some excitement from the public to return to beloved recreation areas, please continue to follow local, state and federal guidelines on staying safe,” said San Juan National Forest Supervisor Kara Chadwick. “There is still work to be done – ensuring cleanliness of facilities, conducting proper maintenance, and assessing recreation areas for health and safety.”

Visitors should come with all the essentials for a day trip, including food, emergency supplies and resources to pack out trash. If you do plan on visiting the national forest, please recreate responsibly by adhering to the following safety and responsibility guidelines:

• Stay close to home to keep other communities safe.
• Stay 6 feet apart from others.
• Avoid crowding in parking lots, trails, scenic overlooks and other areas.
• Take CDC precautions to prevent illnesses like COVID-19.
• Prepare for limited or no services, such as restroom facilities and garbage collection.
• Prepare to pack out trash and human waste.

Fire restrictions (order) are in place through May 31 to enhance public safety, protect natural and cultural resources and help minimize human-caused wildfires. Forest visitors are prohibited from:

1. Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, including charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood-burning stoves, and sheepherder’s stoves.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer or building.

For a full list of open areas and up-to-date information, including the orders, visit the forest website and social media pages (Twitter and Facebook). Information on individual recreation sites and opportunities are available on our website or your local ranger district office can provide site-specific information:

• Columbine Ranger District (970) 884-2512
• Dolores Ranger District (970) 882-7296
• Pagosa Ranger District (970) 264-2268
• San Juan National Forest Headquarters: (970) 247-4874

Click here to view the official press release.

UPDATE - 04/27/20:

As of Monday, April 27, 2020, by order of Governor Jarid Polis, the State of Colorado has moved to Lever 2: Safer At Home, in response to coronavirus COVID-19. See graphic below for a quick overview of those guidelines.

Please click here to visit the State of Colorado COVID-19 website for full details on Safer at Home.

UPDATE - 04/22/20:

On Monday, April 20, Governor Jarid Polis announced that Colorado would move from a Stay At Home order to Safer At Home beginning on Monday, April 27. For those guidelines, please refer to the graphic below. More information forthcoming.

Click here for information on the Safer At Home Update, from CPR.org.

UPDATE - 04/08/20:

The US Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region (including San Juan National Forest) has issued recreational site closures and fire restrictions.

Click here to read the full notice on site closures.

Click here to read the full notice on fire restrictions.

UPDATE - 04/07/20:

Governor Jared Polis has extended the emergency Stay at Home Order for the state of Colorado, effective Thursday, March 26, 6:00 AM through April 26, 2020.

Click here for more information on Colorado's Stay at Home Order.

UPDATE - 03/25/20:

Governor Jared Polis has issued an emergency Stay at Home Order for the state of Colorado, effective Thursday, March 26, 6:00 AM through April 11, 2020.

Click Here to Read the Executive Order.

Click Here to Read the Public Health Order.

UPDATE - 03/24/20:

San Juan Basin Public Health

San Juan Basin Public Health issues ‘Stay at Home’ Advisory for Archuleta and La Plata Counties

Click here to read the full advisory.

UPDATE - 03/20/20, 3:00 PM:

The Springs Resort & Spa

As we continue to focus on the health and safety of our entire community, The Springs Resort and Spa has made the decision to temporarily close the resort on March 22, with plans to reopen on April 7th, circumstances permitting. 

We want to ensure our current and traveling guests have adequate time to make safe adjustments to their travel plans and are committed to connecting with all current and upcoming guests to assist you with these changes and in rescheduling your visits or offering a full refund - whatever your preference.

We’ve remained in regular communication with healthcare officials and believe this is the safest decision for our guests, employees and community as we continue to navigate these uncharted water

Visit their website or check social media for more information.

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UPDATE - 03/20/20, 2:30 PM:

Healing Waters Resort & Spa

Healing Waters' hot springs facilities are closed to the public and all pass-holders. Open to Healing Waters Lodging Guests Only. Indoor hot baths closed for maintenance. Massage therapy not available at this time.

Click here to read the full press release.

UPDATE - 03/20/20:

State of Colorado

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced Thursday that all nonessential personal services in Colorado must close immediately and remain closed until April 30 in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Nonessential personal services include all hair salons, nail salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, massage parlors and spas.

Click here to read the full press release.

UPDATE - 03/19/20:

Pagosa Springs Area Visitor Center

Following guidance from local health officials, the State of Colorado, and the CDC, the Pagosa Springs Area Visitor Center will be closed until further notice.

For area information, we encourage you to try our Visit Pagosa Springs app, available on iPhone and Android, or browse the website here. If you still need assitance please give us a call at 970-585-1200. We are still answering the phone.

