Visitors to Navajo State Park are no longer allowed to drive their vehicles to the water at Arboles Point. Visitors can still walk to the water in that area and can continue to hand-launch water craft there. Parking is available near the campground above Arboles Point.
The area has been designated as a "Special Use Area" by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation due to resource damage. Motor vehicle use is not permitted in the area under this new classification.
The Bureau of Reclamation owns the reservoir and surrounding property. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages the park in partnership with the bureau.
"People can still get to the water at Arboles Point, they will just need to access that area on foot," said Brian Sandy, Navajo State Park manager. State park personnel will be placing closure signs in the Arboles Point area during the next few weeks.
Vehicular shoreline access will still be allowed at Windsurf Beach.
Navajo State Park is a major recreational facility in southwest Colorado, drawing more than 300,000 visitors every year. The 2,100-acre park offers boating, fishing, trails, wildlife viewing, 138 camp sites, and three cabins. Entry to the park costs $7 per vehicle; an annual pass costs $70.
For more information about Colorado's state parks, go to: cpw.state.co.us.
