Updated: October 1, 2025 • Funding has lapsed and the Government is in the process of shutting down. A continuing resolution or a new budget bill must pass both houses of Congress and be signed by the President to end the shutdown.
The shutdown is in effect. 🚶 Trails and roads are mostly open, but 🏛️ visitor centers and services are suspended. ♻️ Some parks may keep limited basics running with fee funds. 🔎 See Latest News below for updates on marquee parks like Grand Canyon, Acadia, and Muir Woods.
What’s Open vs. Closed During the Shutdown
Generally Accessible
- 🚶 Roads, trails, lookouts, open-air memorials (where not gated).
- ♻️ Limited basics at some parks funded by recreation fees (restrooms, trash, campgrounds, staffed gates) (case-by-case).
- 🤝 State/tribal/city-managed sites and eligible concessioners/CUAs that can operate without extra NPS staff.
Source: NPS Contingency Plan, Sept 2025.
Suspended / Limited
- 🏛️ Visitor centers, ranger programs, permits, routine web/social updates.
- 🔒 Any facility normally locked (buildings, gated lots/roads) stays locked.
- 🗓️ New permits and most events requiring staff monitoring.
Source: NPS Contingency Plan, Sept 2025.
May Close If Conditions Deteriorate
- 🧼 Trash/restroom buildup that threatens health/wildlife.
- 🌧️ Weather or road hazards without staff capacity.
- 🛡️ Sensitive cultural/natural sites needing more protection.
Source: NPS Contingency Plan, Sept 2025.
Partner / Concession Operations
- 🏨 Concessioners/CUAs may operate if they don’t require extra NPS staff.
- 💸 Superintendents can accept state/tribal/partner donations to fund specific services (must transfer funds in advance).
Source: NPS Contingency Plan, Sept 2025.
Community Tips (from recent traveler threads)
- 🧻 Pack in/pack out; restrooms and bins often unavailable.
- 🔑 Some gates/parking may be locked even if trails are open.
- 🧾 Bring your ATB pass & card—some fee booths may still be staffed.
- 🗺️ Save offline maps; don’t rely on NPS websites/social updates.
- 🪧 Check nearby state/tribal sites (e.g., Utah parks confirmed open).
Sources: r/nationalparks threads (community observations, not official).
Quick Look: State & Park Access Signals
Based on official statements, NPS contingency guidance, and latest reporting. Always verify day-of.
Utah (Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef)
- Committed to keep parks open; Utah State Parks remain open and staffed.
- Expect: reduced federal services, but gates may be staffed; fees collected.
- Alternatives: Snow Canyon, Dead Horse Point, Kodachrome Basin, Goblin Valley, Coral Pink Sand Dunes.
Arizona (Grand Canyon hub)
- ✅ Grand Canyon remains open; most staff furloughed. Fees may be collected at entrances.
- North Rim: closed for season due to fire damage; limited day-use reopenings (Highway 67, Cape Royal).
- Nearby alternatives: Antelope Canyon (Navajo Nation), Monument Valley (tribal fees), Horseshoe Bend (City of Page parking fee).
California / Bay Area
- 🚫 Muir Woods (GGNRA) closed; facilities locked.
- ✅ Presidio open (managed by Presidio Trust).
- Other GGNRA sites: open-air access, but no restrooms or ranger services.
Colorado (Rocky Mountain hub)
- No formal state funding commitment; assume reduced services.
- State parks near Denver: Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, Staunton, Eldorado Canyon.
Montana / Wyoming (Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton)
- Assume limited services; visitor centers/programs closed.
- Roads/trails may remain open; updates limited to emergencies.
- State alternatives: MT—Lone Pine, Whitefish Lake; WY—Sinks Canyon, Hot Springs, Curt Gowdy.
Maine / New England (Acadia hub)
- Acadia open-air areas remain accessible.
- 🚫 Cadillac Summit access may close; visitor centers closed.
- Park Loop Road segments and trails may stay open; limited services possible if fee funds available.
First, a Calm Game Plan
Visitor centers, restrooms, campgrounds, permits, and programs closed. NPS websites/social feeds not updated.
At some fee-funded parks, restrooms, trash, campgrounds, and entrance gates may continue temporarily.
State, tribal, and city-managed sites are unaffected and offer excellent options.
“Before You Go” Checklist
- 🚻 Assume restrooms/trash closed (pack in, pack out).
- 🛣️ Expect locked gates/roads in some areas.
- 📵 No road/trail condition updates on NPS sites.
- 🧾 Carry ATB pass + ID; fees may still be collected at staffed entrances.
- 🧭 Check local/state news for park-specific updates day-of.
What We Know from Past Shutdowns
- 2013 (16 days): full closures, ~7.9M lost visits, $414M lost gateway spending.
- 2018–2019 (35 days): partial access led to trash/resource damage; later closures imposed.
- 2025 plan: ~9,300 furloughed; ~2,700 retained for safety/property protection. Services only where funded by fees/donations.