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Overlook Hot Springs

Following guidance from local health officials, the State of Colorado, and the CDC, Overlook Hot Springs will be closing until April 6th.

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The Springs Resort & Spa

Based on the most recent guidance from local health officials, the State of Colorado and the CDC, The Springs Resort & Spa will suspend Bath House operations in an effort to protect the well-being of our guests, staff and community. The Bath House will be closed until April 6th. It is a fluid situation and we will keep you updated on Springs Resort and Spa operations accordingly. Making difficult but necessary decisions today, will help our community come through this faster and stronger tomorrow.

We are mindful of the individual and communal responsibility we have in containing and protecting against COVID-19. We encourage all of our guests and colleagues to focus on what is most important – the health of the individual and our broader community.

In the meantime, we hope you will continue to connect with us online and on social media - www.facebook.com/SpringsResort .  We strive to bring you Springs inspired wellness recommendations.

We feel hopeful that we will come through this stronger together.

Sincerely,
The Springs Resort & Spa

UPDATE - 03/18/20:

The Springs Resort & Spa

The health and safety of our community, staff and guests remains the top priority for The Springs Resort & Spa. Considering the COVID-19 situation, and in an effort to help minimize the impact on our community, The Springs Resort & Spa is implementing a series of operational changes. These changes will go into effect immediately and last until at least March 22nd.

The focus of these changes is to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 by eliminating the social gathering of groups of 10 people or more and restricting the interactions of local guests with those who have recently traveled. These changes are based on guidance of local, state and national healthcare authorities.

View the full press release here.

LOCAL UPDATE - 03/17/20:

The Pagosa Springs Sun has compiled a list of business adjustments and closures due to COVID-19. For the most up-to-date information, click here.

STATE OF COLORADO UPDATE - 03/16/2020:

State health department issues public health order closing Colorado bars, restaurants, gyms, theaters, and casinos-- still allowing takeout and delivery

Read the entire public health order here.

Travel Recommendations

Visit Pagosa Springs understands travelers may be concerned about COVID-19 and how it may affect them.

The Colorado Tourism Office is committed to ensuring that travelers are provided with accurate, updated information about public health conditions in Colorado.

While it’s critically important to remain vigilant and take useful precautions in times like these, *health and government officials have continually assured the public that healthy Americans can ‘confidently travel in this country.’

Currently, the U.S. government has not suggested limiting domestic travel or imposing restrictions on international inbound travel beyond those already in place, this is a rapidly evolving situation.

Domestic and most international travelers should not be discouraged from continuing to plan and take vacations in the state.

The following airports are currently not on the list of airports considered high risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO)
• Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)

Federal public health officials have issued NO warnings or restrictions on travel anywhere in the U.S.

Precautions for Travelers

Our priority is keeping all Coloradans and visitors to our state safe. Colorado is starting to see cases of COVID-19, and we are preparing for the possibility the virus may spread.

The CTO is in contact with the Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. With this evolving situation, we encourage the traveling public to follow any guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and these public health authorities.

When it comes to the American public, the CDC is consistent in its precaution to practice everyday preventative measures to help stop the spread of germs, as is typical in the current flu and respiratory disease season.

NOTE: As of March 15, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, recommends that event organizers (groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more

*Travelers should stay informed and take simple preventive actions.

• Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home if you’re sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.
• Clean surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.

If you are visiting Colorado and believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 and start showing symptoms (fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath), follow the steps below:

• Stay inside your lodging/residence: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 may be able to isolate at their lodging/residence during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your lodging/residence, except for getting medical care.
• Avoid public areas: Avoid public areas as much as possible.
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Separate yourself from other people. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Call ahead before visiting a doctor. Call your medical provider or a nurse line first and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

At-risk groups are older individuals and those with serious chronic medical conditions, who should take extra precautions.

STATE AND LOCAL HEALTH RESOURCES

With the situation evolving rapidly, we encourage the traveling public to follow any guidance offered by the CDC, state, and local public health authorities. 

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

CO-HELP is Colorado’s call line for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). People who have general questions about COVID-19 can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, for answers in many languages, or email them at COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English.

SAN JUAN BASIN PUBLIC HEALTH

Archuleta County and Pagosa Springs' Local Health Department

At San Juan Basin Public Health we anticipate and respond to conditions that impact the quality of life in southwest Colorado. We are committed to informing our community on issues related to public health and are here to help provide answers.

For the latest on local conditions in Archuleta County and Pagosa Springs, please visit our website.

#StayWellPagosa