The Babylon wildfire near Blanding, Utah, has prompted immediate closures of backcountry activities in the Needles district of Canyonlands National and a large-scale forest closure order within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Both agencies announced restrictions effective June 28, 2026, to protect public health and safety during active wildfire operations.
Canyonlands backcountry activity pauses
Canyonlands National Park announced on June 28, 2026, that it has paused all backcountry activities within The Needles district due to the proximity of the Babylon Fire. As part of this emergency measure, the Needles Visitor Center is currently closed to the public.
According to the National Park Service, no new permits for backcountry day use or overnight stays will be issued at this time. Additionally, the park has suspended all new reservations for The Needles Campground until further notice. While the Babylon Fire is located within Bears Ears National Monument and is not currently burning inside Canyonlands National Park boundaries, the impact on park operations remains significant.
Manti-La Sal Forest closure details
The U.S. Forest Service issued Forest Closure Order #04-10-26-05-01 for the Monticello Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, effective June 28, 2026. The order prohibits entering or being in specified areas, using roads, or utilizing trails within the affected zone to ensure safety during burning operations.
The closure covers the entirety of Forest Service lands located within the Dark Canyon Wilderness and Bears $–$ Bears Ears National Monument in San Juan County. This order is scheduled to remain in effect through August 31, 2026, unless it is officially rescinded by the Forest Service.
Specific boundaries of forest closure
The specific boundaries of the Forest Service closure include a wide area starting from the junction of the administrative Forest Boundary and San Juan County Road 285, also known as Johnson Creek Road. The prohibited zone extends north along Johnson Creek Road to the intersection with Forest Road 50095, the Causeway Road.
From there, the closure continues north along the Causeway Road to the junction of Forest Road 5426, known as Dry Wash. The restricted area follows Dry Wash Road to Forest Trail 5385 and travels through the Dry Wash drainage toward West Mountain peak and the Skyline Trailhead/Shay Ridge Trail junction. The perimeter further encompasses North along Forest Trail 5126 to the junction of Shay Ridge Trail and Forest Road 50104 at Aspen Flat Trailhead, and continues north along Forest Road 50104 to the intersection with Forest Trail 5021, also called Indian Creek Trail.
Impacted air quality and restrictions
Air quality in Canyonlands National Park is currently being impacted by smoke drifting from the Babylon Fire near Blanding. The National Park Service issued a caution on June 28, 2026, stating that air quality is forecast to be in the unhealthy range for many areas within the park over the next 24 hours.
Park officials are advising visitors to consider limiting outdoor physical exertion due to these conditions. Additionally, Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect throughout the park. All fires are prohibited; only petroleum or propane-fueled stoves or grills are permitted in backcountry campsites, campgrounds, and picnic areas. The use of fireworks remains strictly prohibited at all times.
Exemptions to the closure order
The Forest Service order notes that certain individuals are exempt from the closure, including those possessing Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 for the use of restricted roads, trails, or areas. Furthermore, any federal, state, or local officers, as well as members of organized rescue or firefighting resources performing official duties, are permitted to enter the area.
Penalties for violating orders
Violations of the Forest Service closure order are subject to legal penalties. Under 16 U.S.C. § 551 and related federal regulations, individuals found in violation may face a Class B misdemeanor charge, which includes fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Visitors to Canyonlands should also be aware of ongoing maintenance and seasonal conditions. Paving crews have been working on Potash Road/SR-279 since June 8, 2026, with work expected to continue through mid-July, causing potential delays and one-way traffic control via flagging operations.
For more information regarding the Babylon Fire or the Forest Service closure, the Monticello Ranger District can be reached at 435-636-3340, or the Manti-La Sal National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Price can be contacted at 435-636-3561.
