Colorado Highway 141 Was Closed by Mudslides: What to Know

Monsoon rains caused several slides in Western Colorado on Sunday, as mud and rocks fell onto roadways from Parachute to Gateway.

UPDATE: CDOT reopened the highway in both directions at approximately 8 p.m. on Monday, September 1, 2026.

For CO Highway 141, however, the biggest concern remains debris. The photos (below) make it look more like the backcountry rather than the  Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway.

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Heavy Rain Sent Mud and Rock Onto Highway 141

Colorado Highway 141 Closed by Mudslides: What to Know

Read More: Colorado's Wildfire Burn Scars May Face Flash Flood Danger

A report from the National Weather Service indicates that 0.8 to 1.5 inches of rain fell on the northwest side of the Turner Gulch Fire burn scar, causing a mudslide that covered Highway 141 between mile markers 115 and 125. The slide was particularly significant because debris left a substantial stretch impassable. CDOT crews needed heavy equipment to clear the roadway.

There Is Still No Firm Reopening Time

Colorado Highway 141 Closed by Mudslides: What to Know

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The Sheriff's Office reported Sunday night that CDOT equipment was on scene, with additional crews headed in to clear debris. As of Monday night, officials have not announced a firm reopening time, so drivers should not plan on a specific hour for the highway to reopen. Because there is no alternate through route between Whitewater and Gateway, you’ll need to plan around the closure rather than expect a detour to get through Unaweep.

The closure affects roughly a 10-mile stretch of CO 141, with debris and mud making the highway impassable between approximately mile markers 115 and 125. Emergency crews have been checking on residents in the area, while CDOT has brought in heavy equipment to begin clearing the roadway. Additional debris was also reported farther south, around mile markers 126-127.

Check COtrip Before You Head Toward Gateway

Western Colorado is peppered with several significant burn scars following another widespread wildfire season. Many fires are still burning despite the recent rainfall. The more rain that falls over the next couple of weeks, the more slides may disrupt travel. CDOT’s COtrip system will have the official highway status, and the Mesa County Sheriff's Office will provide local emergency updates.

The best advice is to wait for CDOT to declare the roadway safe and check COtrip before you go.